Book excerpt: Sometimes, the best adventures happen by chance. El Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way, is the fabled path that weaves through French and Spanish countryside to its hallowed destination at Santiago de Compostella. Thousands attempt to hike its entirety each year: some succeed, many fail. One man struggling at a crossroads in life meets a stranger in a Greek bar who points him in the right direction. A week later, he finds himself starting El Camino, a 1000-mile hike that will change him. From the pain of blisters and extremes of temperature to encountering kleptomaniacs, fake faith healers and being threatened with arrest in Spain for 'not sleeping', his hike was far from normal. This is the story of one man's walk, but it speaks to all who see life itself as a journey and are alive to the revelations that an escape to nature can bring. Written with insight, observation and a healthy dose of humour. As this book shows, it is rarely the start and the finish that count, but the journey in between. Reviews 'A thoroughly entertaining modern take on a well-worn Spanish Trail.' - Spencer Vignes (The Observer). 'Not only does he have astute observations about the people, places and scenery around him, he is adept at translating those observations into words, often making me laugh or nod in understanding. This is a rare talent. Few authors can bring you to this level of understanding of life on the trail.' - Teresa Dicentra Black (Author - 'One Pan Wonders') 'An engaging, vivid and very personal account by a likeable author of a journey and an achievement that readers will find both enviable and inspiring.' - Ingrid Cranfield (Author - 'At Last Michael Reeves')