Between 2005 and 2006 I walked the Camino across northern Spain. It took me three visits and even then there was a little chunk on the Meseta that I missed between visits two and three.
My approach to travel is that I prefer to go deep and slow rather than fast and far. You can imagine, therefore, how walking along this ancient pilgrim path suited me. The destination is the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. There are many paths that lead there, but the one that crosses northern Spain is the most well-known.
Since the millennium it has become very popular. I did it as a newbie retiree and that is an excellent time to do it: you can avoid the summer rush; you hope to still be nimble enough to do the close on 800 kilometers of walking; it will let you contemplate the change in your life and the possibilities ahead. If you are thinking of doing it, I say: go for it! And if you are a young’un, go for it too. There are all ages on the Camino and many friendships are made.
I found it profoundly wonderful to walk through the landscape, through villages, and through cities, from one side to the other. It is a walking community as you get to know others from the trail, at the water fountains, and staying in the hostels. You often cook together in the evenings or make up a group to go to a restaurant. If you want a more solitary experience, be brave and go in the winter.