St James' Way Camino Pilgrimage (1 day)
Become a modern-day pilgrim on Day 1 of the St James' Way, an English Way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Date and time
Location
St James Church
Forbury Road Reading RG1 3FD United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Key facts
- Part of the Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking
- Hard difficulty / 18.5km / 11 hours.
- Start - St James Church, Forbury Road. Finish - St. John's Church, Mortimer (before return to Reading by train)
- Worn-in walking shoes are essential. Also, wear suitable walking clothes for the weather on the day e.g. poncho, over trouser, water/wind-proof top, sun cream and sun glasses.
- Bring a packed lunch, drinks and snacks. However, there are pubs along the way for quick stops and shops at the start and end, with a few en route.
- Toilets at the start and end, and also at pubs and churches en route.
- Not family friendly
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please note: this wak is repeated on 11 May. There is also a two-day pilgrimage walk on 17/18 May.
About the walk
First day's walk from Reading on the St James’ Way, part of the Camino de Santiago. Suitable for modern-day pilgrims who want to find out more about the pilgrim experience or intend to complete the St James’ Way or continue to Santiago in Spain on the Camino Ingles at a later date.
The day starts at St James Church, its official starting point, with a visit to St James Shrine and a first stamp for your pilgrim passport. After visiting the nearby Reading Abbey ruins, the route follows the river Kennet and canal for 8 miles to St Mary's Church at Sulhamstead Abbots, before heading to Mortimer. Breaks will be taken at, or near, two pubs and church, with an optional end-of-day pub drink in Mortimer and a final stamp for this first day to Santiago.
If you plan to continue your camino, it is highly recommended to purchase a Pilgrim Passport, scallop shell, St James’ Way guide and map. These can be purchased in advance from the CSJ UK's website
About the walk leader
David Sinclair is the walk leader.
"I am a Confraternity of St James (CSJ) member and volunteer. After walking the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port I self-published a book offering 'Not Just a Long Walk' on Amazon about the experiences. Since then I have led the development of the St James' Way as a Camino in the South of England through various projects, including its continuous waymarking."
Getting there
To start: Bus or train to central Reading, walk around Forbury Gardens to St James Church.
Meeting point: St James’s Church https://what3words.com/pure.tanks.successes
Return: Bus no. 2 or 2a from Mortimer back to central Reading.
Frequently asked questions
Sorry! Dogs are not permitted to join any of our walk unless a guide dog or assistance dog
Some of the walks are suitable for younger children. Please see each walk description. All children MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.
All our walk leaders have assessed their walk for accessibility, by which we mean the walk features smooth(ish!) pathways with ramps (if steps) and wide entrances for individuals with mobility challenges. Accessible walks will be identified in the walk description. Get in touch if in doubt.
We live in a country with changeable weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes! The walks will take place in all but the worst weather. You will be notified by the walks leader if it is to be cancelled. If you aren’t able to attend, please alert the walks leader so your
We are unable to provide refunds if you can no longer attend. In the very unlikely situation that the Festival has to cancel the walk, you will be offered a full refund.
Your walk leader will have a list of everyone who has booked a ticket so you don’t need to bring a print out of your ticket. However, if you haven't booked in advance, your walk leader will not be able to accept you on the walk.
Please dress for the UK in May! It could be lovely, hot or rainy! Many of the walks are in urban areas so no special walking kit is required. Please do bring water though and a coat! For longer/countryside walks, please ensure you have suitable footwear/walking boots, rain protection etc.
Our walks are designed to link into the bus and train system so please try and use public transport. Details of how to reach the start/end point of the walk by public transport is given in each walk description. If parking is available, it will be included in the walk description.
Please do not come if you are feeling unwell. If you have any medical conditions, please either alert the walk leader and advise them of any medication you are carrying. Your health remains your responsibility at all times.
Once you have booked a walk, you will get an automatic confirmation of your place. Nearer the time, the walks leader will then contact you with his/her contact details and any special instructions for the day. The Festival organiser, REDA, can be reached at alex.brannen@reading.gov.uk