The Only Way Is West: A Once In a Lifetime Adventure Walking 500 Miles On Spain's Camino de Santiago

by Bradley Chermside

Praise in Amazon Reviews for The Only Way Is ★★★★★ "I loved this book. For anyone interested in the Camino, this is a must read." - Kate★★★★★ "Great read for anyone who likes travel memoirs written with honesty, emotion and humour." - French Village Diaries.★★★★★ "Reading this brilliant, funny book has reignited my desire to walk the Camino de Santiago." - Amazon Customer.★★★★★ "The writing is poignant and beautiful. Brad had me laughing out loud one minute and crying the next." - Mr Thomas McDonnell.



From the Back CoverWhat would you do if you were given €20 in Greece with an email address scribbled on

1. Spend it?

2. Slip the suspect counterfeit bill into an enemy’s birthday card?

3. Send an email, hoping it will lead to you finding everlasting love?

Brad, a hopeless romantic, chose the latter...

Two years later, his love life remains a disaster and his career is misfiring. As he’s about to walk Spain’s fabled Camino de Santiago to ponder some profound life changes, Brad receives a reply.

Incredibly, it’s from a woman who lives on the pilgrimage path, far away from where the money first crossed his palm. She invites him to sleep… ‘on her house.’

Hiking 900km on the Road to Santiago to a blind date with the mystery €20 woman, Brad has the adventure of a lifetime.

His heart is warmed by fellow pilgrims and natives who give him more reason than ever to believe in the kindness of the human spirit; he befriends a hilarious Hungarian who speaks English in song titles and has his raison d’être revealed to him by a barefoot Mayan mystic.

Will he meet his happily-ever-after along the way too?

Scroll up and buy this pacy, laugh-out-loud travelogue to find out NOW...



Mainstream Media "A heartfelt memoir that made me howl with laughter throughout. A wonderful read." - Kevin Hand, BBC London.



More Praise in Amazon Reviews for The Only Way Is ★★★★★ "Probably the best book I've ever read." - D Clay.

★★★★★ "Fantastic read, can't wait for the next book." - Amazon Customer

★★★★★ "I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down." - Georine

★★★★★ "A fast-paced, inspiring romp of a book with a joyous charm throughout." - Brendan

★★★★★ "I've read over 60 Camino books. This fits easily into my top 5." - Alastair W.

★★★★★ "Best book of 2019." - Will.

The Only Way Is West - An International Bestseller in the Following Categories & *Bestseller in UK - Humorous Essays, Travelogues and Adventurer & Explorer Biography.

*Bestseller in Canada - Humorous Essays & Travelogues.

*Bestseller in Australia - Humorous Essays & Travelogues.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Spain, Memoir, Walking, Biography Memoir, Humor

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2019

Reviews

[Lee Prescott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conflicted over this book - on the one hand it's well written and has a great yoghurt joke but on the other, it read like the editor of 'Loaded' on Tour a lot of time time. By the end, I wasn't convinced the Camino had worked its magic on the author - referring to folks who only walk the last 100 km as 'Plastic Pilgrims' doesn't show much tolerance and so the sections explaining the change the Camino can bring felt false.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read so many books about walking the Camino and it was high ranking in my bucket list. This book has cured me of ever wanting to do this and I am looking for another walk. I listened to this as an audiobook which was probably a mistake. The narrator’s style was completely off putting but given the book is about a long walk I persevered. The author is certainly the archetypal British lad who defined all the women he met by their appearance. Despite all of his declarations of the non judgemental and loving nature of the Camino he spared nothing in his criticism of people who were not doing the walk his way. If he is typical of young men walking the Camino I don’t want to be the subject of their scrutiny and criticism simply because I’m not walking far enough or my pack isn’t heavy enough hence my decision to look for another walk. The authors labelling of anyone not doing the walk his way as plastic pilgrims was judgemental and immature.Meanwhile the book ends with the author sleeping on the beach with other walkers in Finisterre. There is no consideration of how the locals feel about this or the environmental impacts of creating fires from local wood and leaving waste around. The walk was obviously a life changer and I am glad the author gained so much in his life from it. The book was disappointing.

[Conor Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adolescent period

I get it, I really do. It's just that 30 years on, it's actually not fun to spend time with this shallow, pointless version of Everyman.
He's in a glorious old forest where the soul of the planet is so close you can smell it, and what does he do? He throws stones at trees.
I get it, it's real. It's young. It's what testosterone fuelled adolescents do, and it's how they mature. But from a long distance in time it's hard to honour the trite 'insights'.
Go well, Bradley. Practise writing better. Explore the depths and leave the shallows for good.
Then I think you will have a book inside you that might actually change hearts and minds. Sending love xx

[Simon Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has completed a long distance walk of any kind, this is a definite book to read and connect with on so many levels. The descriptions of the Camino are excellent (even if like me you’ve not walked it yet, but hope to do so one day) but the descriptions of solitude, companionship and simple connectivity with other people for whatever reason (good and originally bad) Is excellently described in this book. I loved it.

