Did you know? The reason the scallop shell became the symbol of the Way of Saint James was that in the old days, these shells, commonly found on the Galician coastline, were brought home by pilgrims as proof of having completed the route.

There are different ways of doing the Way of Saint James: on foot, by bike, on horseback… However you choose to travel, you'll be able to discover all the cultural and natural riches Spain has to offer. Select your favourite mode of transport and enjoy this experience in the way you like most. Below are some recommendations to make your journey more comfortable.

If you're travelling on foot… 

- A rucksack is essential. One with a 40-litre capacity, the anatomical kind, is enough. A hip-belt is a good idea so the weight is more comfortable to carry. It should also have compartments and side pockets so you don't have to take everything out when you're looking for something.

- As for weight, the overriding rule is “less is more”. Your rucksack should never weigh more than 7 kilos, or 10% of your weight. Remember how many footsteps and how many kilometres you're going to have to carry it on your back until you reach Santiago de Compostela. Don't succumb to the temptation to take things "just in case", as you'll find supermarkets, chemists, and a whole range of shops all along the route where you can pick up everything you need.

- A sleeping bag, rain cape and mat are essential equipment. Don't forget your personal documents (ID card, passport or any other identifying document, and your medical card) and a basic first-aid kit. Remember to take a water bottle, and in addition to your sponge bag, a towel, soap powder for washing clothes, and clothes pegs.

- Footwear is another key feature. It's best to use water-resistant mountain boots which adapt well to the shape of your foot (you should use half a size larger that your normal shoe size), well broken-in if possible. If they're new, try to get in some training with them at home before setting out.

- Wear cotton socks always dry and put them on carefully to avoid chafing and blisters. A good way to prevent this is to put Vaseline on your feet. Take a pair of flip-flops for the shower and to give your feet a bit of a rest at the end of each stage. If you're travelling by bike… - Bear in mind that there are sections and stages with variants for anyone doing the Way by bike. Some of these follow the main roads. They are usually well signposted, although you'll also find them described in specific guides.

- If you can choose, the best thing is a mountain bike. Before setting out, it's a good idea to do a bit of training, as it's not at all the same thing pedalling along while carrying saddle bags with all your luggage, as without them.

- Don't forget to give your bike a tune-up, and make sure to check particularly the brakes, gears and wheels. A helmet, cycling gear, waterproof, gloves and suitable footwear are essential equipment. And remember to pack a puncture kit and some tools for any possible breakdowns.

- If you're sleeping in pilgrims' hostels, head for the ones with the greatest capacity, as until 8 pm pilgrims travelling on foot have priority. - Once in Santiago de Compostela, there's a Left Luggage service for rucksacks and bikes at the Pilgrims' Office (Rúa do Vilar).

If you're travelling on horseback…

- Doing the Way on horseback requires more preparation. As well as getting your horse used to carrying loads, you'll also need to take the animal to the vet for its vaccinations, and to take out some insurance.

- It's a good idea to reserve places for your horse to stay overnight and to prepare the sacks of feed it'll need along the route. - The local police need to be given several days' advance notice if you're entering Santiago de Compostela on horseback (tel. 092), so they can tell you what time to come and the route you have to take.

They'll also issue a permit allowing you to enter the Plaza del Obradoiro square, and to stay in front of the Cathedral for a limited period of time. Accommodation on the Way You'll find a whole range of different kinds of accommodation to choose from all along the route, according to your needs and preferences: pilgrims' hostels, rural lodgings, hotels, Parador hotels, guesthouses, campsites…

• Pilgrims' hostels

- There are public hostels which are free, and others where you're required to pay a small donation to cover the costs of cleaning and maintenance. There are also private hostels which cost a little more. The public hostels are usually the first to fill up.