The Camino de Santiago began in the 9th century when a shepherd named Pelayo had a vision of a field of stars over a forgotten tomb of St. James the Greater. He followed the celestial sign along a path and discovered the tomb in Galicia, northwest Spain.

Word spread, and soon pilgrims from across Europe were streaming west along the "Way of St. James". They built bridges, hostels, and cathedrals that still stand. It blossomed into one of Christianity's greatest pilgrimages.

Though interest slowed for centuries, the path was never officially closed. Today the Camino is alive and electric - a profound journey for the modern soul, for people of all faiths and no faith. This renaissance draws spiritual seekers, avid hikers, cyclists and even a few horseback riders who come for adventure, healing, deep reflection or simply the best conversation of their lives with strangers amid breathtaking landscapes.

The 15-Day journey will start on the Camino del Norte, the wild northern coast, where the Atlantic crashes against cliffs and eucalyptus forests glow emerald in the rain.

The 8-Day journey will start in a little town of Baamonde, famous for the Parochial Church of Santiago de Baamonde, built between the 9th and the 12th centuries.

From there, the united group will follow the path that winds past ancient monasteries, through thick woodlands and along quiet Galician lanes, until the cathedral spires of Santiago appear on the horizon. The days of fresh country air, shared meals, and stories under the stars—finishing with big hugs outside the Cathedral in Santiago, where the tradition holds that the remains of St. James rest to this day.

If you want to go deeper into the history of the Camino, you can start here. We also recommend watching the movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez. It's a sad but beautiful tale of a father and son and loss on the Camino - have your tissues ready.

What actually is the Camino de Santiago?

1. What are the physical requirements and daily experience on the Camino?

The Camino is suitable for people with average fitness. It requires stamina rather than extreme athletic ability, and prior hiking experience is not necessary—many first-timers succeed. No age limits apply (teens to 80s+), provided you're in good health; consult a doctor if over 60, with medical conditions, or recent injuries. Many with joint issues or other health considerations complete it by adjusting distances or taking rest days—just let us know if you think you might need this arranged.

Expect to walk 15–25 km (9–15 mi) per day on varied terrain—flat paths, rolling hills, forest trails, and occasional steep sections— typically taking 4–8 hours with breaks. Our guided walk includes a rest day for those on the 15-day program. You’ll have daily check-ins from experienced pilgrim David, and, as already mentioned above, support vehicles can be arranged for shortcuts or extra rest if really needed, ensuring everyone participates at their own pace without pressure.

2. How should I prepare physically for the walk?

Ideally, train 2–3 months in advance, depending on your current fitness level. David will provide all training tips and recommendations if you join.

3. What should I pack, and how heavy will my backpack be?

Pack light with essentials like comfortable clothes, rain gear, and toiletries; aim for a backpack under 10% of your body weight (6–10 kg). Use well-broken-in shoes or boots and double-layer blister-proof socks. Luggage transfer services are available to carry heavier items between stops, allowing you to walk lighter if needed. A detailed packing list will be provided when you join.

4. Weather/Trail Conditions

In May, walking conditions on the Camino are generally good but variable. You can expect:

• Weather: Mild temperatures (approx 20°C/68°F highs, 10°C/50°F lows) make for comfortable walking, but frequent showers (50% chance) can make surfaces slick. Fog or mist is possible in mornings, reducing visibility.

• Trail Conditions: Mix of coastal paths, forest trails, and some paved roads, with moderate elevation changes (hills, not mountains). Paths can be muddy or slippery after rain, especially on dirt trails. Walking Poles are helpful.

Physical Requirements & Weather/Trail Conditions

Grief doesn’t obey calendars, and “readiness” can feel complicated. So before you commit, you’ll have a free 30-minute call with Stacy — a safe place to share where you’re at and to feel whether this is right for you.

There is no right timeline, just the one your heart whispers.

Emotional Readiness

• Participants: You may want to come as a couple, or solo. You may want to come with a trusted companion. It is important that all participants are ready for the walk, not only physically and emotionally, but also understand the sacredness of this space. Let’s talk gently about your situation and see what feels right.

  While we love children, this walk is focused on adults only.

• Group Size: We keep the group small, up to 12 participants plus our team, so everyone feels seen.

Can friends/relatives/children join? And what’s the group size?

All beliefs are honoured: This is a non-religious program. Since we will be reflecting on the topic of death, discussions of a spiritual nature may naturally arise; however, we respect that everyone has their own beliefs, and we will not be teaching or preaching subjects of a religious nature. While the Camino has its origins in Christianity, nowadays people of all faiths and no faith walk the Camino for a wide variety of personal reasons, which is respected and endorsed.

Confidentiality: What is said on the Camino, stays on the Camino. The stories that people share are sacred and should stay within the circle of participants.

Silence is always an option: We respect that what people share or don't share is entirely up to their discretion. Even if participants don't tell their story for the entire journey, it is perfectly fine. The healing will still magically happen.

Cultural diversity: Participants from all over the world are welcome, grief does not know boundaries. The only consideration is that the program will be delivered in English. No proficiency is required, just the comfort to speak and understand the language.

Drug and alcohol free: To enable a greater presence with what we are going through, without any altered states — clear minds, open hearts, grounded feet.

Cigarette/Vape Smoking: only outside and away from others. No marijuana is allowed, it is illegal in Spain.

There will be more agreements on the way, but these are the main to consider before making a decision to join the walk.

Main agreements that we ask participants to honour

• Travel Arrangements:

  • Getting There: In general, we recommend you to fly from your home city to Madrid (MAD). From there, we will provide options for reaching the starting point depending if you’re joining us on the 15-Day or the 8-Day program.

  • Getting Home: On the way back from Santiago you will need to take a train or a bus to Madrid or another city and fly home from there, as Santiago airport will be closed. We can also recommend options on what is best, depending on where you are flying to.

• Visas: It’s your responsibility if you need a visa to Spain / Schengen Zone.

• Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory and must be organised by you. We will consult on what should be covered.

Travel Arrangements, Visas & Insurance

Meals: Food in regional Spain is known for being very basic. Think meat, cheese, potatoes, basic salads. Vegertarian options are limited, vegan is even more challenging, but we can help you to navigate this. All meals will be either at the accommodations or local cafes or restaurants. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements and we will do our best to cater for your needs.

Accomodation: In an effort to make this Camino as authentic as possible and to honour the pilgrim spirit, we will stay in many Pilgrims' Albergues (Camino hostels), so you get to enjoy the real experience and camaraderie that develops on the way. But to mark special days, we will stay in the comfort of some nice hotels. Rooms in hostels will generally be bunk beds and twinshare in hotels. If you really need a private room, let us know and we can see what we can do.

Meals and Accomodation

The price will be confirmed soon, but we can provide you with an estimate, just contact us.

Payment details will be given once you decide to join. You will be able to pay in most major currencies and we will let you know the payment plan and other terms and conditions.

What's the price and how do we pay?

After Angelina's and David's son passed away, they were blessed with the most compassionate support from people at the Bumi Sehat Foundation in Bali, Indonesia (where they had intended to give birth).

From the moment of Danya's death, the founder Robin Lim, the midwives and all of staff rallied around them, helping them to get to the hospital and deliver naturally, helping with the cremation, and allowing them to stay at their centre for a week after the birth to recover and be supported. Even now they visit Bumi Sehat regularly for healing accupunture and magic hugs.

For Stacy, Bumi Sehat is also a special place as she has been volunteering her time and skills there several months of every year for the past 18 years.

Bumi Sehat is a not-for-profit on a mission: healing the world one baby at a time. They support mothers to give birth, as well as offer GP and clinical services. All of their services are donation based so they can provide for everyone in need.

As a team, we are committed to supporting Bumi Sehat and donating a share of Camino Grief Walk proceeds to their foundation. Every healing step walked with us will help their mission.

And if you feel called, anyone can support Bumi directly: https://bumisehat.org/en/giving/donate/

About the charity we support

David and Angelia, supported by Stacy, Robin Lim and the Bumi Sheat team, as they were leaving the centre following one week of gentle and nourishing care.

Contact us using the details below and we can help you out!

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