Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Every Journey Begins with One Step: My Road to the Karoo Camino
This morning I completed my very first parkrun.
I have to admit, I felt both excited and apprehensive. Excited because it marked the beginning of my training for the Karoo Camino, which I hope to walk in September next year. Apprehensive because I’ve never felt particularly comfortable in large crowds, and I certainly don’t consider myself to be fit. My biggest concern wasn’t how fast I could walk, but whether I would be able to finish the 5 km without giving up…..and, if I’m completely honest, not being the last person to cross the finish line.
To my delight, I completed the walk in 1 hour and 4 minutes. But the greatest achievement wasn’t the time. It was the fact that I didn’t have to stop once to rest or catch my breath. Crossing that finish line gave me something far more valuable than a finishing time, it gave me confidence.
For several years I have dreamed of walking a Camino. Not one of the famous overseas routes, but a Camino here in South Africa. About four weeks ago, an advertisement for the Karoo Camino appeared in my Facebook feed, and my curiosity led me to explore their website.
I was immediately drawn to the concept of multi-day slackpacking trails through South Africa’s magnificent arid landscapes. The Karoo Camino offers three different routes, each with its own unique character. For my first Camino, I’m hoping to walk the Nieu-Bethesda Camino.
The idea of spending several days walking along quiet gravel roads and mountain paths feels incredibly appealing. One of the aspects I love most is that my luggage is transported between overnight stops and meals are provided. It means I can simply walk, breathe, observe and immerse myself in the beauty of the landscape without worrying about carrying a heavy backpack or planning where my next meal will come from.
Walking has always been a form of exercise that I enjoy, but not enough, if I’m honest, to remain disciplined about doing it regularly.
Nine years ago, when I lived in the Overberg, walking came naturally. Every afternoon my dogs and I would head out for about five kilometres, choosing a different route each day. Living in a small coastal town, I always felt safe walking on my own.
Life in Johannesburg is different. I no longer feel quite as comfortable walking alone in the suburbs, and my two faithful four-legged companions have reached an age where long walks are no longer enjoyable for them. Finding a safe place to walk has therefore become an important part of this new journey.
One of the greatest blessings has been finding a colleague who regularly takes part in parkrun. I asked if I could join him, and he kindly agreed. I am incredibly grateful for the gift of John, my walking buddy. Having someone to walk alongside makes the commitment easier, the conversations richer, and the journey far more enjoyable.
While today’s walk was excellent exercise, it offered me something much deeper than physical fitness.
Being surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air and simply putting one foot in front of the other was profoundly healing. Walking has a remarkable way of calming the mind, soothing the emotions and restoring the spirit. Sometimes healing doesn’t happen in a therapy room, it happens beneath an open sky, on a quiet path, with the rhythm of your footsteps reminding you to slow down and simply be present.
To mark the beginning of this adventure, I’ve decided to keep what I’m calling The Camino Journal. It will be much more than a record of kilometres walked or times achieved. It will become a place to capture lessons learned, moments of gratitude, personal reflections and the quiet transformations that happen along the way.
Preparing for the Karoo Camino isn’t just about becoming physically fit. For me, it is about embracing a journey of conscious living….one step at a time.
I’d love to invite you to follow my journey over the next fourteen months as I prepare for this adventure. Whether you’re an experienced walker or someone who hasn’t walked further than the end of your street in years, perhaps you’ll be inspired to begin your own walking practice.
After all, every journey begins with a single step.
Walking Together
Thank you for sharing this part of the journey with me.
Every Camino is unique, and every pilgrim walks with their own questions, hopes, and discoveries. Whether you have walked a Camino, dream of one day doing so, or simply find yourself on a journey of your own, I warmly invite you to join the conversation.
What did this reflection awaken within you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And if you feel this story may encourage someone else, please share it with them. We never know how one small step, or one shared story, might inspire another.
Until next time…
Walk gently. Walk consciously. Walk with an open heart.
— Theresa Ackerman