Pilgrimage: The Road To Santiago

In this last episode of the travelogue series, the seven pilgrims are on the final stretch of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. As the temperature reaches record highs they have to walk every step of the way, getting their pilgrim passport stamped twice a day to prove they have gone the distance.

As they pass through stunning landscapes, nature takes a hold, and comedian Ed Byrne and presenter JJ Chalmers embrace a river pilgrimage by taking a dip in the freezing water within a beautiful wooded valley. After complaining about walking, priest Kate Bottley joins them and discovers that the scenic landscape and tranquil setting also lifts her mood. But living as simple pilgrims has come at a cost: the group is exhausted. Actor Neil Morrissey and singer Heather Small’s snoring means that some chose to sleep outside underneath a peaceful starry night’s sky.

With early starts and long days, entertainer Debbie McGee battles blisters; while journalist Raphael Rowe, having spent years in solitary confinement, discovers it is the company of others that is spurring him on. With their final destination still a long way from sight, it is a punishing push to the end.

In just over a fortnight, the group will have travelled over spectacular mountains and hot plains, encountered extraordinary pilgrims from around the world and explored many iconic and spiritual traditions the Camino de Santiago has to offer. But has the experience of walking a medieval pilgrimage meant anything to our modern day pilgrims - and can they identify any lasting change within themselves, whether they have faith or not?

Pictured: JJ Chalmers, Ed Byrne, Rev Kate Bottley with Guy Hayward, patron of the British Pilgrimage Trust

Part of the BBC's Easter religious programming

Publicity contact: MH2