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  • Walking.Holiday
  • About
    • About Us
    • How our route planner works
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    • What We Do
    • Packages
    • Baggage Service
    • Online Events
  • Walks
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      • Camino Inglés 4 days
      • Camino Inglés 5 days
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      • Camino Inglés 8 days
    • Chiltern Ramble: Deep Woods and Rolling Hills
      • Chiltern Ramble Itinerary
    • Kennet & Avon Canal Walk
      • Kennet & Avon Canal Walk 9 days
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      • Ridgeway Distances
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St James' Way

An English Camino from Reading to Southampton

The Camino Inglés (68.5 Miles)

The St James’ Way, an officially accredited Camino pilgrimage route, traces the path medieval British pilgrims travelled on their journey to the shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain.

What you should know

The route broadly follows the direction of the old Roman Road from Silchester towards Winchester via Basingstoke, winding its way to finish in Southampton.   Along the way, you’ll wander through picturesque landscapes, follow meandering rivers and canals, discover traditional pubs, quaint village churches often dedicated to St. James and other historic treasures.

The 68.5 mile route covers mostly flat or gently undulating countryside and is waymarked with the distinctive blue and yellow Camino signs and yellow arrows. The best time to walk is between April and October; during spring and autumn paths can become boggy after heavy rain; however, there are always alternative routes to bypass the worst sections.

The journey starts at St James Church adjacent to Reading Abbey and winds its way to God’s House Tower in Southampton. The route detours through the historic Roman city of Silchester where you can explore the well preserved Amphitheatre and walk around the Roman walls.  A few miles further and you’ll pass through the Domesday Book villages of Monk Sherborne and Dummer before reaching New Alresford renowned for its watercress beds and the ‘Watercress Line’ railway. 

From here, it follows the crystal-clear River Itchen, leading you to Winchester, England’s Saxon capital, boasting a majestic cathedral and the Great Hall, home to King Arthur’s legendary Round Table.  The route concludes at God’s House Tower in Southampton.

We offer four to eight day walking itineraries to suit your pace; additional night stays can also be arranged.  On request, we can also create a bespoke package to fit around your group’s specific requirements.  
 
Due to the nature of the route and availability of accommodation, some days may require longer walking than others.  Your first night will be spent in Reading and, depending on how many walking days you choose, overnight stays will be in, or close to Silchester, Basingstoke, New Alresford, Winchester and Eastleigh, with the final night in Southampton.  
4 days Average daily distance: 17.3 miles; Longest day: 22.2 miles;

”Ideal for time precious walkers, with longer daily distances”

5 days Average daily distance: 13.8 miles; Longest day: 17.8 miles;

”A moderately paced walk, enjoying a night’s stay in New Alresford”

6 days Average daily distance: 11.6 miles; Longest day: 15.0 miles;

”A more relaxed schedule, with an added break at Eastleigh”

7 days Average daily distance: 10.1 miles; Longest day: 11.5 miles;

”A steady walk with time to explore places of interests along the way”

8 days Average daily distance: 8.5 miles; Longest day: 11.5 miles;

“Our most relaxed package, with more time to enjoy the beautiful River Itchen”

Chapel B&B, Little London
The Swan, New Alresford
The Black Hole, Winchester
Anglers Inn, Bishopstoke

Camino Passport

Collect stamps along the way in your Camino ‘passport’ to earn a certificate of completion, available at either God’s House Tower or Tudor House & Gardens at the end of the route in Southampton.

 For some, the journey doesn’t end in Southampton but continues across the English Channel to Ferrol or A Coruna in Northern Spain.  From there, you can carry on along the Spanish Camino Inglés to Santiago de Compostela. The Galician authorities allow you to count the distance covered on the UK Camino towards earning the coveted ‘Compostela’ certificate in Santiago.

 

 

Camino Ingles in Spain
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Contact Us

For More details

  • camino.ingles@walking.holiday
  • 07449 585 990
  • 07899 654 979
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