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Odd Poles and Baggy Trousers on the Camino de Santiago
In 2022, Paula Rooney embarked on a life-changing journey when she hiked 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago across Spain. Over the course of 36 days, she experienced a range of emotions, from the joy of making new friends to the pain of blisters and hunger. Her journal chronicles the highs and lows of this unique pilgrimage, with vivid descriptions of the breathtaking scenery and the kindness of strangers along the way. When she arrived in Santiago and stood before the magnificent cathedral, surrounded by love, Paula knew that her life would never be the same again. Join her on this transformative journey to Santiago.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
277 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
About the author
Paula Rooney
3 books17 followersPaula Rooney was born in 1965 in Harlow, Essex, then spent several years in Ipswich, Suffolk before settling in St Austell Cornwall in 2001 to raise her family.
Journaling holidays started with the first family holiday to Cornwall when she was ten, followed by a trip to Scotland and another trip to Cornwall. When she was thirteen, her dad left the family for good, taking the car with him.
Then aged sixteen, her mum took them on a holiday to a caravan park at Burnham on Sea. Paula, her sister, her brother and her brother's friend, all went by bus, as her mother didn't drive. It was a big adventure and lots of fun.
This might have ignited her passion for travel and instilled a sense of adventure. If you don't have a car, you get the bus, if you don’t know where you are, you look at a map.
Journaling holidays started with the first family holiday to Cornwall when she was ten, followed by a trip to Scotland and another trip to Cornwall. When she was thirteen, her dad left the family for good, taking the car with him.
Then aged sixteen, her mum took them on a holiday to a caravan park at Burnham on Sea. Paula, her sister, her brother and her brother's friend, all went by bus, as her mother didn't drive. It was a big adventure and lots of fun.
This might have ignited her passion for travel and instilled a sense of adventure. If you don't have a car, you get the bus, if you don’t know where you are, you look at a map.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 30, 2023
OHMYGOODNESS! I just finished “Odd Poles and Baggy Trousers on The Camino De Santiago!!!!
What can I say! I am in absolute AWE of you❤️ PROUD is an understatement, I walked with you, I felt your pain, your hunger, your serenity, your disappointment, your pride, I felt the heaviness of your backpack, the crinkle from the paper sheets, the disgust of eating the dry meat empanada, the taste of the first glass of wine at the end with Emma, the rain on your face, the sight of all those ugly feet, every cup of tea good or bad, the sheer determination, the fear of walking on slippery leaves in the dark, the lemon biscuits, the annoying snoring, the cold night in the monastery, the kindness and friendship you received.
I can’t wait to see how this pilgrimage has changed you spiritually, mentally, physically.
You are a FREAKING ROCK STAR❤️❤️❤️❤️
What can I say! I am in absolute AWE of you❤️ PROUD is an understatement, I walked with you, I felt your pain, your hunger, your serenity, your disappointment, your pride, I felt the heaviness of your backpack, the crinkle from the paper sheets, the disgust of eating the dry meat empanada, the taste of the first glass of wine at the end with Emma, the rain on your face, the sight of all those ugly feet, every cup of tea good or bad, the sheer determination, the fear of walking on slippery leaves in the dark, the lemon biscuits, the annoying snoring, the cold night in the monastery, the kindness and friendship you received.
I can’t wait to see how this pilgrimage has changed you spiritually, mentally, physically.
You are a FREAKING ROCK STAR❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 18, 2025
Odd Poles and Baggy Trousers by Paula Rooney is an honest and deeply relatable reflection on the Camino. I loved how she captured not just the enormity of walking 500 miles, but the very real day-to-day anxieties: blistered feet, searching for food, being stuck with a noisy top bunk, and the endless “what ifs” that come with trying to make the best decisions.
Her willingness to share her social anxiety alongside moments of clarity and connection was beautifully written. At times, the sense of depression was heavy, but I found her courage in facing it—both in life and on the page—brilliant and moving. And honestly, every time she scored a bottom bunk or discovered a tea kettle, I couldn’t help but cheer for her.
A raw, tender, and quietly triumphant read.
Her willingness to share her social anxiety alongside moments of clarity and connection was beautifully written. At times, the sense of depression was heavy, but I found her courage in facing it—both in life and on the page—brilliant and moving. And honestly, every time she scored a bottom bunk or discovered a tea kettle, I couldn’t help but cheer for her.
A raw, tender, and quietly triumphant read.
July 22, 2023
A unique account of one woman's journey on the Camino de Santiago, from the very start to the very end. Paula's diary entries are full of emotion and recount her everyday life walking a whole 500 miles to reach her final destination of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This book features a raw account of the author's experience, full of ups and downs - both physical and emotional, and the interesting people she meets along the way.
