Throughout the book, the author explains some of the background to the history of the pilgrimage. From its medieval origins to its rebirth as a purging exercise for New Age disciples, the route has attracted its fair share of eccentric travellers. Among its more famous aficionados is Shirley Maclaine, and Moore wastes no time in ripping apart the book describing her journey. “Shirl’s book is so mad it howls at the moon," he says, "a book that with any name on its cover but that of a Hollywood legend would have had orderlies with soft, placatory smiles knocking on the author’s door.”

The spiritual aspects of the pilgrim route seem lost on Moore, and he spends much of the time poking fun at his earnest fellow travellers. Two Germans who eat an inordinate amount of candy are dubbed "the German chocolate girls", and an American woman given to telling conflicting stories about her origins becomes "Baroness von Munchausen".

That said, the book isn't without its heartwarming moments. For part of the route, Moore is joined by his family. His wife is Icelandic and their children’s names – Valdis, Kristjan, Lilja - bring a fairytale quality to the story. But Moore’s treatment of his children isn't in the least sentimental, and he's not above allowing them to upstage their father. When Shinto balks at yet another small bridge, his youngest daughter takes over. A few whispered words, Shinto’s ears prick up, and he’s across the bridge in no time, leaving the author to wonder what mystical power over animals has been imparted to his daughter.

At times, one wonders if they will ever make it to journey's end, especially since Moore comes across as being unprepared and pretty incompetent. But his pain is our gain. Every sun-scorched, rain-soaked, donkey-driven, blister-bursting moment gives the author cause to amuse and enlighten his readers.

The worrying thing is what crazy scheme might he come up with next? Across the Atlantic in a wheelbarrow? The Trans-Siberian Express pulled by huskies? I can only hope he never reads this: it'll only give him ideas.