Gainford in the Durham Dales, the starting point of the Way of Life on the Northern Saints Trail, has also become part of the Camino Inglés.
As of 10 October, it is officially recognised as an accredited section of the Camino Inglés, allowing pilgrims to follow this route all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago on the Camino de Compostela.
The event was attended by dignitaries and pilgrims from Spain and the Camino, as well as officials from Durham County Council, who gathered to bless the new Camino signs. These signs symbolise our shared intentions and strengthened relationships. During the ceremony, prayers were offered for Simon Blake, a co-designer of the Camino Inglés route, who died recently.
A commemorative plaque was placed on the signpost by Keith Taylor, President of the Camino Inglés. After walking for an hour from Gainford to Headlam on the Camino Inglés, the delegation of pilgrims enjoyed a fellowship lunch at St. Mary’s Church, a Grade 1 listed building dating back to the 7th century.
The Spanish dignitaries included Antonio Leira Piñeiro (Camino Deputee Deputación da Coruña); Maite Loureiro Ventureira (Xefa sección de Turismo da deputación da Coruña); Lanzada Calatayud Álvarez (International promotion for Camiño Ingles); Manuel Miras (President of the Association of Councils of the Camino Inglés); and Cristobal Ramírez (official Camino journalist). This was timeless diplomacy at its best!
Ends
Top photo: Camino pilgrims walking through Gainford.