Before the start

1. It is recommended to know and to read about the history of the Jacobean Way, in order to be mentally prepared and to make the pilgrim feel as a part of something special.

2. Travel organisation. It is essential to organise the journey in stages of 25- 30 km a day varying the long ones with the short.

3. Physically preparation. Walks through mountainous areas with a progressive or an increase of difficulty are advised.

4. Once the journey has been organised, it is advisable that the family has a copy of your plan, in order to find you if it is necessary.

A group of pilgrims preparing themselves to do the first stage of the Way.

A journey to Santiago

1. The Way is marked with yellow arrows and boundary stones to guide the pilgrims.

2. Take the road calmly, do not start strong and go at first little by little, until you find your rhythm. The important point is to reach the goal.

3. If you are walking at night, although that is not advisable, you should wear reflective lights in order to comply with the rules of road safety.

4. Sweets, nuts and dried fruits, are good sources of energy.

5. In the summer, avoid walking during the hours of the highest temperatures. Take with you sunblock cream and on the first day wear T- shirts and short trousers in order to make your skin accustomed to the heat.

6. If you see something that could be improved, you should always tell the organisers.

7. Be kind with the people involved with organisation, in order to make your way as pleasant as possible.

8. Be rational with your expenses and do not ask for free lodging.

9. If you suffer from heat exhaustion, it is advisable to look for shade and drink salted water.

10. Do not be disappointed because of the problems and inconveniences and remember that the Way will never be like it has been planned.

To plan the itineray is essential, but it will never be like it has been planned.

A pilgrims' rucksack

The pilgrim who goes to Santiago should carry:

• A comfortable and light rucksack, with front straps and many pockets. Do not overload because it will be with us the whole way.

• Proper shoes, if possible, ones that have been broken in. Firm and light boots, which support the ankles. Cotton socks and some more as spare.

• The clothes will depend on the season of the year in which we do the pilgrimage. Dress very lightly in the summer and warmly in the winter.

• The sleeping bag is very useful. It is advisable to take a pillow cover and one mat.

• The only kitchen tools that we should take with us, are the cutlery and a Swiss knife. Obviously, the water bottle should go with us all the way.

• Another tool that we will never have to leave behind, is the staff for walking, that will help us to go through difficult territories.

  - Toilet paper, a towel, nail clippers and safety pins.

• A first aid kit with a needle and thread for blisters, scissors, plaster, alcohol, sunblock cream and basic medicines like aspirins and paracetamol.

• The necessary documents: Identity card, and the social security card. It is also possible to ask for a credential at the starting point of the Jacobean Way.

• The best way to have money during the pilgrimage is a credit card. Keep only the essential cash on hand.

It is not advisable to load too much the rucksack. If you do, you will tire more easily.