The El Camino Story

El Camino began with a simple idea.

In 2013, while hiking the coastline between Barcelona and Monaco, we found ourselves wishing there was a way to capture the places we'd explored and the memories we were making along the way. Days were spent walking coastal trails, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, camping under the stars and talking around campfires about the adventures we'd never forget.

Tom and Candace, founders of El Camino, exploring the coast

When we returned home to Oxfordshire, those conversations became reality.

Working from Tom's dad's home, we began handmaking the very first El Camino bracelets. Each one featured engraved beads that represented the destinations, adventures and memories of the person wearing it. Those first bracelets were made for friends and family, and it was during this time that we chose the name "El Camino" in tribute to the Spanish roots of the journey that inspired it all.

Tom and Candace, founders of El Camino, walking a coastal path

More than a decade later, the heart of El Camino hasn't changed.

We're now based on the beautiful north coast of Cornwall, but every El Camino bracelet, necklace and anklet is still handmade in the UK with the same care and attention to detail as those very first pieces. Even today, our original engraver continues to engrave our Steps.

Tom and Candace, founders of El Camino, sitting in a field by the sea

What began with a handful of destination beads has grown into a collection of over 500 Steps, allowing travellers to celebrate countries, cities, adventures, wildlife, landscapes, oceans, seas and the moments that have shaped their lives.

At El Camino, we believe travel is about so much more than reaching a destination. It's about the people you meet, the experiences you collect and the memories that stay with you forever. Every El Camino is unique because every journey is unique.

Tom and Candace, founders of El Camino, making bracelets

Our mission remains exactly as it was in 2013: to help travellers carry their adventures with them and continue adding to their story, one Step at a time.

Whether you're just beginning your travels or looking back on a lifetime of adventures, we'd love to be part of your journey.

Ready to start your own El Camino? Explore our Getting Started guide or browse the El Camino Store.

You don't want to miss this!

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