Transform Your Life by Walking — Jackie Jarvis
Share in one woman’s thoughts as she hikes across Spain
Reviews
There is something about walking in the countryside that gives you space to reflect and be creative. This space is precisely what Jackie Jarvis found when she walked five pilgrimage routes (Caminos) to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Jackie’s simple, regular prose matches the rhythm of a walk. Her thoughts, observations and questions float into her text just as they must have floated into her mind as she progressed along the Caminos. Transform Your Life By Walking is not a memoir; it is not a diary; it is not a self-help book. It is a personal adventure and a call to reflection that belongs to a category of its own - to an in-between space that echoes the Caminos, those in-between pilgrimage routes in Spain. As we accompany her on her journey, she gently prompts us to consider how we can lighten our burdens, let go of what doesn’t matter, and turn adversity into strength. The good news is you don’t need to go to Spain to benefit from Jackie’s insights. All you need to do is mull over her suggestions on a country walk or give yourself time to ponder them at home, at work, in your car - wherever you find yourself. If that’s not enough, this book is packed with beautiful colour photos. I want to walk a Camino now. In fact, I am already planning my trip.
Zoe Jasko, author of What the Wind Saw: Short Stories from the Heart of Hertfordshire
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If you are a walker you will devour this delight of a book and it will feed your soul, but if you are not a walker Jackie’s thoughts and questions will make you think - its food for your mind.
Verified Purchase
If you are thinking about walking the Caminos this book gives you an honest insight to help you plan; if you are looking for insight into walking the journey of life, Jackie will inspire you with helpful questions as she journeys the Camino; and if you are just wondering if you are carrying too much in your backpack through life, Jackie's words will help you look more deeply at what you have picked up along the way. I look forward to sharing this book with my walking friends.
Verified Purchase
A lovely description of the author's experiences in meeting challenges and coming out the other side. Touches on history, philosophy, geography, health and wellbeing, and of course expedition walking. A lot of things close to my heart so great to see them combined in this way.
An enjoyable and insightful book. After reading it I came away with and will retain and practice some of the messages
Jackie shares her experience of walking different sections of the Camino. Walking alone for much of her journey, Jackie gives us an insight into her thoughts which evoke questions we can all relate to.
It's easy to read, full of photographs, and if you haven't considered walking the Camino before, you probably will after reading this.
Verified Purchase
I read both your books with huge appreciation for your inspiring words and great bravery in revealing your inner self in such a helpful way. You portrayed walking as a source of joy, balance and peace for yourself and others who have the privilege of sharing your journey with you. Walking as a way of connecting with ‘soul’ was an excellent progression from Go Slow to Grow. I love these words of Thich Nhat Hanh-
I have arrived
I am home
In the here
In the now
I am solid
I am free
In the ultimate
I dwell.
Your wise words encapsulated that experience, thank you, dear Jackie, for sharing them with me.
Verified Purchase
Reading Jackie’s book helped to persuade me to plan my first Camino. As well as providing personal insights into different routes, it raised questions about the reasons you might go on a Camino, which I found interesting and useful to think about before the walking began. In fact I read this book twice. I ended up on the Portuguese route and it was an amazing experience; I'm already planning my next Camino.
Verified Purchase
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Description
Discover the life-changing power of walking, mindfulness, and self-reflection in this inspiring walking journey book. Transform Your Life by Walking takes you step-by-step across six of the most iconic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes in Spain, offering deep insights into personal growth, mental wellbeing, and the healing benefits of walking for health, spiritual transformation, and self-discovery.
About This Book:
Walking isn’t just exercise — it’s a way to unlock clarity, peace and resilience. In Transform Your Life by Walking, Jackie Jarvis shares her solo walking adventure across 3,000+ kilometres of Camino paths, revealing how each step became a lesson in presence, purpose, and inner strength. Rich with personal reflections, philosophical insights, and beautiful colour photographs, this book blends travel memoir, inspirational writing, and wellness wisdom into a compelling read.
