When does the trek take place?
The Camino de Santiago challenge will take place from Friday 15 October 2027. The trip will last five days and includes three days of trekking along the final 66km of the Camino Francés, finishing in Santiago de Compostela.
What do I have to do to take part?
Simply sign up online with Global Adventure Challenges and pay the £199 registration fee.
Once your place has been confirmed, The Christie Charity will be in touch with more information about your fundraising and will send you a fundraising pack to help you get started.
How much do I need to raise?
Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £2,100 in sponsorship for The Christie Charity, excluding Gift Aid and the registration fee.
We encourage you to raise as much as possible to help support The Christie and the difference it makes for people affected by cancer.
How can I reach my fundraising target?
We know that committing to a fundraising target can feel daunting, but our team is here to support you throughout your fundraising journey.
We recommend starting by setting up a JustGiving page and sharing it with your family, friends and colleagues. From there, there are lots of ways to boost your fundraising, from bake sales and quiz nights to raffles, sponsored challenges and workplace fundraising.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start - our team can provide ideas, advice and support along the way.
What if I can’t raise the minimum sponsorship?
If you’re worried about reaching your target, please get in touch with our team. We’ll be on hand throughout your fundraising journey to offer advice, ideas and support to help you reach your target.
Please remember that 60% of your minimum sponsorship (£1,260) must be received by The Christie Charity 12 weeks before departure in order to confirm your place on the challenge.
When do I have to pay in my sponsorship?
You will need to raise a minimum of £2,100 in total.
The Christie Charity must receive at least 60% (£1,260) of your minimum sponsorship 12 weeks before departure in order to confirm your place on the challenge.
Any remaining sponsorship should be paid to The Christie Charity within one month of the challenge taking place.
Who organises the trip?
The challenge is operated by Global Adventure Challenges, who organise the travel and challenge arrangements on behalf of The Christie Charity.
Global Adventure Challenges’ booking conditions will apply to your participation in the challenge.
How much support will I receive during the challenge?
Global Adventure Challenges works closely with local partners and guides to deliver the challenge.
You will be supported throughout the trek by the challenge team and local guides, with a UK Challenge Leader also travelling with the group where applicable.
The Global Adventure Challenges team will provide further information about the support available as part of your challenge briefing.
What is the minimum age to take part?
Participants must be 18 years old on or before the day of travel.
Anyone aged 14 to 17 may be able to take part if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, subject to the requirements set by Global Adventure Challenges. One parent or guardian cannot accompany more than one participant aged 14 to 17.
Please check the Global Adventure Challenges terms and conditions before registering if you are under 18.
How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be an experienced trekker or professional athlete, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness to take part.
The challenge involves several days of trekking, so we recommend gradually building your fitness and getting used to walking longer distances in the months leading up to the challenge.
It’s also a good idea to include some hill or uneven-ground walking in your training where possible.
What will the trek be like?
The Camino challenge involves 3 days of trekking, covering the final 66km of the Camino Francés.
The trek will include a mixture of terrain and some longer walking days, so you should be prepared to spend several hours on your feet each day.
Global Adventure Challenges will provide more detailed information about the route, daily distances, terrain and difficulty as part of the challenge information and pre-trip briefing.
Where will we stay?
Accommodation will be arranged by Global Adventure Challenges as part of the challenge.
You will stay in accommodation along the route during the trek, with the exact accommodation details and arrangements confirmed by Global Adventure Challenges before departure.
Why is the registration fee non-refundable?
The £199 registration fee forms part of the overall challenge cost and is paid to Global Adventure Challenges when you register.
This fee helps cover the administration and arrangements involved in securing your place and organising the challenge. It is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another participant, subject to the Global Adventure Challenges booking conditions.
We strongly recommend taking out suitable travel insurance as soon as you register to help cover you against unexpected circumstances.
What about travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for this international challenge.
You are responsible for arranging your own suitable travel insurance and should ensure your policy provides appropriate cover for trekking, medical treatment, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation.
We recommend arranging your travel insurance as soon as possible after registering for the challenge.
Who should I contact if I have a question about the challenge?
For questions about the trek itself, travel arrangements, medical requirements or your participation, please contact Global Adventure Challenges at enquiries@globaladventurechallenges.com
For questions about fundraising, The Christie Charity or your fundraising support, please contact The Christie Charity at events@christies.org
Day 1: Depart UK for Santiago de Compostela
Upon arrival we transfer to our accommodation (approx. 45-minute transfer) just outside of Santiago for dinner and overnight stay. Tonight, we will meet our local guide(s) for the challenge and we will also have a briefing about the challenge ahead.
Day 2: Palas de Rei to Arzua
In the morning, after breakfast, we transfer to the start of our trek (approx. 50-minute transfer). Our trek today continues downhill, passing the villages of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. We continue to Melide (454m) 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 church of Santa María before a transfer back to our accommodation (25-minute transfer).
Trek distance – 29km/7.5hrs
Day 3: Arzua to Amenal
Following breakfast and a short transfer (approx. 25-minute transfer), we continue our trek through beautiful woods, sleepy villages and across small streams. The chapel of Santa Irene with its unique statue of Santiago in 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. We then have a short transfer back to our overnight accommodation (15-minute transfer).
Trekking distance – 21km/5.5hrs
Day 4: Amenal to Santiago de Compostela
The final day of our ‘French Way’ challenge. After breakfast and a short transfer (15-minute transfer), 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 it is from here that we will 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.
Trekking distance – 16km/4.5hrs
Day 5: Depart Santiago de Compostela to UK
Transfer to airport (approx. 20-minute transfer) where we depart for the UK and continue our onward journeys home.
Whilst we will always endeavour to deliver your challenge as noted above, it is strictly subject to change including the route taken, other factors that could also impact our delivery include but are not limited to the group’s overall ability and prevailing weather conditions. The stated minimum and maximum distances are given as an indication however the route taken by the local guide and the progress the group makes will determine the actual distance covered.