With some stunning locations and difficult moments to navigate, I loved getting to see how Paula chose to walk the Camino de Santiago. As someone who doesn't travel much myself, it was a great way to feel as though I was 'there' in the moment, without leaving behind my home comforts.
At the back, it also includes a handy list of how much everything cost her, what items she took for the journey, and what she wished she'd left behind. A truly honest and inspiring book - and a must-read if you are planning on tackling the same journey, or just fancy reading a travel book and want to experience the journey through someone else's eyes.
With some stunning locations and difficult moments to navigate, I loved getting to see how Paula chose to walk the Camino de Santiago. As someone who doesn't travel much myself, it was a great way to feel as though I was 'there' in the moment, without leaving behind my home comforts.
At the back, it also includes a handy list of how much everything cost her, what items she took for the journey, and what she wished she'd left behind. A truly honest and inspiring book - and a must-read if you are planning on tackling the same journey, or just fancy reading a travel book and want to experience the journey through someone else's eyes.
July 15, 2024
Another great travel journal from Paula Rooney, this one chronicalling her 500 mile trek along the Camino de Santiago over the course of 36 days. Again I am inspired by Paula's sheer determination and grit to achieve something so massive as this at her age (57 at the time). I certainly couldn't do what she did.
What makes her writing so enjoyable is the sheer honesty she puts into it. She doesn't hesitate to expose her own vulnerabilities, which is something I find refreshing, especially when she's able to overcome all the various challenges she faces. You can't help but to admire the woman.
I would have enjoyed it more had she included a map of her journey and been a bit more descriptive of some of the places she visited (eg, a little more background on the significance of the various places), as I kept finding myself Googling all the places she went.
Still, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys travelling and certainly look forward to her next one!
What makes her writing so enjoyable is the sheer honesty she puts into it. She doesn't hesitate to expose her own vulnerabilities, which is something I find refreshing, especially when she's able to overcome all the various challenges she faces. You can't help but to admire the woman.
I would have enjoyed it more had she included a map of her journey and been a bit more descriptive of some of the places she visited (eg, a little more background on the significance of the various places), as I kept finding myself Googling all the places she went.
Still, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys travelling and certainly look forward to her next one!
August 1, 2025
Could I survive the arduous Camino De Santiago?
I never thought I’d find someone with more willpower than me; Paula Rooney’s unwavering resolve is a force to be reckoned with. She survived getting lost and sometimes never knowing where she’d sleep at night; her fear was compounded by the sharp pain of terrible blisters from over a month of hiking through breathtaking, vibrant scenery and unique, charming towns that I have long dreamed of visiting in Spain. As a cyclist, I’m intimately familiar with the searing burn in my muscles. Despite the challenge, I push through it, rising early for the next several days and continuing to rack up the miles. But Paula is a go-getter, and her persistence pays off as this 500-mile hike slowly transforms her in ways she could never have imagined. I’m so glad I got to read this book about this woman’s inspiring and courageous journey.
I never thought I’d find someone with more willpower than me; Paula Rooney’s unwavering resolve is a force to be reckoned with. She survived getting lost and sometimes never knowing where she’d sleep at night; her fear was compounded by the sharp pain of terrible blisters from over a month of hiking through breathtaking, vibrant scenery and unique, charming towns that I have long dreamed of visiting in Spain. As a cyclist, I’m intimately familiar with the searing burn in my muscles. Despite the challenge, I push through it, rising early for the next several days and continuing to rack up the miles. But Paula is a go-getter, and her persistence pays off as this 500-mile hike slowly transforms her in ways she could never have imagined. I’m so glad I got to read this book about this woman’s inspiring and courageous journey.
July 17, 2024
Yes, another gift from my beautiful wife. Truth be told it was also on her read list, so she will no doubt read it. too.
I enjoyed reading Paula's diary and she did an excellent job of describing her personal journey. All through the book, from cover to cover, I felt that I could appreciate the challenges she faced. I certainly got the feeling that this was more than just a pilgrimage, or walk. Truth be told it was more about Paul's personal trek. What obstacles and dilemmas she faced and how she conquered them, or at least did not succumb to them.
I am looking forward to Paula's next journal. Maybe, with the next one not covering such a long distance and period of time, Paula can add more description of her environment. Either way, it will certainly be on my wish list.
I enjoyed reading Paula's diary and she did an excellent job of describing her personal journey. All through the book, from cover to cover, I felt that I could appreciate the challenges she faced. I certainly got the feeling that this was more than just a pilgrimage, or walk. Truth be told it was more about Paul's personal trek. What obstacles and dilemmas she faced and how she conquered them, or at least did not succumb to them.
