A trek for the mind, body and soul
Join us on an unforgettable 5-day trek through the beautiful hills and villages of northern Spain to the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Our route will follow the final 115km of the legendary Camino de Santiago, an ancient trail steeped in history, spirituality, and stunning scenery.
To take part in this reflective and meaningful challenge, book your place with a £350 deposit and commit to raising a minimum of £2,950 to enhance hospital care for patients, beyond what’s possible with NHS funding.
Once you’ve signed up, our dedicated fundraising team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have as you prepare for the big trip. As well as being able to encourage you in your training, they will also be on hand to share top tips and advice to help you reach your fundraising target.
What can you expect?
Historically a pilgrimage to the resting place of the apostle St James, today, the centuries-old Camino de Santiago is walked for spiritual, cultural and fitness reasons, as well as by those with a sense of adventure and a thirst for the outdoors.
While this is not a religious tour, the trail still symbolises introspection, learning and fresh starts.
Our trek will be exploring the eighth and final section of the French Way, the most traditional and best known of all the pilgrims’ ways to the magical Old Town of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We’ll be walking between 18km and 29km a day, traversing the hilly landscapes of Galicia and winding past numerous points of cultural and historical interest along the way.
It’s a challenging trek but you’ll feel the history all around you as you follow in the footsteps of so many others before you going back hundreds of years.
- Date: September 11-18, 2027
- Distance: 115km
- Difficulty grade: Moderate to challenging
- Duration: 8 days (5 days trekking, 1 free day, 2 days travel)
- Accommodation type: Basic hotels and guest houses
- Start location: Sarria, Spain
- Finish location: Santiago, Spain
Itinerary
Day 1 – Flight from the UK to Spain and transfer to Sarria.
Day 2 – Begin the trek in Sarria, heading through shady oak woods, pretty villages and on quiet country roads before finishing the day relaxing in the main plaza of Portomarin.
Day 3 – Cross the River Miño and climb steadily uphill past ancient churches and on to the pretty town of Palace do Rei.
Day 4 – Continue slightly downhill past charming villages. Sample local specialties at Melide before following a forest track and crossing several streams on route to Arzùa.
Day 5 – This shaded section of the Camino passes through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages on the way to Rua Opino.
Day 6 – For the final day, follow the river past the historic Lavacolla and along the tall eucalyptus tree-lined way to Monte del Gozo. Finish in Santiago’s beautiful old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting stunning architecture and a fantastic atmosphere.
Day 7 – A free day to take in the sights of Santiago and enjoy at your leisure before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner
Day 8 – Transfers and flight from Spain, back to the UK.
How to take part
This challenging trek takes place from September 11-18 2027 and places are limited. They can be booked with a £350 deposit, which includes flights, transfers, accommodation, food, English-speaking guides and luggage transfers during the trek.
In return, we ask you to raise at least £2,950 – fundraising that will help our hospitals go even further for local patients and their families.
Interested? If you’d like to find out more, call our fundraising team on 01271 311772 or email rduh.charity@nhs.net
Or if you’re keen to join our Camino de Santiago trekking team, hit the button below to book your place.
Please note: This trip is operated by The Different Travel Company (ATOL no 6706) on behalf of Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (Registered Charity no. 1061384). The flight-inclusive holiday on this webpage is financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk
