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Our First Camino
  • Sarah and Nat
  • Sarah and Nat

Our First Camino

You may be asking why? This journey represents a chance to honour loved ones lost, make new friends, embrace challenges, and meander the simple life. Maybe there will be a higher purpose. We are about to find out. Buen Camino! Read more
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  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Leon to Villavante - 26km

    May 24, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We walked 26km from León to Villavante, it was pretty much a flat, straight dirt road the whole way. The scenery didn’t really change, but beautiful and peaceful just the same. We stopped for morning tea but were pretty keen to keep moving to avoid getting comfortable.

    Villavante is a very small, quiet village. We stayed in a cosy old flour milll situated over a running creek. It was quite interesting making our way there as we couldn’t see a residence in sight. We had to cross a train line, followed google directions which led us down a leafy dirt driveway. We met lovely new friends over a beautiful pilgrim dinner —Jeanette, Peter, Sally & Peter from Northern Sydney. The hospitality was excellent, beds comfortable and just a stunning setting.

    We ‘only’ have 21 km ahead today to Astorga.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Villavante to Astorga - 21km

    May 24, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We walked 21km today from our fabulous farmhouse in Villavante. It was a glorious day from start to finish. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the dirt paths were so peaceful. We passed through open countryside with wheat fields, wildflowers and dairy farms. We all agreed it was probably one of the most serene days — and easier on the body overall due to softer dirt paths.

    One of the best moments came just outside a small village, where some kind locals had set up a little market stall. There was an amazing selection of fresh fruit, pastries, cheeses, biscuits sandwiches, nuts, and drinks — all available by a small donation! It was such a generous surprise that lifted our spirits.

    Astorga is known for its history with chocolate. People have been making chocolate for centuries. One of the town’s most famous buildings is the Episcopal Palace, designed by Gaudí, which looks like a castle, much like the one in Leon. The town also has the beautiful Santa María cathedral. Nearby is the Renaissance Town Hall, which is famous for its two bronze statues that strike the bell every hour.

    Looking forward to another easier day of 21km tomorrow.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    Astorga to Rabanal - 21km

    May 25, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We walked from Astorga to Rabanal today, about 21 km. The path slowly climbed all day, with views getting better the higher we went. It was one of our favourite days and seemed to go by quickly.

    We passed small villages and stopped for morning tea in one. The landscape changed from farmland to rocky ground and low scrub, much like the national parks in Australia. We felt at home.

    Rabanal is a quiet, stone village with narrow streets and old buildings. The air feels cooler and fresher here in the mountains.

    We have a tougher 26km ahead tomorrow, with a steep climb. We’ll reach Cruz de Ferro, a special place on the Camino. We’ve brought stones from home to leave there. It’s a tradition many pilgrims follow.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Rabanal to Molinaesca - 26km

    May 26, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today’s walk from Rabanal to Molinaseca was one of the most emotional and beautiful days of the Camino so far. We reached Cruz de Ferro after a steep climb. It’s an iconic iron cross on a rocky mound where, for centuries, pilgrims have placed stones they’ve carried from home. It’s hard to put into words what we experienced there. We took time to place our stones and sit quietly on a bench in the peaceful little park nearby.

    The walk was 26km, with a long, steep 14km descent over incredibly rocky ground. Spring was in full bloom, with bright purple, pink, blue, yellow, and white wildflowers covering the hills. Even the weeds were beautiful.

    We arrived in Molinaseca, our favourite village so far. It looks like something out of a fairytale. An icy cold mountain river runs through the middle of town, and we soaked our tired feet in it for a while. We shared a lovely pilgrim meal with friends at our gorgeous hotel and wandered around, chatting with a few locals.

    If there’s a version of heaven on earth, today might have been it.

    A big 31km day ahead tomorrow. An early start awaits.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Molineseca to Villafranca - 32km

    May 27, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Today we set off at 6.30am from Molinaseca to Villafranca, a long 32km day. After a great day yesterday, today felt a bit more like a slog. A lot of the day was spent walking along roads and footpaths through villages. The most exciting part of the day was seeing the marker under 200km to go!!

    As the day went on, the scenery began to change. The road gave way to quiet country paths and we started passing through vineyards and beautiful green rolling hills. The final stretch into Villafranca was stunning, with the town tucked into the base of a mountain.

    We have 20km ahead of us tomorrow with a few hills expected towards the mountain climb on Thursday.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1Zoom in to the attic ! Bit creepyFrom our accommodationWayno

    Villafranca to Herrerías - 21km

    May 28, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Walking from Villafranca del Bierzo to Herrerías was one of the most stunning and peaceful sections of our journey. We took the route that followed the road and the Valcarce River through the valley. It was an easy 21km walk under canopies in every shade of green, with the sound of the river beside us for most of the way. Pure magic! We were so far ahead of ourselves today after leaving early, we stopped for morning tea with the crew for a good hour in the glorious sunshine.

    Our accommodation is right at the base of the mountain. It’s absolute paradise, cool air, lush views and total stillness.

    Tomorrow we climb to O Cebreiro. It’s our shortest day in distance, but we’re expecting a serious climb. We’re ready as we’ll ever be. Hills don’t phase us at all really these days!    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Start of the climbHalf way upPilgrim PrayerWayne and TonyPilgrim blessing - we're over to the right

    Herrerias to O Cebreiro - 10km

    May 29, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today we walked 10km from Herrerías up to O Cebreiro. It was short in distance but definitely the steepest section of the Camino so far. We tested our fitness thats for sure and felt really good. The views were absolutely stunning, starting in shady forests, then opening up onto rolling mountains.

    Just outside Herrerías, we passed a spot where horses were waiting to carry some pilgrims up the mountain. We passed through gorgeous villages like La Faba and Laguna de Castilla, where the only sounds were cowbells and birds.

    We arrived in O Cebreiro mid-morning, so we had a really relaxing day having lunch with the crew followed by a long nap. The village is absolutely beautiful, stone houses, thatched roofs and never ending mountain views. It sits in the Galicia region in northwest Spain, known for its Celtic roots.

    We went to the pilgrim Mass at the church where the Eucharistic miracle is said to have happened around the 11th or 12th century. All the pilgrims received a blessing for the rest of the journey to Santiago. Most of the service was in Spanish, but was a great experience. Some pilgrims read the pilgrim prayer in their native language, which was really quite moving.

    We have around 22km ahead of us tomorrow to
    Triacastella.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    O Cebreiro to Triacastela - 22km

    May 30, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    What a day! We woke to a lightning storm, but miraculously, by the time we had breakfast, it stopped and we had blue sky and brilliant sunshine the whole way.

    The scenery was actually out of this world today. We had mountain and valley views at every turn. We walked through many gorgeous stone villages and working farms. We walked alongside cows, goats, and horses and crossed paths with some rather protective farm dogs. We had a few hills, with one probably the steepest so far, but thankfully short and sharp!

    We stopped 3km out of Triacastela for lunch and had the best meal to date — delicious lasagne and Galicia soup. We had paella, peppers and green beans for dinner.

    The last 7 or 8km was a fast downhill, in fact, we both ran until we reached Triacastela. Perfect bush running conditions ! Cool in the shade and soft underfoot.

    Triacastela is quite the place, a dusty, quiet town that looks like something straight out of a Wild West movie.

    We’re expecting around 24km tomorrow to Sarria via the Samos route. Apparently it’s the way to go, more scenic than the alternative route that’s a few km shorter.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Massimo the chef & Tony1

    Triacastela to Sarria - 25km

    May 31, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    We walked 25m from Triacastela to Sarria and took the route through Samos to see the Monastery. It was totally worth the extra 5km.
    Some of the valleys were still covered in mist, until late morning, which was so pretty.

    The scenery was breathtaking. Corridors of green everywhere, with fallen leaves and flowers underfoot. We had the sound of running river and waterfalls almost the whole way.. We walked through a few villages and working farms and saw some beautiful homes. Once again we had a few hills, but nothing too crazy. Just another day in paradise.

    We have our last day off today, We’re staying in an incredible monastery about half an hour out of Sarria. We will taxi back to Sarria today for some sight seeing, shopping and course lunch at an Italian restaurant that we stumbled on yesterday. Nat made friends with the Italian owner, Massimo! Needless to say, we finished our lunch visit with complimentary limoncello’s.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1Just a little snack!Losing it!1Hit the hundred km mark!WaynoStrange church re located in the 60'sTypical buildings made of rockRunning up the stairs - the last 50 metres of the dayBit crowded

    Sarria to Portomarin - 25km

    Jun 2–3, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Yesterday we walked 25km from Sarria to Portomarín. The scenery was beautiful again, rolling hills, quiet country roads, and lots of green. But suddenly, it got really crowded! This part of the Camino is known as the ‘home stretch’, where loads of tourists join in to walk the last 100km and get their Compostela. Some even take the bus for parts of it! There was a bit of weaving through the crowds, but we decided not to stress and just enjoy the day for what it was. We passed through lots of farms, with cows and sheep being herded right past us.

