Camino 2026 by the Numbers

24 participants
Youngest participant: 14 years old
Oldest participant: 71 years old
Approximately 180 kilometres walked
10 incredible days
2 countries
Countless memories and lifelong friendships

Day 1 – Arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

There is something very special about Day 1.

Meeting in the beautiful town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, our team began to arrive — some a day or two earlier, others just in time. You could feel it instantly… the excitement, the nerves, and the quiet questions running through people’s minds:

Have I trained enough? What if I can’t do it? What have I signed up for?

These thoughts are all part of the journey, and they were certainly present.

What makes this group so special is its diversity: 24 people in total, with our youngest just 14 years old and our oldest 71. A true reflection that this journey is for everyone, and that age is no barrier when it comes to adventure, courage, and stepping into something new.

Tina and I met with our local guide, Germán, before the group arrived and it was an immediate sense of relief. With over 10 years of experience guiding the Camino, he is a true expert, and knowing he had everything organised allowed me, as the leader of Adventure Time Travel, to relax into the experience.

That evening, we gathered for our welcome dinner at a beautiful local restaurant in town. There was laughter, a few nervous smiles, and the beginning of connections that would grow stronger with every step.

We spoke about the most important lesson of the Camino — flexibility. Things can change quickly out here, and the key is to adapt, accept, and embrace the journey for what it is.

Germán introduced the group to the days ahead, shared some history of the Camino, and handed out the pilgrim passports, a small but meaningful symbol of the journey to come.

We knew what was waiting for us on Day 2…

Day 2 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burguete (27.3km)

Day 2 is known as one of the toughest days of the Camino, and it did not disappoint.

It was steep. It was long. It was challenging.
And at times… it was hard.

There were moments of doubt, quiet reflection, and deep determination as each person pushed themselves beyond what they thought possible. But with challenge comes reward, and the reward on this day was extraordinary.

The views were nothing short of spectacular. Vast mountain ranges, rolling hills, and endless open space. Moments that made you stop, breathe, and simply take it all in.

There were some classic comments from the group along the way:

“Thank goodness that’s done!”
“I am definitely not a mountain goat!”
“This is harder than I thought…”

And yet, every single person kept going.

By the end of the day, there was a huge sense of accomplishment. The hardest day was behind them — and you could feel a shift in the group. Confidence was building. