Go Your Own Way: Following in the footsteps of Martin Sheen on the Way of St James

by John Lloyd

I'm not in the habit of personally recreating the films of Martin Sheen, but a chance viewing of "The Way" changed all that. Somewhat strangely, the touching tale of a father who treks across Spain in tribute to a son who has passed away on a pilgrimage lit a spark in me that just would not go out. That spark, a desire to follow in his footsteps on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela, burned ever brighter in my mind until I set aside the last few weeks of my 40s to start my own Camino de Santiago. Of course, I soon discovered that the Hollywood version of The Way of St James was a little different to the real-life experience of a peregrino. For one thing, there were a lot more flies. Actually, the real Camino was more of an adventure than I could ever have dreamt. Things kept happening – things that I might never have believed if I’d seen them on screen. Here’s what happened, written as recorded at the time, in diary form.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2020

About the author

John Hardress Wilfred Lloyd is an English television and radio comedy producer and writer. His television work includes Not the Nine O'Clock News, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Spitting Image, Blackadder and QI. He is currently the presenter of BBC Radio 4's The Museum of Curiosity.

Reviews

[Carole Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several years ago now I watched the film The Way starring Martin Sheen. He played a man whose son had died whilst walking the Camino de Santiago, the way of St James. Sheen’s character decided to walk it in homage to his son and I was so enchanted with the countryside that I wanted to walk it too. Needless to say, I never did. But John Lloyd did, not only that but he wrote a book about what it was like, in a diary each day. It is not a long book, but absolutely packed with photos, of the Way, the pilgrims walking it, telling of the people he met and the the scrapes he got into. At the end of each day, he gives a little tally of what the Albergue (a sort of hostel for pilgrims) was like, his health, his feet, and his orange juice and Pineapple Solero intake, and how many times that day ‘Buen Camino’ was said. I enjoyed the book and the photos - and now walking the Camino is my ambition once more!

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my Camino favorites

Over the last couple of years, I’ve easily read over 50 Camino books. This is my favorite: I always loved how John ended each day with his tally, and the humor he shares with his readers. Thank you John.

[Christine R. Boule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

The book was great and I really enjoyed your reviews of your days and nights. Your pictures were fantastic.. The only thing missing was a little about yourself but for your own reasons you chose not to share..great book!

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ok book but not a page turner, lots of photos in there which means it should have been a quick read. The writer is quit likable but not the most engaging traveling companion, also he as a tendency to give details about people and situations but not enough to create a full picture.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking read

This is a fabulous account of the camino. It's succinct and informative while also being quite sweet and wholesome. It's never preachy but yet it carries a message of moral values to the reader. I loved it. Thanks for sharing your experience John

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy to read

This is a humorous, no frills story of one man’s pilgrimage. Lots of fun and some practical information as well.