[Fleeno · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first this wasnt too bad but I quickly grew tried of the journey. Maybe it's the style of writing, I find it hard to believe that every day covering such beautiful landscape cant be interesting. Or maybe it is one of those things better lived than relayed.
I'm not super clear on why the author decided to go on this long walk of the Camino or what prep he did before hand. He makes it sound as though he did none and just decided to go like walking hundreds of miles is something anyone can do at the drop of a hat. As someone who is very unlikely to ever have the physical capability of walking the Camino I was hoping to live vicariously through this books but I didn't feel connected to this pilgrimage at all. He could have driven the last half and I wouldnt have cared. Maybe he did for all I know, to be honest I started to skim read pretty heavily after a while

[Maren Misner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars with and asterisk: avoid the audiobook!

I really wanted to like this book. My heart goes out to any peregrino who pours their soul onto paper. But this one just bothered me. I do wonder if I would have enjoyed it more and, perhaps, interpreted it differently, had I not listened to the audio book. But the narrator was painful to listen to, and made the author come across not in a favorable light. If you’re looking forward to reading this book, avoid the audio book. Maybe that will make a difference.

[Mr K · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that not only describes the Camino vividly enough to make you share every step but also carries you on a journey and forces you to feel the highs, lows, laughter and euphoria. Uplifting and inspirational. One you'll return to regularly for the fun and friendship.

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! The book made me laugh, feel sad and most of all feel proud of the author. Very well written. Recommending it to everyone!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this memoir! I enjoyed his story of finding the Camino de Santiago and his self-discovery along the way. His story is really touching with some humor throughout. He met an incredible group of people during all parts of his hike and it was fascinating to see them come and go from his story. His experience is a testament that there is a reason for people coming into our lives. I appreciated the end, including some chapters about his life after the Camino and discovering ways to incorporate his experience into his everyday life.

[Bronwen Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Such an accurate representation of what happens on the Camino and what you get out of it!! Makes me want to do another one asap

[Anne Sopiarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this memoir! After ten years of dreaming, I am starting to plan my Camino with my bestie from CA. Maybe in 2025 or 2026 we will walk! I'll read all the Camino books now! 🥾

[Peter Curran · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to agree with some who post on here, rather a bit too much condescension going on, there is a more subtle way to describe how you feel about a woman and the way they look. Rather than turning oneself into a stereotypical heterosexual type that can really make people see you in a certain light, by putting it down on paper that way.
Also, for a pilgrim on the camino to have a writing technique that really shows ignorance and naivety towards Catholicism, "prayer aerobics" springs to mind how the author describes the way worshippers praise God at mass. In the authors own self indulgent way, he tries to wittily point some sort of fun at fellow pilgrims who were just simply devout in their pilgrimage. If it were another religion, let's say Islam for example, if the author were to go to a religiously important place for them and mock there devoutedness, would that be acceptable? Maybe the funny clothes they wear, are some sarcastic comment about how they get up at all hours during Ramadan after being called to prayer? I think not. Simple approach to writing humorously , a writer can be even funnier with a correct and respectful approach.
Now don't get me wrong, I haven't a religious bone in my body. But I respect people whoever they are. I don't think the author did.
And, a pile of typo's and bad word choices to add.

[Dan Foord · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring little gem of a book. I'm more likely to write my email address on banknotes than walk 500 miles but I was inspired all the same.

[Elayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny but with depth, joy in walking

I decided to read this as we were travelling the camino by narrow gauge train, the Feve. Not the same route exactly but. I can't walk so... I wanted to explore the pilgrims route by osmosis. This was the book I chose. And I am glad. I'm also glad Brad found his way in the end.. do read it if you are interested in the pilgrimage or Northern Spain. It is a different country and well worth a visit.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thousands of ‘pilgrims’ make this journey on the Camino every year, following the ancient route over the Pyrénées and across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, where the bones of St James are said to rest.

Bradley is one such person and this memoir tells of his journey, from the planning, his arrival in France, his blisters and sleepless nights along the way, the people he meets and the mysterious girl he hopes will be waiting for him. His writing style is funny, his descriptions and observations, especially of those he shares his Camino with, bring his journey to life, and I enjoyed every page. He certainly fanned the flame of fire within me to make my Camino dream a reality one day.

This book is mostly his account from the journal he kept, but also includes some of the emails sent to friends and family and their words of encouragement, that always seemed to arrive just when he needed them most. The Camino is tough on the body; the grueling terrain and nights spent in large hostels with shared dormitories and basic facilities. Plus, with long, hot days, often walking alone, there is time outside of your normal routine for your head to think and make decisions. I really enjoyed the experience of following Brad and couldn’t wait to see if he found what he was looking for at the end of his journey and also discover how the Camino changed him and shaped his future.

