Has anyone been watching Pilgramage on BBC2?

[QuiQuaiQuod]

Fridays at 9pm. Last one tomorrow.

really enjoying it, its a good easy watch, no histrionics from the celebs, or competitiveness, and very thought provoking too.

I don't really like that vicar kate but shes been quite good on this, not pushing her beliefs onto anyone, waiting for them to ask her questions, and all seemingly genuinely interested in each others beliefs/non beliefs and viewpoints.

And good that's its on at this time of year.

Hope they do a nother series.

I've been watching it and all like it.
But that Vicar Kate is a big moaning, attention - hogging idiot.

The others seem nice though. Heather seems a bit lost, I want her her to find a supportive church that she feels she belongs in.

Yes, I'm enjoying this when I catch it late on Monday night. Kate is annoying though. Everyone else's experience is reduced to "that's God working in you".

Agree about Heather.

Yes Kate is a mony so and so, but I actually admire her here for being real (unless she really is attention seeking and camera hogging) and not false grinning and 'alleluia, praise the Lord etc'' and actually saying shes tired and grumpy IYKWIM.

Id like another series with Richard Coles another tv vicar in it, and see how he thinks and manages the walk.

Id love to do that walk but I'm disabled so no way! -unless Jesus tells me to pick up my mat and walk .

Kate just seems really insubstantial. You're right, she continually says 'that's god in you' and she was totally unable to have an intelligent conversation with Ed about the root/source of morals - ie are they only from Christianity or can they come from elsewhere.

She no longer has a 'patch' - is she just a telly vicar now?

I've been enjoying it, especially seeing all the different places along the way, but it's a shame they missed the opportunity to have a practising Catholic as part of the group as it's essentially a Catholic pilgrimage. I thought there were some slightly negative undertones towards the faith e.g. when some of the former Catholics refused to go in one of the churches.

I’ve enjoyed it so far, I’m not a fan of Kate particularly but I think I’d be moaning too. They’d have had to drag me away from the wine fountain

Nice to see Neil Morrissey being a bit more down to earth

Loving this, even the moaning vicar. I think I'd moan too!

I'm really enjoying it but I can't bear Kate. She's so pushy and all 'me, me, me'. She comes across as very fake and desperate to be famous.

It's quite interesting watching how the different people progress and interact and face the challenge of the walk. And gorgeous scenery!

I'd love to have a go at the walk.
If anyone's interested, there's a film called The Way which I thought was good.

Yes the film is on later tonight on the same channel. Found it a better watch after I had done my Camino.
Ed was my fave. 'snoring like a a cat in porridge'

Ah, that's handy then.
How was your walk Spongeface?

Fantastic! I just did a softy version from Sarria but I have been back for a few more wee ones and loved them. So we'll supported, fun and the people you meet along the way is fab. Next one booked from porto! Have you done it?

That's great! No I've not done it yet. I think I'd start off with the softy version first as well.
Do you go on a group tour? And what would you class as a good beginner route/duration. Sorry if I don't reply straight back. Will do later this aft.

We love this programme and the film " The Way" myself and my husband would love to do this in the future

I agree Peony I have sometimes watched British history programs where the historian is talking about Catholic practices in the 15th century as ancient history. I'm thinking we are still using those same rituals and prayers as modern Catholics! There is such an anti-Catholic slate in the general media as most journos are incredibly ignorant of religion and can make crass references to Christianity whatever the tradition or denomination; Catholicism however they seem to think disappeared at the reformation.

It's very common I find that they use a site still sacred to Catholics and miss the entire deeper spiritual meaning. I haven't watched this show but if it is the pilgramage to the Shrine of St James in Spain it is pretty laughable to have no practicing Catholics.

Who would make a show about a pilgrimage to Mecca without a single devout Muslim?

For a shorter Camino, try the Camino Ingles, starting at Ferrol. This is long enough to gain you your certificate, but is nothing like as crowded as the later stages of the Camino Frances. It still has its own challenges, but can be done in less than a week. Don't start at La Coruna, because that is not long enough.

I watched bits of it but couldn’t bring myself to watch all because I have been yearning to do the Via Francigena - the Italian version which takes you from Rome to Jerusalem via Tuscany. There’s a bit from Canterbury to Rome too. I don’t think I am spiritual enough to do it!

@Vitalogy sorry for the delay i'm at work!
We got a bunch of us from my walking group and just went together and met folk along the way... Happy bunch of travellers! It's really well set up for pilgrims with hostels and special menus all the way. We did it from Sarria in 4 days but 5 would have been more comfortable... Take a week if you want shorter days. We started early and were in the pub by 2 most days!

@perigina agree, ingles is good but I struggled a bit for 'provisions' on the way and as a solo traveller I didn't meet meant people... Which is what I wanted. More isolated went for hours without seeing another pilgrim. Agree tho in the last few years the French way is insane! The 'disneyland' Camino!

I'm in love with Ed Byrne

Vicar Kate is a total pain in the rear - how dare she tell that brave man who has survived decades in prison after a wrongful conviction that he is "being guided, but just doesn't know it." The arrogance of the woman defies belief! I salute this brave man who, by his own efforts, has risen above this without bitterness.

The temptation to preach seems to have been beyond her ability to resist.

I was impressed by the non-religious walkers and their thoughtful contributions, free from formulaic mantras.

I loved it when she said "I am not Jesus" - well, do you know Kate, no-one thought you were!

I didn't do the Ingles on my own - I went with my family. Most days we saw some other people, but I agree, not always very many. One day especially we were glad that we'd stocked up with food the night before, because there was nowhere much to stop.

@Spongeface Thanks for reply. This is it, I could do with joining a walking group. I know of one near me so I need to make the put and join it! Sounds like there's lots of different routes. I like the idea of starting early and finishing early like you did. I wouldn't mind taking two weeks maybe on a longer route. And finally finishing at the ocean. I was thinking beginning or end of the Summertime next year. Avoiding the heat of August. What time of year do you think is best?

I loved the series but Kate is most off putting. I don’t believe she’s genuine.

Debby McGhee seems like a lovely woman. I’ve enjoyed watching her on tv over the last 6 months.

The journalist? Mhhmmm.

Everyone else seemed like really good company.

What time of year do you think is best?

A friend attempted it in its entirety during the winter. Ten days or so in his feet looked as if they’d been through a mincer and he ended up rather unwell due to the weather.

He’s a very troubled soul and he was only ever going to try it the very very hard way.