I am looking forward to Paula's next journal. Maybe, with the next one not covering such a long distance and period of time, Paula can add more description of her environment. Either way, it will certainly be on my wish list.
April 28, 2026
Paula decided to walk the famous Camino de Santiago.
She chose France as her starting point, with 500 miles stretching before her to reach her final destination, the Cathedral at Santiago. It’s an inspiring and courageous journey. The uncomfortable, noisy nights with snoring and dormitory life is enough to put me off this trek.
Thankfully Paula takes the armchair reader along the Camino with her vivid descriptions of everything she encounters along the way. She has to deal with the stress and anxiety of where to lay her head each night, and what to eat when. So many decisions and choices.
This is a raw, honest and unique account of five weeks on the Camino. What an amazing accomplishment!
NB At the back of the book there’s a helpful and interesting list of kit, and what should have been left behind. There’s also a very detailed account of her daily spending.
She chose France as her starting point, with 500 miles stretching before her to reach her final destination, the Cathedral at Santiago. It’s an inspiring and courageous journey. The uncomfortable, noisy nights with snoring and dormitory life is enough to put me off this trek.
Thankfully Paula takes the armchair reader along the Camino with her vivid descriptions of everything she encounters along the way. She has to deal with the stress and anxiety of where to lay her head each night, and what to eat when. So many decisions and choices.
This is a raw, honest and unique account of five weeks on the Camino. What an amazing accomplishment!
NB At the back of the book there’s a helpful and interesting list of kit, and what should have been left behind. There’s also a very detailed account of her daily spending.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed reading along to learn more about the Camino de Santiago, and to find out more about what a month on your feet might look like.
What I learned from Paula's experience is that whilst the walk is challenging, a whole lot of good can come from pushing yourself to do something out of your comfort zone... and whilst many people will travel same paths, no two people will ever have the same experience.
The book was such a great way to follow on from the journey in Paula's first book 'I Hope There's A Kettle in My Room', where she also pushed the boundaries of comfort and self exploration :)
What I learned from Paula's experience is that whilst the walk is challenging, a whole lot of good can come from pushing yourself to do something out of your comfort zone... and whilst many people will travel same paths, no two people will ever have the same experience.
The book was such a great way to follow on from the journey in Paula's first book 'I Hope There's A Kettle in My Room', where she also pushed the boundaries of comfort and self exploration :)
August 10, 2025
Although I love the idea of walking the Camino de Santiago, the truth is, I doubt I’ve ever been fit enough to do so myself, and as I have now begun my 8th decade, it’s not likely I will ever get there. This makes my first read of the journey and all it encompasses via Paula’s journal of her walk even more valuable for me to experience through her eyes and heart, as she shares her motivation, fears, challenges, and achievements of her own journey.
To the author I say, Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
As us often the case when I’m reading of experiences and places I have never been, I found myself googling villages and attractions she wrote about along the way.
To the author I say, Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
As us often the case when I’m reading of experiences and places I have never been, I found myself googling villages and attractions she wrote about along the way.
June 22, 2025
I admire Paula's courage in tackling this walk, as she admits, without much training. I enjoyed the format of daily diary entries, so I could dip in for a short while but still finish a chapter. And I totally applaud her fortitude in carrying on despite painful blisters. I learned a lot about the villages and countryside along the way - not all Camino memoirs focus on this - and about the kind of people who choose to do a walk like this. And also, I learned about Paula's mental progress, which was totally fascinating. I love books about long distance walks, and this is one of the best.
February 17, 2024
A good friend of mine from Wales recommended this book to me and I am so glad that she did!! (Thanks Maureen). I loved tagging along on the author's adventures through her tales describing the places she saw and the people she met. I found it heartwarming and very enjoyable, and it put a smile on my face! I was already planning my own Camino when I read the book, and now I am even more excited to go. Looking forward to reading more by Paula Rooney!
August 23, 2023
Such a great read following Paula on her journey to Santiago.
Lots of details and you feel as if you are walking alongside her, would be a great handbook for anyone up for the challenge of the Camino de Santiago.
Lots of details and you feel as if you are walking alongside her, would be a great handbook for anyone up for the challenge of the Camino de Santiago.
February 21, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. I might be slightly jealous as I would love to walk the Camino to Santiago
March 11, 2026
I really enjoy Paula's travel diaries. Feels like I'm there. As a person who always has blisters and painful feet, I felt her pain.
August 26, 2023
I love reading about other people's walks. Long distance walking throws up so many metaphors for life itself. I have walked the same Camino as Paula and her descriptions, of both the daily grind and the moments of sheer beauty, brought back some vivid memories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews