Our Inspiration: The Camino Santiago De Compostella: The Way of Saint James
What is a ‘peace camino’?
Our definition of ‘Camino’ is a walk with a purpose, or intent, a mindful walk.
A Peace Camino is a walk with an intention to walk for peace in your own way. A walk for inner peace spreads peace.
We facilitate the start of your Camino here. The first path of Camino UK, founded by Katherine Armitage & Stewart Johnston, is the ‘Jesus and Joseph Camino’ from Combe Martin to Glastonbury inspired by the route Joseph of Arimathea and his great nephew Jesus would have taken, by sea, along the Devon coast to the Isle of Avalon,(now Glastonbury) in Somerset. Joseph, according to historical and archeological evidence was a wealthy merchant who traded with the tin mines in Cornwall and the silver mines in Combe Martin. There are many facts on this subject that we will be adding to this site.
The ‘Jesus & Joseph Camino’ follows the South West Coast path for much of the way and then the Samaritan’s way, from Crowcombe, in Somerset, linking many churches and sacred sites: Cranleigh House, Holdstone Down, Sister’s Fountain and others, all the way to the mystical Glastonbury Tor. The first Jesus & Joseph Camino, walking from Combe Martin to Glastonbury, was made by Katherine Armitage & Stewart Johnston from October 13th-October 22nd 2015. We are currently writing up the way and making a walking map so that other people can follow this special route, for self-healing and for World Peace.
Why?
A Camino is a time to focus on yourself and your own journey through life, a time to REconnect, reorientate and heal. It is a way to reenergise the old pilgrim paths and to recreate a grid of positive energy throughout any area where a camino is walked to radiate energy to the surrounding environment.
Where?
The first Camino UK was the walk from Combe Martin to Glastonbury. As well as promoting this route, we are hoping to reenergise pilgrim paths all over the West Country of England to connect to Glastonbury and then to connect to the Camino paths in France and other mainland European countries. This camino movement- to walk for peace- can extend throughout the world and become: Camino Earth, with as many people connecting to the energies of the Earth and walking for world peace as possible.
HOW?
Logistics: You can reach Combe Martin & Cranleigh House by car, bus or on foot, from the SW Coast path and the Cranleigh House visitor centre will give you all the information you need to start your Camino.
By Train
Combe Martin is 12 miles from the nearest station in Barnstaple. There is a very picturesque line, (lovely views of cow fields & rivers), to Exeter where you can change for London Paddington or Waterloo. London Paddington to Barnstaple, with a good connection can take just over 4 hours.
By Coach
The National Express Coach leaves London Victoria Coach Station at 3.30pm daily & arrives at Ilfracombe at 9.45pm. There are several National Express coaches daily from London to Barnstaple.
There are buses to Ilfracombe and then to Barnstaple from Combe Martin. The bus stop is 2 minutes walk from Cranleigh House. There are also buses from Lynton to Combe Martin.
It is easy to get within 10 minutes’ walk of the top of Holdstone down by car. Wheelchairs have been carried to the top in case of need.
“Life is a Camino.” Wayfarer
History and Definition of the ‘Camino’
A Camino walk or pilgrimage was traditionally a long journey to a sacred place, made as an act of religious devotion for example to Lourdes or Mecca Now a camino is often made for more down to earth, secular reasons. Other meanings of the word are: a way, journey, mission, trip or excursion. 'Excursion' - from the Latin ex ‘out’ and currere - ‘to run’ - an opportunity to run out of your existing track into something new and exciting.
The Way:
“The Way that can be spoken of is not the constant way The name that can be named Is not the constant name”. Lao Tse
In his film ‘The Way’ Martin Sheen popularised the idea of the pilgrimage as a way to honour his son who had passed away on the route to Santiago de Compostella. The film shows how his camino, is a personal journey, a way to reflect deeply on events in his life, and a way to connect to others and their journey as well. The number of people who walk 'Way of Saint James' is increasing exponentially every year. We think it is a wonderful idea to introduce to North Devon and to extend the Caminos out from here, through the UK and around the world. To enthuse the whole world to walk for peace.
A Camino is a chance to take time out of the rat race, the pressures of ordinary life and just walk. An opportunity to be immersed in the healing and restorative power of Nature. It can be a journey back to your heart, a way to be in touch with yourself.
To start your Camino contact us: 01271889325 m07985928461
Walking a Camino is a great way to take the time to find ourselves, love ourselves and extend that love to others. Book your stay at Cranleigh House, and plan your Camino, we are minutes from beautiful walks along the Exmoor Coast paths in an area of outstanding natural beauty with breath taking views. We have the maps and we'll show you the routes. We offer guided and self-guided Caminos, all our Caminos are tailor made depending on the person; all prices are on application. Or you can just use us as a sleeping base and plan your own journey. Call 01271889325 or mobile 07985928461
