Robson Green, known for his role in “Granchester,” recently got his first tattoo at the age of 60. The actor decided to get inked following a spiritual pilgrimage in northern Spain for a new television program. Walking over 90 miles along the renowned Camino de Santiago, a route known as The Way of St. James, individuals often opt to commemorate their journey with a tattoo upon completion.
Upon reaching his destination, the “Soldier, Soldier” star impulsively joined the tradition by getting a scallop shell tattoo on his upper arm. Reflecting on his experience, Robson expressed how the pilgrimage was not just about the physical journey but the internal exploration it facilitated.
The actor shared, “The walk seems to leave an indelible mark on anyone who walks it, so much so that before they leave Santiago, many pilgrims decide to commemorate it by getting a Camino tattoo. And it turns out, I am one of them. It gets under your skin, and I have a feeling it will stay there forever, and I have got the tattoo to prove it.”
Robson’s adventure on the legendary Camino is part of his new TV series, “The World’s Most Amazing Walks,” airing on U and U&Yesterday. While he will be seen exploring various treks across the UK and Europe, his favorite remains the Spanish route.
Dating back to the 9th Century, the Camino de Santiago gained popularity after the discovery of St. James’ remains in Santiago de Compostella. Robson opted for a shorter 90-mile section of the trail, starting from O Cebreiro and concluding in Santiago, passing through villages like Portomarin, Melide, and Argua.
During his six-day journey, Robson stayed at hostels that serve as overnight shelters for the half a million annual walkers on the trail. Among the many symbols along the route, Robson resonated with the scallop shell, a significant emblem representing the pilgrimage.
Explaining his choice, Robson said, “The shell was used as a drinking vessel or a bowl for food. However, my favorite story is about the ridges on the shell, as they say those ridges depict the routes leading to Santiago. The emotional response of achieving this pilgrimage goal was deeply profound for me, leading me to get a tattoo.”
Returning to the UK to film the final series of “Grantchester,” Robson initially kept his tattoo concealed. However, it was accidentally revealed on set when a guest star noticed it during a scene. Amused by the recognition, Robson shared his experience, concluding that he plans to return to the Camino in the future without cameras.
“Robson Green: The World’s Most Amazing Walks” premieres on Monday, October 27, on U and U&Yesterday at 8 pm. Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more updates.