A pilgrim's progress...

It is quite common for SOCKSHOP to be contacted by different people and organisations requesting sponsorship or items to use in raffles. We especially like to hear from folks that are looking for socks to help them complete particularly arduous tasks which they are receiving sponsorship for. Paul Strachan, from Wiltshire, is one of those people. He recently got in touch to ask if we would consider providing him with some pairs of Bridgedale comfort trekker socks for his 1,500-mile charity walk – and we were more than happy to oblige.

Paul is planning to walk from Paris to Spain next month in aid of the NSPCC. His route will include part of the Camino de Santiago, or the way of Saint James – a famous pilgrimage made up of a collection of routes which eventually lead to the Spanish town of de Santiago de Compostela. 

The origins of the pilgrimage are believed to have been established around a thousand years ago, with Christians taking part in the pilgrimage in order to seek forgiveness from St James. It is believed that the remains of the apostle are buried in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. 

Today, the routes attract a variety of people who walk them for other reasons as well as religious, including charity fundraising. Paul is planning to travel to Paris, then walk to St Jean Pied de Port on the Spanish border, where he will start the popular pilgrimage route which will take him to Santiago de Compostela. He will then continue on to Muxia and Finisterre.

 Paul plans to set off on his journey on the 4th September, and anticipates it will take around 70 to 80 days to complete.