There are many ways to give the benefit of your experience to those who are preparing for or who are already in the process of undertaking a pilgrimage.

It may be as simple as speaking with them, writing a blog, joining and answering questions on a forum or joining a local pilgrim group.

Other avenues include volunteering as a hospitalero, being a member of the Amigos Welcome Service at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, offering first-aid (including tips on how to tie shoelaces to prevent blisters) or even taking part in a campaign to clean-up the Camino.

Voluntary activities such as these are not completely altruistic. There is an enormous degree of satisfaction involved in helping others, particularly those undertaking their first pilgrimage.

Click on the highlighted links or use the sub-menus under the Volunteering heading to go to articles about the experience of volunteering as perceived by some of our members.