PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS – Plett is now home to a brand-new attraction - the Plett Camino - with the aim to not only showcase the area's breathtaking natural beauty, but offer "pilgrims" an opportunity to feed their souls.
The idea behind the original Camino was born in the ninth century after the discovery of the relics of Saint James the Great.
Initially named the Way of St James in English, it became a major pilgrimage route for medieval Christianity from the 10th century onward. In 1492, the Camino de Santiago was officially declared one of the "three great pilgrimages of Christendom", along with Jerusalem and the Via Francigena to Rome.
It involves a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-western Spain.
In Plettenberg Bay however, the journey takes on a slightly a different form, being a five-day pilgrimage through the forests and highlands of the greater Plettenberg Bay region. Hikers will walk between 11km and 18km per day, with a stop for lunch along the way. Each day, participants will have between five and seven hours to immerse themselves in the forest sights and sounds.
Some of the scenery "pilgrims" can expect on the Plett Camino.
The journey will take hikers into the rugged mountainous areas north of Plettenberg Bay, through pristine indigenous forest, mountain fynbos, pine forests and green pastures. It ends by descending towards the Keurbooms River Estuary.
The Plett Camino is a fully supported experience, with expert guides to lead hikers along the route.
The Plett Camino is spearheaded by local resident Iain Bryant, who was inspired by the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the success of the Hermanus Camino in the Overberg. He said he wanted to create a similar experience in the Garden Route, and so the Plett Camino was born.
The route was created in partnership with the local community including landowners, SANParks, CapeNature and environmentalists to ensure that it is respectful of the environment and to maximise the benefits for the local community and local trail network.
Some of the scenery "pilgrims" can expect on the Plett Camino.
"We wanted to create a unique and authentic pilgrimage experience that celebrated the natural beauty, heritage and spiritual rejuvenation of our region," Bryant said.
"We believe that the Plett Camino offers a transformative journey that will inspire people to reconnect with themselves, with others and with the natural environment. It is a destination event and will bring more visitors to Plett for the benefit of all."
He said the Plett Camino was not just a walk, it's a spiritual journey that will challenge and inspire you.
For more information you can visit www.plettcamino.com
Some of the scenery "pilgrims" can expect on the Plett Camino.
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