Putting one foot in front of the other: Mary Cody on how the magic of walking the Camino draws her back time and time again I first discovered the magic and mysticism of the Camino in 2012 and over the years I find myself drawn back there time and time again and I am always happy to return there. There is something humbling and satisfying about packing a small bag and carrying it on your bag with only the bare necessities (the less, the better) and walking from morning until evening, day after day. The simple repetition is a powerful tonic for the mind, body and soul and there is no doubt that it brings healing to many people.
The Camino is an ancient pilgrim path and is also known as The Way of St James which stretches over 750 kilometres across the north of Spain. The most popular starting point is St Jean Pied de Port in the Basque region of France. The first day or two of walking is a baptism of fire of sorts as you hike over the Pyrenees with the highest point at Col de Lepoeder at 1,450 metres, some 409 metres higher than Carrauntoohill (Ireland’s highest peak).
The physical feat and intoxicating natural beauty of this area is a potent antidote for most of life’s ailments or worries. After that first few days of walking and enduring and enjoying you feel and know you have arrived on the Camino. Even a short stint feels like a positive reboot offering fresh and new perspectives to contemplate as you put one foot in front of the other.
At the beginning, when I first s.