A woman who took on 65 miles of the Camino de Santiago, a popular network of pilgrimage routes in Europe, said she was “thrilled” to have completed the challenge.

Bermudian Suzanne De Couto and her friend, Karen Oatley, who lives on the island, walked in ten to 15-mile stages to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

The church, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the final point for many pilgrims walking or cycling the voyage in the north west region of Spain.

The remains of Saint James, often referred to as James the Greater, are said to be buried at the site, which is in the city of Santiago.

The women made the trip between April 22 and 26 as part of Ms Oatley’s 60th birthday celebrations.

They were joined by Ms Oatley’s sisters, Terra Harper and Caroline Fraley from California.

Ms De Couto said there were specific conditions that must be met to become certified pilgrims.

She explained: “We had to complete at least 100 kilometres or 62 miles and get two passport stamps each day from various sources such as hotels, cafés and retail stores along the route.”

She added: “I feel proud and very thrilled that I was able to complete it. You finish it with a sense of accomplishment.”

Ms De Couto said: “The hills were definitely challenging. We did have a walk plan beforehand and did many walks starting about four weeks before we left.”

She added: “Another challenge is you do not get a break, you are walking five days straight.

“If we ever do it again we will consider having a break in between.”

After uplifting their Camino passports, the group started the journey along a route called the Portuguese Way in the city of Vigo, Spain — the first leg being a 15-mile hike.

Ms De Couto described that stretch as “one of the longest and the highest point up a mountain”.

She said: “The hills were steep and took our breath away, but the view at the end was worth it.

“On a clear day, we could see across Vigo to Arcade, where we would end up next.”

Leaving Vigo was challenging, she said, since there were not many signs on the route.

Ms De Couto explained: “Throughout the walk, there were stone pillars with the Camino logo telling us where to go and how far to go until the finish, but unfortunately, there were not many signs on this particular leg.”

The group’s first stop was at the village of Arcade where they spent the night before they headed to the town of Pontevedra on an 11-mile walk.

Ms De Couto said: “Along the route, many locals were selling their handmade jewellery, leather pieces, artwork and souvenirs.

“The locals were welcoming along the route, and it felt like going back in time in some places.”

The group arrived at Pontevedra earlier than expected and learnt more about the area.

Ms De Couto said: “One of the local dishes was octopus, which was prepared in many ways, and it was fascinating to watch how they were made, sometimes in open kitchens.

“The other interesting thing to learn was that soda was more expensive than wine, which was all locally made, of course.

“At every meal, they would offer local olives and fresh bread.”

From Pontevedra, the group walked 13 miles to the city of Caldas de Reis.

Ms De Couto recalled: “Along the route, the smell of roses was gorgeous scattered among all the flora and fauna.”

Next, the group headed to the town of Padron, which was expected to be a 12-mile hike.

However, Ms De Couto explained: “We found out that it was 12 miles to the village and our bed and breakfast was another three miles outside the village.”

She said it was “a little challenging, but dinner was another highlight as the owner of the restaurant picked us up and then dropped us off at the end of our meal”.

Ms De Couto said the last leg of the journey — 15 miles — was “the most exhilarating and spiritual part of the whole walk”.

She added: “Watching the city and the cathedral come closer and closer while walking just builds your excitement.”

That stretch was “the most populated as there were lots of folks not just on foot, but also on bikes”.

Ms De Couto said: “Along the route, we would run into people from around the world speaking many different languages.”

The group grew accustomed to the greeting “Buen Camino”, which translates togood road.

However, Ms De Couto said: “It can also mean good path, path being physically or spiritually.

“It is the greeting shared by pilgrims, hikers, and bicyclers and with local people who wish you well along your route.”

The women set their sights on another adventure in Nashville, Tennessee next year, when they plan to attempt a Spartan obstacle course race.