Welcome to St. James ́ Saunterers! We hope you will find time to join us for one or more of the walks mentioned below!
Did you know that walking is a spiritual practice that gives us so many benefits namely: replenishment of the soul, connection with the natural world, problem-solving, self-esteem, health and healing, and heightened attention, to name but a few. Additionally, movement seems to encourage dialogue and conviviality, leading to richer and or deeper conversations with soul mates, friends, and even strangers. Artists report that walking activates the imagination and opens up the creative process. Walking is deeply restorative.
Throughout time, walking has played an enormous role in the devotional life of people from all the world’s religions: prayers and mantra practice while walking, pilgrimage to sacred sites, walking the labyrinth, walking meditation, and informal spiritual practices that make the most of strolling, sauntering (of course!), or cavorting.
And then, of course, there are the routines of walking the dog, taking a break, walking around the block, or communing with God at the end of the day. These rituals of everyday spirituality lift the spirits and provide peace and contentment in our stressful times.
We look forward to sauntering with you and alongside you as we make these journeys together!
S.J.S.
Jesus sent the twelve out, to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money - not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. (Luke 9:2-6)
Date: >June 22nd
Where: Braga
Difficulty: easy
Date: June
Where: Cabo do Mundo from Matosinhos to Cabo do Mundo (seaside Leça)
Difficulty: easy
Date: June
Where: Festejar São Pedro de Afurada: São João is over. Vivo São Pedro da Afurada! Let's have a joyful afternoon and evening and celebrate São Pedro da Afurada with the inhabitants of this beautyful little village at the other side of the River Douro.
Refreshment: We will find a restaurant offering the new and fresh sardines. Viva!
Date: July
Time: 9:15
Where: Espinho Mercado semanal On Mondays (and unfortunately only on Mondays) there is the famous and very beautiful market in Espinho.
Meeting point: Train leaves Campanhâ Station 10:00; General Torres Station 10:04
Difficulty: easy
Refreshment: Terra Viva vegetarian restaurant. Other options nearby for meat dishes.
Planned for September:
September I Boat trip, Seven Bridges (easy)
September II Guimarães, Daytrip to the cradle of Portugal (easy)
Later in the year: Some steps on the Caminho
Besides the Porto walks, I would like to develop a project for some special walks, as far as we can get, north on the Caminho Central.
Ponte de Lima or further. With overnight stays.
Please feel free to sign up for this already. Start should be September 2023.
Please by email if you are interested.