Amanda Frith: Walking the Camino with Two Dogs and a Van

Amanda’s Camino dream began with a simple scroll through Instagram. The photos she stumbled upon – winding trails, ancient villages, and stunning landscapes – sparked her imagination. She decided not only to walk the Camino but to share it with her two dogs. With a camper van ready, all their travel paperwork sorted, and an adventurous spirit, the trio set off from the UK for Spain, ready to make the Way their own.

A Camino Made for Three

For UK pilgrim Amanda Frith, the Camino de Santiago wasn’t going to be a solo adventure. Her loyal Border Collies, Inca and Onyx, were part of the plan from the very start. Rather than following the traditional pilgrim route from albergue to albergue, Amanda created her own version of the Way – one that kept her dogs safe, happy, and part of every step.

Traveling on Her Own Terms

Driving her camper van from the Peak District to Roncesvalles, Amanda set up a “base-camp” style of walking: parking the van, hiking a section of the Camino, and returning each evening. This flexible approach gave her the freedom to avoid extreme heat, protect her dogs’ paws, and meet new pilgrims each day without rushing to keep up with a strict itinerary.

Proof That the Camino Is for Everyone

While her path wasn’t always easy – navigating pet-friendly stays, carrying supplies, and meeting curious local dogs – Amanda embraced the spirit of the Camino fully. Her arrival in Santiago, with Inca and Onyx by her side, was a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and love for the journey over the destination.