Roads of Reflection & Growth

Camino is a Spanish word which is mostly translated as “path”, “way”, or “road”. It’s also the defining word for the widely renowned and travelled pilgrimage routes in Europe known as El Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). The routes have various starting points, namely from France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, and they all lead to the central destination, Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the Galicia region in north-western Spain. This “Old Town”, as it's called, is where you will find the tomb of St. James the Great, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. 

These medieval routes have been traversed for over 1,000 years, attracting religious pilgrims, history and culture lovers, those seeking deeper meaning, and people who just love hiking and cycling!

For those curious about doing the Camino, you don’t have to look across the world; we have our very own one right here in the Midlands. The idea was born of a shared vision after Chantal Hathorn, the General Manager of the Midlands Hospice, and her husband Doug who completed the Camino de Santiago in 2022, a 33-day walk. They were joined by friends Robin and Sharon Barnsley, and upon returning to South Africa, they wanted to create a similar experience here. Soon after, Tracy Woodland joined them, and the team brought their vision to life with their first walk in April 2024. “The walk was not only a fund-raising event for Midlands Hospice, but it also fostered a spirit of collaboration, community and compassion in over 30 local businesses and organisations, celebrating the strength and unity of the KZN Midlands. Today, the walks continue to generate business for the Midlands, and ultimately the profits go to Midlands Hospice,” Tracy shares.

The Midlands Camino originally started with a 12-day route, covering approximately 290km, from Karkloof to the uMngeni Valley. It’s also been divided into more manageable sections for those who can’t walk the full route at once. The “Mini Midlands Camino”, includes the Karkloof to Nottingham Road region consisting of three nights/four days, and the Nottingham Road to Dargle Valley, which is a five nights, six days experience.

The routes will guide walkers through some of the most picturesque scenery, from forests and farmlands to waterfalls, mountains, and grasslands. “More than just a hike, it is a journey. One that often encourages reflection, connection, and personal discovery. Walkers cover meaningful distances and experience a real sense of accomplishment. The journey is also about slowing down and immersing oneself in the landscape and the community along the way,” Chantal explains.

The Midlands Camino is suited to most people and varying fitness levels. “The average distance covered per day is around 15–20km. We have a relaxed start to the day and end mid-afternoon. This is about spending time on your feet rather than being super fit. This is not a race, so we set the pace to suit you. Most of the walking is on gravel roads, private farmland or grassy paths,” Tracy elaborates.

Planning to do a Camino will require physical and mental preparation, from choosing the route to acquiring walking gear, but it doesn’t have to be daunting! This is part of the excitement. “The journey really begins the moment you commit to doing it,” Chantal shares. For physical preparation, it’s recommended to walk regularly and gradually increase the distance with a few hill walks added here and there.

 
Self-doubt can also creep in, which is why it’s important to do the necessary research to ease any confusion and to understand the destinations and routes. “The Camino can build resilience. There may be rain, heat, blisters, or tired legs, but visualising success and knowing you can overcome these challenges helps prepare you for the journey. It is also an opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect with nature, with others, and sometimes simply with yourself. Above all, flexibility is key. Trust the guides and coordinators who are there to ensure the best possible experience for every walker,” Chantal advises.

 
Whether it’s the outdoors calling you to delve deeper into your soul, connecting with a community of like-minded folks, or simply basking in the beauty of the countryside, the Midlands Camino can be anything you want it to be.

http://www.midlandscamino.co.za