If you have any concerns about having to sleep in shared dormetories or rushing to get the best bed for night as you move ever westwards, you needn't worry. The accommodation is sorted for you. And we're rather fussy when it comes to selecting the places you'll stay each night.

For us, a great place to stay needs a clear sense of place and identity, a big comfortable bed that you can sink into at the end of a busy day and owners who we'll enjoy working with and take pride in introducing you to.

Tasty local food, memorable views and a well-stocked bar are all more than welcome too, naturally.

Of those you will likely stay in, there are naturally some highlights along the way: a beautiful converted monastery in Roncesvalles right at the start, a 16th century watermill set in its own biosphere reserve in Galicia and a modern architectural masterpiece in La Rioja.

Along the Camino del Norte your surrounds are as varied as a relaxed fishing harbour, the 17th century Baroque elegance of one of Spain's prettiest towns and the lively pintxos bars of San Sebastian.