Trek the El Camino Trail 2023

A Huma Charity Challenge

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Trek Dates
10 Sept 2023

Registration
$200

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Trek Cost
$3,330

 

Fundraising
$2,900

Country
Spain

Join Can Too founder Annie Crawford on the El Camino de Santiago walking trail and help raise much needed funds for Cancer Research.

Challenge Highlights

  • Join Can Too founder Annie Crawford AM on the El Camino de Santiago Trail in Spain
  • Walk the last 115km of the Camino de Santiago with a knowledgeable guide and a group of fellow walkers
  • Stay at friendly family run hotels and eat at restaurants serving delicious local dishes
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Experience the history of the ancient pilgrimage route

Download Info Pack

Overview

The last six days of the Camino de Santiago offer the chance for time-starved travelers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route.

Walking through mixed landscapes in the company of your guide and group, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who traveled the route including crosses, statues, and grain silos.

Thanks to your guide, the history of the trail will be shared with you to ensure that you soak in as much as you can during your short time on the trail.

One of the many highlights is reaching the gates of Galicia which lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.

 

Download Info Pack

Challenge Grade

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to rolling hills.

The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos.

You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

 

Download Info Pack

Download Info Pack.

Inclusions/exclusions and detailed itinerary.

Day 1: Transfer to Leon

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After all the preparation and fundraising our journey finally begins!

As the group arrives from different countries on different flights we will all meet for a group Madrid airport transfer to Leon at 2pm - meeting point to be confirmed.

We will then drive to Leon which should take approx 4 hours in time to refreshen up and have our group briefing. This evening we enjoy a local cuisine arrival dinner.

Meals:  D

Day 2: Travel to Sarria

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This morning we have time to explore Leon before driving approx 3 hours to Sarria.We plan to have some stops along the way to stretch the legs and have organised a picnic lunch.

Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region.

This evening we will meet with your guide for a tour briefing, followed by dinner with the group.

Meals:  B,L,D

Day 3: Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (6hrs, 22km)

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This morning we can take the time to visit the Church of the convent of La Magdalena.

Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, we will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos.

The walk today is relatively easy until the descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin where we can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town to our accommodation.

Meals:  B,D

Day 4: To Palas de Rei (6-7hrs, 24km)

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The route today takes us through forested areas which have a magnificent fragrance. Along the path we will pass charming hamlets and calvaries.

We will continue through Ventas de Naron, head over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where we will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James.

Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on the 24th of march 1520. Then we continue on to Palas de Rei, where will overnight in a charming hotel.

Meals:  B,D

Day 5: Leave Lugo to enter La Coruña and on to Melide (4.5hrs, 15km)

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On our walk to Melide, we will pass through the small towns of Coto and Leboreiro.

Melide is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino Trail.

We will stop en-route at A Garnacha for lunch to taste the "Pulpo a Feira" - octopus usually served boiled and cooked with red pepper and paprika.

We continue to Melide.

Meals:  B,D

Day 6: To Arzúa (4hrs, 14km)

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The terrain becomes much easier today as we walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro and past Eucalyptus trees.

The group will be able to stop at one of many villages for lunch.

As we cross over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge we will reach Furelos and continue onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña.

Meals:  B,D

Day 7: To Rúa (5-6hrs, 19km)

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Today’s walk will bring us to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people.

The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes.

Meals:  B,D

Day 8: Arrive Santiago (5-6hrs, 21km)

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On our last walk together we will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels, and bridges – all of which have a story to tell.

We follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside.

The last day on the trail is always a special one, as we make our way to Santiago on foot.

Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey.

Meals:  B, D

Day 9: Depart Santiago

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After breakfast we check out of the hotel and then visit the Santiago Cathedral for the midday service where your nationality will be read for completing the pilgrimage.

Please make your own travel arrangements from 2pm onwards.

Meals:  B