This book would be a great read for anyone planning their own Camino, or for those who like adventure and travel memoirs written with honesty, emotion and humour.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried about reading and then reviewing this book. I went to school with Brad and haven't really seen him since leaving over 20 years ago, however I still didn't want to hurt his feelings if I didn't like his debut book. I'm told I can be a little blunt at times which can, inadvertently, cause offence. But...I needn't have worried. The writing flows, it's well written with no spelling mistakes or missing words which I have found with other self published books.
It made me laugh...a lot, I could see his Essex humour coming through and the teenager I remember from school was still present. He tells the story of his journey, which is so much more than walking from one place to the other. His self discovery, the people he meets along the way, the mystery woman who left her email address on a €20 note. I loved reading this, I laughed, I wanted to reach out to Brad and give him a huge hug when he was low; I related to his dealings with his own mental health and how he finds who he truly is.
My husband also read the book, he is not a reader and usually only reads autobiographies by sports men. He also loved it, he probably related to Brad's journey more than I did, and now wants to find his own pilgrimage.
The only fault I found in the book was the font in the printed version, for me it was a little harsh on the eye, but this is being really picky.
I can't recommend this book more. Well done Brad.

[Terry McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

He seen the camino

I have walked the Camino 4 and a bit times. It takes me around 6 weeks. Along with other pilgrims, we always reckoned that someone who walked so fast covering 40 to 50 km a day could not possibly experience the Camino and were missing so much. Well, we were wrong. Brad proves that you can do it in a short time and still get the depth of feelings to be found in NW Spain. I must go back and edit my own book to reflect this revelation. Well done young man and Buen Camino. I am sure that like this 70 year old pilgrim, you will be back. Wish I had discovered it at your age

[Susanna Polakov · Rating 4 out of 5]

The light read, inspiring one to make a similar journey. I loved the fact that the author told the story to the end, with him moving to Spain and looking for ways to make a living there, instead of making us guess about what happened next. 4 stars instead of 5 are explained by the fact that it became repetitious for the last 150-200 km. There are after all only that many albergues with snoring people abound with that many sandwiches to be eaten and shared with that many random people one can meet on one’s journey. A more concise account could have potentially fetched a higher rating from me.

[Grumpy Old Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable autobiographical tale of life on the Camino de Santiago of a young lost soul searching for his place in the world. I ended up full of empathy for our hero lost on the tides of pilgrim trail. I felt his emotional roller coaster. O have read several books on the camino and I think I will remember this one the most.

[Clare Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!! As a seasoned long distance walker in the UK I hope someday to walk the Camino! Brad’s account and journey really resonated - capturing the ups and downs of walking day after day perfectly. Some real laugh out loud moments as well as leaving me with a pining for my next long distance walk!

[Paul Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This walk is on my bucket list, however reading this during lockdown allowed me a taste of what's to come from my armchair.
Brad really came across well with his adventures and experiences, one of those where late at night when you should go asleep, you just have to read one more chapter.
If your interested in the Santiago de Camino or any walking, thoroughly recommend this book.

[Alastair Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read this excellent account of the Author's experiences as he walked the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela. It is lively interesting and gets you on the paths with him and the varied people he meets and some he gets to know.

[Francis Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, genuine and actually nicely inspiring. The author has no pretence about being a great author but he tells a good take with genuine warmth and enthusiasm with some lovely observations about fellow pilgrims. Glad I read it!

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read !

A little better than a lot of Santiago books, I am a bit baffled by people like him who see it as a life changing event. But I am one of life's sceptics. I hope he does more.

[martyn yeoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super read !

A great read ! Clearly a well thought out book on his experiences walking the Camino ! Highly recommend ! Well written and made to feel as if you are his walking buddy ! Thank you ! My taste for adventure keeps on growing following reading this!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book a great read, what a journey.

Fantastic book, honest, fair and open about himself. The hopes and the trials of the pilgrimage and it's effect on him. Absolutely enthralling and wonderfully descriptive about the places and people met along the way.

[Marguerite Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed sharing the highs and lows of your journey...one I would have loved to have done...but never made the opportunity. I visited Santiago when I was 14 but at that age didn’t grasp the significance. Thank you again letting me walk it in my mind.

[Sarita Iyengar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting count of what it takes to walk the Camino del Santiago. And as with life it is a long marathon and not a sprint ...take it in and live in the moment.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very Good Read

Enjoyable, informative, inspiring.
So well written and honest. I read this in preparation for my own Camino, it was insightful and entertaining.

[Ms B Doolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book ! humorous , engaging ,heart warming and inspiring. One of the best books about this wonderful walking experience.