A SWINDON youth worker has returned home after a heroic 500 mile trek along an ancient pilgrimage route in northern Spain.

It took Rob Burns 32 days to walk the famous Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, in aid of two local charities – youth charity BIOS, with whom he has worked for the past six years, and Swindon Foodbank.

Rob, 30, of Upper Stratton, said: “It was absolutely amazing. I knew it would be a wonderful experience, and it was. Every day brought unique challenges and different scenery.

“It was five weeks of kindness where people would look out for each other and make sure everyone was alright. People would offer food and water if it looked like you were flagging.”

The route stretches from the French border in north eastern Spain all the way to Galicia in the North West, and the destination, Santiago de Compostela, is the alleged burial site of the apostle St. James.

It has been the destination of the pilgrimage route since the beginning of the 9th century.

Rob returned home at around 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon after a rewarding, but very challenging, five week slog.

“It was hard work at times. I had Tendonitis for the last 160 miles. It took a mixture of pure perseverance and some pretty strong pain killers.

“At first it was easy enough to push through the pain. But the more it went on the harder it got.”

Most days, Rob started walking at around 6.30am. He would trek all day and sleep at night in a hostel along the way.

“One night I got attacked by bed bugs and ended up with around 80 bites on me. I also got bitten by a False Widow spider and my left leg swelled up like a balloon.

“There were moments when I wondered why I was doing it, but I always knew I would make it to the end.

“One night I did a night walk which finished at 4:30am, and the only place I could find for shelter was a builder’s toilet.

“At the start they give a detailed plan but I went completely off schedule. One day I walked 30 miles and on another I only managed six.

“I would definitely recommend it to others. I loved it and would certainly do it again.”

Rob offered some advice to those thinking about taking on the challenge. “Listen to your body and don’t do too much. Also, don’t plan it too carefully, you will probably not stick to it.”

Before he set off, Rob was hoping to raise £1,000 – £500 for each charity – and up to now he has managed £1,100, with more still expected.