The one thousand kilometre pilgramage from Sevilla in Southern Spain to the country’s northwest corner where St. James is entombed at Santiago de Compostela, is not an easy walk, but for the over 2000 people who set out on this journey each year, Ben Cole and Bethan Davies guidebook, Walking the Via de la Plata, is a godsend.

This 214-page guide provides an overview of the trail, with maps before outlining basic geography, environment, flora and fauna, when to go, people, customs and culture (including food and drink) and – perhaps most importantly – how long it will take to complete the trip. A chapter devoted to tourist information informs readers how to get there, what it might cost, accommodation options, equipment to take, health and safety issues, and notes for mailing letters, using public phones and finding internet service.

With all of the red tape out of the way, the guide jumps onto the trail, breaking the route into five geographical sections. From south to north they are: Andalucia, Extremadura, Meseta, Cordillera Cantabrica, and Galacia. Within each section, the authors expand on walking conditions (from geography to trails to best time of year to walk the trail), flora and fauna (will you see Iberian lynx or natterjacks – local amphibians, cork oak or olive groves?), pertinent tourist information (including transportation, money matters, accommodations, rest day options, and local festivals).

The introductory flora and fauna pages include useful illustrations (whether leaf shape or track or raptor markings as seen from ground when the birds are in flight). Two of the most interesting pages of the book highlight the best of the Via de la Plata – from the strangest place to see a cow to the best place to hang out with monks to the best place to get hit on the head!

One drawback for armchair travellers is that the book is lacking photographs to entice readers with glimpses of the area’s charms. Information is occasionally repeated (introductory information about flora and fauna, climate and geography can be found again in area chapters). Maps are very simply drawn with distances marked outside boxed map (helpful if you pay close attention) and should not be used alone to navigate the path, but the profile charts below the map boxes are useful for visually getting a feel for the degree of hiking difficulty in each section.

The authors have definitely put time and effort into producing a unique guide for a very different long distance hike. Walking the Via de la Plata will help you get to Finisterre in one piece, having soaked up Spanish culture in a way few people will ever have the opportunity to do.