Camino de Santiago Trek
67km approx.
Approx. Distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
5 Days
Challenge Duration
Spain
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Explore the beautiful rolling green landscapes of rural Galicia
Follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims along the Camino Frances
Explore Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Santiago Cathedral
The Challenge
Join us on a classic Camino de Santiago experience – trekking the final 67km of the famous Camino Frances – the French Way. Starting in Palas de Rei, we begin our three-day trekking adventure along this popular pilgrimage route. We will trek through rolling green landscapes, traditional villages and picturesque woodlands on our way to Santiago, discovering local traditions and meeting fellow pilgrims along the way. Today the Camino is more than a pilgrimage, it is a remarkable journey and a unique experience. Our final destination is the magical Santiago Old Town, a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for Santiago airport and transfer to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela for our overnight stay. Here we enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep before starting our trek along the famous Camino Frances.
Day 2 - Palas de Rei to Arzua
After breakfast we will be transferred to the town of Palas de Rei – the starting point to our Camino trekking adventure! From there we head downhill along the Camino trail, passing the charming villages of Casanova and Leboreiro. From here we cross several small streams and follow a forest track bringing us to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next, we trek through the medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and arrive in the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese. Here we have time to relax and explore the old town, including the idyllic churches of Santa María and A Magdalena. We will transfer back to our accommodation in Santiago for dinner and our overnight stay before transferring to Arzua in the morning.
Trekking distance – approx. 30km
Day 3 - Arzua to Amenal
Following breakfast, and our transfer to Arzua we continue through beautiful woods, sleepy villages and across small streams. The chapel of Santa Irene with its unique statue of Santiago is one of the beautiful sights we will see along the way. We continue through the lovely hamlet of Rúa along calm country roads and forest tracks to Amenal, our overnight stay. We transfer back to our accommodation in Santiago for dinner and overnight stay. Return transfer to Amenal in the morning.
Trekking distance – approx. 21km
Day 4 - Amenal to Santiago
The final day of our ‘French Way’ challenge. Our first destination is Lavacolla, set along the outskirts of Santiago where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival to Santiago de Compostela. From here rows of tall eucalyptus trees line our journey to Monte do Gozo – and we can then catch our first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral of Santiago. Reaching our destination, we reflect on our triumph over the last few days and enjoy the sights of Santiago’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting stunning architecture and a fantastic atmosphere. We take a short walk into our final nights’ accommodation in the centre of Santiago.
Trekking distance – approx. 16km
Day 5 - Return to UK
Following breakfast, we will transfer to Santiago Airport for our flight back to the UK.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from London to Santiago
- All accommodation
- All meals on the trek, starting with dinner on Day 1 through to breakfast on Day 5
- Local English-speaking guide/s
- Luggage transfers
- Global Adventure Challenges Leader from the UK
- Comprehensive first aid/medical kit
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Personal trekking kit (trekking boots, poles, etc)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below.
Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This trek has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scale and is designed to push your boundaries, however it is achievable by anyone as long as you fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are trekking for 3 consecutive days, covering approximately 67km – the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge. Training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction and why not join one of our training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and fellow participants!
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to
take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No – all you will need is a small day pack while trekking to carry items such as a camera, sunscreen, energy snacks, waterproofs, warm clothing etc.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided from dinner on Day 1 through to breakfast on Day 5. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional local and Global Adventure Challenges leader and a full, comprehensive first aid kit will be taken.
Can I stay in Spain after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops.
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Dates and Costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
Registration Fee
£199
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£2,300
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,150
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£350
When?
2025
£199
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£2,300
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,150
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?