Here’s your chance to join a memorable Love Hope Strength international hike for an experience of a lifetime. Expect music, camaraderie, stunning vistas, challenging walks and a lot of fun as you take on this three-day trekking adventure along the historic pilgrimage route, El Camino de Santiago.
Where are we going?
This section of the Camino de Santiago is in the beautiful hills of North West Spain. During this trek, you will hike 67km and stay in recommended hostels (twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities).
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!
When do we go?
This is a 5 day adventure. We leave the UK Sunday 9th and finish on Thursday 13th June 2024. There is an option to extend your Love Hope Strength Experience with additional activities in North Wales, UK, from Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th June and / or Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th June.
How many will be in the group?
Places are limited to 23 for this trek, so register your interest early to avoid disappointment.
How long is the trek?
The trek itself is 3 days, and there are two travel days from the UK. Flights are included in this package, but are optional for those wishing to stay longer in Spain or who wish to fly direct from the USA or elsewhere.
How much will this cost?
The Love Hope Strength Foundation aims to raise a minimum of $20,000 / £15,000 through this trek to support care, support and treatment programs to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
The total cost for you is $2,450 / £1,949, which includes all fees and a transformational donation for the Love Hope Strength Foundation. Transformational because the donation is sufficient to provide a whole year of life-saving treatment for child receiving cancer in the Love or Hope wards in the Children’s Cancer Unit in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. You hike: you save a life.
There is a non-refundable Registration Fee of $250 / £199 to Global Adventure Challenges which must be paid when you register officially for the trek (please note: The registration form here is just to find out more information when we have it, not to register officially with any payment).
In addition, you then commit to transferring / raising the minimum sponsorship of $2,200 / £1,750 for the Love Hope Strength Foundation. 80% of the minimum sponsorship ($1,760 / £1,400) must be received by Love Hope Strength Foundation by 10th March 2024.
All outstanding sponsorship must be transferred to the Love Hope Strength Foundation no later than 1st August 2024.
What can I expect?
Day 1
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
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
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
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
Transfer to Santiago Airport where we depart for the UK and continue our onward journeys home.