Perfect For Fans Of:
- Camino de Santiago travel books and pilgrim stories
- Walking memoirs and outdoor adventure books
- Books on mindfulness, wellbeing and personal development
- Walking guides and inspiration for walking for fitness, health benefits of walking, walking journeys and walking retreats
- Readers seeking inspirational self-help books that focus on emotional healing and life transformation
Why You’ll Love It:
- Inspiring insights gained while walking long-distance pilgrimage routes
- Encouragement to start walking for health, happiness and mental clarity
- A unique blend of travel narrative, reflection and life lessons
- Ideal for anyone planning the Camino or dreaming of their own walking journey
Reader Praise:
Readers describe this book as “a deeply thoughtful and uplifting journey that makes you feel like you are walking alongside the author” and “a powerful reminder of how walking outdoors can transform thinking, reduce stress, and inspire purposeful living.”
Transform Your Body, Mind and Soul — One Step at a Time
Whether you’re heading out on a long-distance hike, planning the Camino de Santiago, or simply looking to walk more for health and happiness, this book is your companion for harnessing the healing benefits of walking and nature, finding mindfulness in each step, and discovering how a simple walk can transform your life. Start your journey today — you don’t need to go to Spain to begin the transformation.
Further details
190 pages
We also publish on Amazon in their proprietary Kindle format.
Reviews
There is something about walking in the countryside that gives you space to reflect and be creative. This space is precisely what Jackie Jarvis found when she walked five pilgrimage routes (Caminos) to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Jackie’s simple, regular prose matches the rhythm of a walk. Her thoughts, observations and questions float into her text just as they must have floated into her mind as she progressed along the Caminos. Transform Your Life By Walking is not a memoir; it is not a diary; it is not a self-help book. It is a personal adventure and a call to reflection that belongs to a category of its own - to an in-between space that echoes the Caminos, those in-between pilgrimage routes in Spain. As we accompany her on her journey, she gently prompts us to consider how we can lighten our burdens, let go of what doesn’t matter, and turn adversity into strength. The good news is you don’t need to go to Spain to benefit from Jackie’s insights. All you need to do is mull over her suggestions on a country walk or give yourself time to ponder them at home, at work, in your car - wherever you find yourself. If that’s not enough, this book is packed with beautiful colour photos. I want to walk a Camino now. In fact, I am already planning my trip.
Zoe Jasko, author of What the Wind Saw: Short Stories from the Heart of Hertfordshire
Verified Purchase
If you are a walker you will devour this delight of a book and it will feed your soul, but if you are not a walker Jackie’s thoughts and questions will make you think - its food for your mind.
Verified Purchase
If you are thinking about walking the Caminos this book gives you an honest insight to help you plan; if you are looking for insight into walking the journey of life, Jackie will inspire you with helpful questions as she journeys the Camino; and if you are just wondering if you are carrying too much in your backpack through life, Jackie's words will help you look more deeply at what you have picked up along the way. I look forward to sharing this book with my walking friends.
Verified Purchase
A lovely description of the author's experiences in meeting challenges and coming out the other side. Touches on history, philosophy, geography, health and wellbeing, and of course expedition walking. A lot of things close to my heart so great to see them combined in this way.
An enjoyable and insightful book. After reading it I came away with and will retain and practice some of the messages
Jackie shares her experience of walking different sections of the Camino. Walking alone for much of her journey, Jackie gives us an insight into her thoughts which evoke questions we can all relate to.
It's easy to read, full of photographs, and if you haven't considered walking the Camino before, you probably will after reading this.
Verified Purchase
I read both your books with huge appreciation for your inspiring words and great bravery in revealing your inner self in such a helpful way. You portrayed walking as a source of joy, balance and peace for yourself and others who have the privilege of sharing your journey with you. Walking as a way of connecting with ‘soul’ was an excellent progression from Go Slow to Grow. I love these words of Thich Nhat Hanh-
I have arrived
I am home
In the here
In the now
I am solid
I am free
In the ultimate
I dwell.
Your wise words encapsulated that experience, thank you, dear Jackie, for sharing them with me.
Verified Purchase
Reading Jackie’s book helped to persuade me to plan my first Camino. As well as providing personal insights into different routes, it raised questions about the reasons you might go on a Camino, which I found interesting and useful to think about before the walking began. In fact I read this book twice. I ended up on the Portuguese route and it was an amazing experience; I'm already planning my next Camino.
Verified Purchase