Freemasons on the Camino Mozarabe to Santiago

Join us as we walk the Camino de Santiago, starting from Almeria, to raise funds for Spanish charities. Whether you're a Freemason or simply someone looking for an adventure, we invite you to be a part of this incredible experience.

History

The Camino De Santiago is an ancient Christian pilgrimage where people of all walks of life have trod the path for over one thousand years. Worshipers believe that the remains of the Apostle Saint James (Patron Saint of Spain) are interned in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. In the Middle Ages, the route was very dangerous for Christian pilgrims as the area was controlled by the Moors. The Knights Templar became active along the route to protect pilgrims. There are many historic buildings along the route that are accessible to this day. In more recent times, there has been a resurgence in popularity of the Camino and last year over half a million pilgrims walked the routes. Many modern pilgrims walk the route not for religious reasons but as a way of stepping out of modern life and reconnecting with a simpler life for a short while.

Camino Mozarabe

This route starts at the Cathedral in Almeria and winds its way to Santiago via Granada, Cordoba, Merida and Salamanca. The path is some 1,300 Km in length and I would estimate it could be walked in 50 to 60 days. Allowing for extreme weather and other commitments, I believe it would be feasible to walk around 15 days per annum which would put us on schedule to arrive in Santiago in the Autumn of 2026.

Lodges of GLE

I would hope that we could build traction quickly and produce a list of volunteers. The nature of the walk would mean that each day we would start and finish approximately 20-25KM apart and would take between five and eight hours. We would need walkers, chauffeurs and other help.

Fundraising

I believe the easiest way to raise funds is via individual walkers, this could be as simple as sponsorship of one euro per every kilometre walked. The fundraisers could then let the sponsors know approximately how far they are walking. To avoid the potential challenges of managing donations, may I suggest we set up a “Just Giving" or similar online portal.

Promoting the walk

There are many ways we could promote the walk but I believe our biggest opportunity would be with other Freemasons in Spain and further afield. An approach from one of our Senior Brethren to Provincial Grand Lodge and indeed to the Grand Lodge of Spain to seek their support for our project. It could be that other Lodges could offer practical support along the way, as no doubt there will be a Masonic presence in some of the larger cities and towns we pass through. We could also speak with our U.K. Masonic friends and invite them to join us. This could coincide with a Lodge Meeting where we welcome Brethren from abroad and other parts of Spain who have contributed to the walk.

Bro Graham Adkins