Pilgrims' Progress?
In the middle ages, a visit to the shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostela was an instant hotline to heaven.
Was penance involved?
The route, from various points in France to Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees and along to north-west Spain, was painfully arduous by foot or mule.
Today's pilgrimage?
Is either made on foot or bicycle for sporty reasons, or tackled in a religious context.
What would I need to become a bona fide pilgrim?
A sturdy pair of boots, four or five weeks to spare, a letter of recommendation from your local parish and cash for the occasional bus.
That's cheating?
To qualify for your pilgrim's certificate ( compostela ) in Santiago, you need only have walked 60 or cycled 100 of the total 250 miles.
Are there places to stay along the way?
Various cheap hostales have sprung up, though serious pilgrims are entitled to the free pilgrims' refuges.
Is there much to see en route?
Beautiful, wild landscapes and some of the most outstanding churches, monasteries, cathedrals and hostels in Spain.
The quick way to Santiago?
The daily Iberia (0171-830 0011) flight from the UK is a lot easier and costs from £98 return.
What's at the journey's end?
A Spanish cathedral city, tucked into the green folds of Galicia, that is one of the nine European Cities of Culture this year.
Who organises pilgrimages?
Cultural specialists such as Page & Moy (0870 010 6457), Inter-Church Travel (0800 300 444), Ace Study Tours (01223 835055).
How much would I pay for the more comfortable way?
Martin Randall's (0181-742 3355) Road to Santiago holiday lasts 13 days, visits numerous sights, walks easy sections of the route and, with specialist lecturers throughout, costs £1,860 almost inclusive.
Does anyone package a walk?
Waymark (01753 516477) follows the ancient way from Villafranca (two weeks from £635), while Ramblers Holidays (01707 331133) prefers the well-trodden French section from Le Puy to Conques (same length, from £647). Pyrenees Adventures (01433 621498) costs from £585 for one week.
