In 844, at the Battle of Clavijo, the Apostle is said to have appeared riding a horse. Pilgrimages were made to the shrine to St. James, following several routes lined with hostels monasteries and churches. The walk was very popular in 11th and 12th century because the Palestinian religious sites were not accessible due to war with the Turks. It became one of the top three Christian pilgrimages, along with Jerusalem and Rome. Due to problems with thieves, pilgrims would travel in groups and dress distinctively, wearing a broad brimmed hat, carrying a staff and a scallop shell, the emblem of St. James and the symbol of the pilgrim.
People still travel the pilgrim's road, walking, cycling and driving.
The route has its dangers still and people so go in groups, for safety and companionship. The Meeting Point Home Page is an international list of people who are interested in making a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Unfortunately, the link seems to only work intermittently. A very informative and humorous book, combining Spanish history, Freemasonry, the Knights Templar and pastoral settings with the arduous 500 mile journey from France to Santiago. Hitt interacts with a bizarre cast of characters and does a great job of sounding miserable and exhilarated at the same time.