St James' Way Camino Pilgrimage (2 day walk)

First two days 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.

Day 1 -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. Return bus to Reading.

Day 2 – the walk starts from St. John's Church, The Street, Mortimer RG7 3SY at 09:30 so walkers will need to catch 08:40am bus from Blagrave Street in Reading to reach Mortimer in time. The second day's pilgrim walk along the St James' Way is from Mortimer to Worting. Shortly after Mortimer, the route reaches St Mary's Church, Silchester and the Roman City. It then heads to the medieval church of St James at Bramley, through Little London to Pamber Priory (a former residence of a queen) before continuing on to St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Worting, Basingstoke. It includes 1.5 hours of stops at churches & pubs, plus return journey by bus to Basingstoke Rail Station (1/4 hour). This excludes the bus journey to Mortimer and return train journey to Reading.

It is highly recommended if you plan to continue your camino to purchase a Pilgrim Passport, scallop shell badge, guide and map. These can be purchased in advance from the CSJ UK's website

Key facts

• Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
• Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking
• Hard difficulty - Day 1 - 18.5km / 11 hours + Day 2 - 22.5km / 8.5 hours
• Start – Day 1 - St James Church, Forbury Road (Day 2 – see below)
• 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 at pubs and churches en route.
• Not family friendly
• Not wheelchair accessible

There is also a one-day walk running on Sat 11 May, 8:30 & Tue 14 May, 8:30

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

Meeting point (Day 1): St James’ Church https://what3words.com/pure.tanks.successes

Bus or train to central Reading, walk around Forbury Gardens to St James Church.

Finish Day 2 - St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Church Lane, Worting, Basingstoke RG23 8PX / https://what3words.com/froth.pokers.labels