Mi Casa, Su Camino
Background
Having travelled extensively through Western Europe in our Campervan Gleeful, we encountered numerous Pilgrims on the various routes that can be found on the Camino.
Following conversations with Peregrinos (Pilgrims), we were encouraged to get another van to use as accommodation for those wishing to walk the Camino without the hassle and logistics of carrying all of the gear required, as well as sourcing a bed for the night. We have a soft spot for the classic German built Hymermobil, so we sourced El Moli (the Mill) whilst back in the UK.
Why El Moli? - we actually agreed to purchase the van whilst touring La Mancha, a region made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote who's synonymous with the landscape's windmills.
We have heard, as well as read, too many accounts of the difficulties faced by Pilgrims. Just read through some of the Social Media stories and you'll soon see how problematic the journey can be for some.
We're not looking to frighten people, but to simplify what should be the trip of a lifetime.
As full time wild-campers and travellers, we know the joys and sense of adventure that living in a Campervan can provide. So it made sense for us to act as driver & guide for you so that you can be both Pilgrims and Gleeful Adventurers.
Why Gleeful Adventurers? Kate owned a small yacht in the Caribbean called Glee. Sadly the boat was lost in Hurricane Irma when it devastated Saint Martin. As a tribute we called our first van Gleeful, because that's how we feel when we travel.
Our aim is to combine our experience, knowledge and love of Spain, and the Camino, with your desire to walk it.
How does it work?
We provide a flexible and full porterage, accommodation and sightseeing package, aimed at those who want a simple journey that doesn't detract from the core aim of walking the distance you want to, collecting your stamps and embracing the Camino. The van will be driven by Dominic, a former Public Service Vehicle driver.
We have three basic packages
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A full month's trip which we'll run three times a year (Autumn/Fall, Easter and Summer [to coincide with arriving in Santiago de Compostela for the feast of St James in July]). We are flexible in timing - the minimum booking period is 28 days, however this can be extended by mutual consent so that you can take longer and really enjoy the journey.
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A two week trip taking in the Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago, which we'll run as frequently as required, outside of the full trips shown above.
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A week's trip to cover the last 100kms or so to gain the credencial - again this will be run as often as is feasible.
Which Camino routes do you do?
The main one we cover is the French route, from St Jean Pied-de-Port in France, via Burgos to Santiago. This normally takes the average walker about a month.
The two-week's walk takes in the final stage, called the Primitivo, and goes from Oviedo along the "Northern Way". This offers you the chance to get the final accreditation and to walk into Santiago. We will consider other routes, such as the Portuguese route, if that is your preference. The week's walk is dependant on how far you wish to walk in the week, and which route you wish to take.
We are able to offer customised, or different routes for those who wish to block book the van for a set period - please contact us with your requests.
Who is this service aimed at?
Not everyone is able to, or wants to travel as if the Camino is an endurance challenge. Accommodation in the albergues and refugios, whilst affordable for those who find a bed, is basic. Sleeping arrangements can be challenging, particularly for groups wanting to stay together.
Hotels and hostels can get expensive and booking ahead means if you deviate from your schedule it could cost in booking fees and further expense.
Nor can everyone walk at a demanding pace - even the fittest suffer from blisters, cramp and fatigue.
We also understand that not everyone walks at the same pace, so even a group can go at their own individual pace and know they'll be together each night.
We're providing a service for those who prefer a quality experience, being able to stop when and where you want, not to have to carry lots of stuff on their back, to take in the sights, to have a truly enlightening journey. If you have mobility issues, difficulty carrying heavy packs, or just aren't looking to rush, we're your Camino solution.
How does the sleeping and living arrangement work?
El Moli can sleep up to six, however for comfort we normally accommodate four people. There is a permanent double bed to the rear, a double alcove bed above the driving area, as well as a large sofa bed in the main area. We encourage you to bring sleeping bags, however we can provide them at a reasonable rate.
There is a toilet and shower in the van, as well as a galley for preparing drinks, snacks and basic meals with a fridge for those essential cold beverages at the end of the day.
As part of the experience, we'll use a mixture of wild camping spots, aires de autocaravanas (public parking places) and camp sites along the route for a truly unique way of overnighting on the Camino.
Each Pilgrim will get their own stowage space in the van. We have a safe on board and provide free WiFi. Children with accompanying adults are more than welcome. We don't accommodate pets unfortunately. The only restriction on luggage is that you bring a soft bag or rucksack for ease of stowage, as well as a day-pack if required. We'd ask that you don't exceed 20kgs in weight for bags.
Is it for groups only - what about solo travellers?
We are primarily a service for a group to book to the van. For a family we could squeeze in an extra spot or two, depending on the age/size of the children. Just ask!
For solo travellers, we're not currently set up to take individuals who may not know, or be comfortable with, others sharing a cosy space. Get on social media groups or forums and there may be like minded souls who want to share.
How much does it cost?
We run the monthly trips three times a year. The basic trips are around Easter and Autumn/Fall. The premium trip is in Summer to coincide with arriving in Santiago for the Feast of St James on July 25th. We're flexible about when we start the monthly trips, so give us an idea of your preferred dates.
For a month's trip the basic is 1500 euros per person. This is for 28 days minimum, however the next 5 nights are free. That gives up to 33 nights. Additional nights after that are negotiable depending upon the duration. If you're really nice tidy people, and as you'll probably be friends by then, mates rates will kick in!
To hire the van as a group for the month is 6000 euros. That covers between two and four people for up to 33 nights. For additional children please contact us regarding the extra cost.
The premium Summer trip is 1750 euros per person and also covers up to 33 days. The van cost is 7000 euros for the duration. Again additional nights are negotiable.
For the weekly or fortnightly hire, it is 400 euros for seven nights per person. Again additional nights can be negotiated. The group cost is 1600 euros for the van per week for a group of up to four pilgrims. As we current only have the one residential van, the weekly hire is only offered when the monthly trips aren't being done. We will consider two or three week block bookings.
Where do we start and finish our walk each day?
Dominic and Kate will discuss with you where you want to start and finish your daily trip. You're not bound to walk the same distance as shown in the guide books and apps - you dictate your daily trek. Our overnight stops tend to be a few short kilometres from the route so we'll pick you up at a pre-determined point that suits you once you've walked enough. If there are any changes on the way, you only have to call one of us. The next day we'll drop you off anywhere on the route to continue your Camino experience.
Will I be a genuine pilgrim?
Absolutely! You still have to walk the Camino - we're here to support. We've heard of companies who ferry people from one place to another to collect their stamps. We don't do that. If you're injured, need to rest, then of course we'll be happy to have you in the van as a passenger. It isn't uncommon for even the hardiest pilgrims to take a bus or taxi on the odd occasion. Remember this is your Camino, you walk it your way. You'll get to Santiago with as much right to be there as anyone. We guarantee other pilgrims will wish they'd had the foresight to do the Camino this way.
Where do you pick is up and drop us off at the start and finish of the Camino journey?
For the French route when doing monthly trips, we normally pick up near St Jean-Pied-de-Port - you have to arrange transport yourself, however we can arrange to pick your group up from Biarritz airport and treat that as the first day of your hire.
For other shorter trips we'll work with you for a suitable pick up point.
We'll drop you off wherever you want, within a reasonable distance of Santiago or Cap Finisterre. Exceptions can be made - again please contact us and we'll give you a price. We're based in Northern Spain for most of the time we're doing trips.