https://caminoways.com/camino-portugues Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Strictly Camino Dancing

3rd October 20263rd October 2026 funtime65

Stage 5: And I’ve got a spring in my step on the penultimate leg of my Camino Portugues… hence the Strictly Camino Dancing.

Martin and Natalia are entreating us like sirens.

On the 18kms trek of our 100+ Camino Ways pilgrimage through the woods between Calais de Reis and Padrón.

En route to Santiago de Compostella.

I have been reminded from home that Britain’s favourite pastime Strictly Come Dancing starts its elimination round tonight.

And in the absence of any competition I insist on our dancing duo to award me a 10 along with my obligatory Camino passport stamp.

Getting the band back together

Anybody there? On the lookout for my billet

The band is back together again, Aussies Allan and Peter and Indiana Julie and Chicago Nancy.

Julie alighting on my Red Rocks t-shirt at our A Casa Do Lantoneiro billet in Calais de Reis.

Apartments up from the Hotel Pousada Real where we had to go to check in before being rerouted to the block up Rua Real.

You got that then… Big Brother Ed has been billeted half a mile up the road where we will wind down around ribs and wings.

Food for the soul: For my penultimate leg

Before heading back out on the Way.

Me reunited with the rucksack I had tried, with Eatrella Galicia on board, to waylay.

The Catino: And the obligatory cat picture

There are new members of our merry band of brothers and sisters today on the Way.

Irish Michelle and Maria, with whom we bla-bla-bla with, and naturally about blaa, the Waterford speciality roll.

Breaking bread at our last supper

Listen up: And I’ve bored this peregrino stiff

And because we are on a spiritual journey I make no apologies at torturing a biblical metaphor.

And we will return to our Aussie pals Allan and Peter for breaking bread at our last supper.

At our digs for the night, Hotel Rosalía in Padron.

Tomorrow, God willing, we will reach our destination Santiago de Compostella and pick up my companion Camino certificate.

The flower off Scotland: And a coffee break

To bookend my 2016 keepsake.

On track: Padron station outside my hotel room

It promises to be the longest day, 25kms and then on to Porto for a red-eye back to Edinburgh.

Now if only there was a train station near the Hotel Rosalía to save me the legwork.

MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

America, Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Passport for Pocohontas on the John Smith Trail

21st September 202621st September 2026 funtime65

And as I train on for the Camino next week I’m leaving stamps on my passport for Pocohontas on the John Smith Trail for a next trek.

Pocohontas, as we don’t have to tell you, is twice blessed in the sacred Rotunda in the US Capitol in Washington DC.

We’re concentrating here on the stone relief sculpture above the doorway.

Titled The Preservation of Captain Smith by Pocahontas by Antonio Capellano.

Captain Smith and Pocohontas which you’ll know from your Disney are inextricably linked.

At home with Pocahontas

As they are on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

The 3,000-mile trek through five states and the District of Colombia.

For Pocohontas fans Machicomoco State Park along the York river and Gloucester County Visitor Center are your touch points.

With Werowocomoco, where Pocohontas grew up, alas closed off for just now from us.

While the The National Park Service works through with Virginia’s First Nations how to shape the site.

With Werowocomoco holding truths about Native American societies in the Chesapeake stretching back thousands of years.

A tale of two Johns

The John Smith Trail is the authentic way through pre-American history.

In much the same way as the 216-mile John Muir Trail is in California.

You may be more familiar with the Father of the National Parks’ 134-mile coast to coast trek in his native Scotland.

Big hand: For John Muir in his native Dunbar

Now whichever trek you set out on remember to take your passport with you.

Yes, of course, that document that will let you through the security gate but also trail passports.

Where you collect stamps as a memento of your odyssey.

Stamp your authority

I’ll be on my second Camino passport but a Portuguese Way one to go with my Camino Frances.

While I also have a Via Francigena from my journeys in Italy.

All of which reminds me that I have to update my Big passport for next year and get my Irish one too, like the Daughterie.

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail has 43 unique stamps,

And like all trails the first journey always has a first step.

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Portustroll in shoulder-season

19th August 2026 funtime65

It’s a step change all right putting off a summer getaway for a Portustroll in shoulder-season.

But shoulder season, or autumn travel away from the burning summer heat, is this year’s travel trend.

And because we’re always ahead of the curve we’re lacing up our walking boots next month on the Portuguese Way for our Camino.

But more of that later we’ve got to get a shift on here to tell you of the walks you can enjoy this shoulder season.

The shoulder season in Portugal, the geographical shoulder of Europe.

Shoulder to shoulder with its Iberian neighbour Spain.

Bordering on the meticulous

Water way to go: Take in the surroundings

The charms of Alcoutim: The longest continuous border in Europe, dating back to 1297, gives the gentle stroller the chance to straddle two ancient nations.

You’ll start and finish your 4.6km walk in the Praça da República (Square of Republic).

The trail takes walkers through the border city of Alcoutim.

And reveals iconic landmarks, the Castle of Alcoutim, the ruins of the Old Castle, the Praia Fluvial, and the River Guadiana landscapes.

There is also the chance to cross over to the other side of the river and visit the Spanish town of Sanlúcar del Guadiana.

Stroll to the beach

Rota Vicentina Circular routes Amado (Rated: Moderate): OK, you start and finish at the Amado beach on this moderate 7.75km walk but you get the picture.

And you get to wash your feet in the Atlantic swell at the end on the beach which incidentally is Portuguese for beloved.

This coastal trail offers a blend of wildlife, rare flora and fascinating geology.

Hikers can spot native birds and wildlife, admire globally rare cliff-top plants, and explore landscapes shaped over 300 million years ago.

Hot foot in the Algarve

Rota Vicentina Historical Way Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo: And one for those British sitcom friends and you might not BELIEVE it.

But our Portuguese pals call this route 21.4km moderate.

You’ll start your journey at Largo do Comércio, Carrapateira and end, and say a prayer, next to the main church in Vila do Bispo

And, of course, the Algarve will show many of its dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountains meet the coast.

Along the way, hikers can spot native flora, protected temporary ponds.

And a variety of wildlife, including rare birdlife and the endemic Triops vicentinus, an indigenous prehistoric tadpole shrimp.

All of which conjures up all that lovely seafood to keep you going on your travels.

Walk this way

Section 7 of the Via Algarviana Salir–Alte: And because we like a challenge, this, the seventh section of the Via Algarviana, is calling us.

You’ll start your 16.4km odyssey in the square next to the Mother Church of Salir.

And finish in the Fontes de Alte Natural Springs.

Now the terrain is rural paths, traditional villages, and farmland that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Along the way, walkers can admire old stone walls, water wheels.

And the impressive Rocha da Pena Protected Landscape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and local legends.

The route continues through the picturesque village of Benafim.

Before following the peaceful Ribeira de Alte to the scenic Fontes Grande and Pequena, ending in the charming village of Alte.

Walking season

On the road again: With your fellow walkers

Alternatively, visitors can visit the Algarve Walking Season website to find out about upcoming walking events.

And for a comprehensive guide to walking opportunities throughout the year in the Algarve.

Visitors can easily view the calendar of all walking festivals in the region, including their locations and key features.

It also provides regular updates on these festivals and walking-related news in the area.