    The best part of the day was that we reached the 100km mark! Definitely a good feeling! Still a way to go, but it feels like we’re on the home run now.

    When we arrived in Portomarin, we were reunited with our mate Ian from Qld, We met Ian when we arrived in St Jean, where we were all anxiously awaiting our journey.

    Both of us have picked up a cold, but nothing too serious. Feeling motivated for the next few days. Not sure how we feel about hanging up our Camino boots though!    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Hórreo was used for storing wheat and grainThey were not impressed we were on their path!Home made ricotta from YayaGrowing naturally

    Portomarin to Palas de Rei - 26km

    June 3, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today we walked from Portomarín to Palas de Rei, about 26km. It was a great mix of hills, quiet roads, tree-lined paths and farms.

    We walked through pine and eucalyptus tree forests. The eucalyptus trees originated from Western Australia via a a Galician Monk in the late 1800’s, who arranged for seeds to be sent over to Spain (due to their rapid growth).

    We spotted a ‘Yaya’ (Spanish grandmother) on our path calling out from her kitchen window selling ricotta. Of course, we couldn’t resist and ate it right there and then! What a treat! It was so fresh and delicious.

    By the time we reached Palas de Rei, we were looking forward to a rest, but alas, our travel company failed to book our hotel. Luckily, a couple of hours later we were in a taxi to a 5 star property in the country-side. The property is 300 years old and is absolutely stunning.

    We’re in for a big day tomorrow, around 30km ahead,    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Happy he's found Hawthorn coloursSound onChasing chicks again

    Palas de Rei to Arzúa – 29km

    June 4, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Yesterday’s walk was long, but really beautiful. We passed through eucalyptus forests, farmland, and stone villages. We even spotted a few bottlebrush trees along the way, seems the Spaniards brought home more than just eucalyptus seeds!

    We stopped for lunch and had octopus, which is a specialty in Galicia. We also tried some local strawberries which were delicious.

    The afternoon walk was a bit slower, with a few hills. Just when you think there are no more, another one is around the corner. The scenery is definitely changing as we get closer to Santiago. The towns are getting bigger, with more shops and restaurants open.

    We stayed in a farmhouse just outside Arzúa, with dairy cows right outside the window. These B&Bs are amazing, often run by just one or two people.

    20km ahead today. We can almost see the finish line.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Nat's new Italian mate Luca

    Arzua to O Pedrouzo - 20km

    June 5, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We walked 20km today from Arzua to O’Pedrouzo in drizzly rain. It was one of the easiest walking days so far, mostly flat through beautiful forests with eucalyptus trees, pine trees and ferns. We stopped for the obligatory cake, coffee and Camino passport stamp. We need to have our book stamped daily to receive our Compestela in Santiago. Our book is bursting with stamps and is hard to find a spot for our last couple.

    We stopped about 2km from our destination for another great lasagna. Spaniards really know how to make a good lasagna!

    Our accommodation in O Pedrouzo is a showstopper! Situated on a very large property with several residences. It’s very swish with beautiful gardens and squirrels running around.

    Tomorrow is our last day of walking. Mixed emotions and can’t believe the time has come where we hang up our hiking boots and bid farewell to what was our norm for 5 weeks!

    We have 20km to reach Santiago de Compestela tomorrow . It should be a very easy walking day. Excited for our entry into the square and big celebrations with fellow pilgrims.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    21

    O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Composela - 20km

    June 6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌫 17 °C

    Today we walked in drizzly rain and mist to finish the Camino Frances, 800 km over 34 walking days, with only a few rest days and close to 1.3 million steps.

    It’s hard to put it all into words. Some days were tougher than others, not just physically, but mentally. Some days were quiet for hours, others filled with constant conversation and laughter.

    Now that it’s done, it all feels a bit surreal. We’re proud, calm, and grateful for everyone who supported us and gave us the space to make this happen.

    We’re finishing with clearer heads, lighter hearts, and the sense that this is just the beginning of something bigger. Physically, we’re both excellent.

    We have a couple of days relaxing in Santiago, followed by a wind-down holiday in Spain and Portugal. Totally recommend this journey.

    They said it would be life changing — and it is!    Read more

    Trip end
    June 24, 2025
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