One of my more indelible travel memories is of watching a truckload of pilgrims departing for the Hajj, joyfully singing and cheering as they left Luxor, Egypt, in October 2012. I thought about those pilgrims embarking on a pilgrimage as I hiked along some of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in Spain last month, and wondered whether the pilgrims starting off on the Camino felt similar joy as they started their journeys. The routes were great places for reflection and for enjoying the varied nature of the north of Spain. Although I traveled with a tour group, there was ample time to appreciate the trails in relative solitude, and even as we neared Santiago and more pilgrims appeared on the trails, it was still not terribly crowded in late May. In total, we spent six days hiking the routes: two days admiring the rugged coastal beauty of the Camino del Norte; two days crossing the hills of the original Camino Primitivo, which Asturian King Alfonso II established from Oviedo in the 9th century; and two days along the more traveled Camino Francés, which was the first section of the Camino in Spain inscribed on the World Heritage Site list. The weather was remarkably sunny and warm for the entire trip, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of the trails. While I didn't get to witness any of the pilgrims as they first embarked on the Camino, I can say with certainty that those I saw at Monte do Gozo, which offers the first views of Santiago de Compostela, and at the journey's end at the cathedral in the city were extremely joyful and reflective. I'm glad these Camino routes remain popular and protected, as they make for an unforgettable experience.

Logistics: The sights along the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in Spain can be seen by automobile, but the experience is much better when taking the trails on foot or by bike, and I have no doubt it is a lifechanging journey for anyone completing a pilgrimage; also worthwhile is a visit to Cape Finisterre, a final stop for many pilgrims after reaching Santiago de Compostela.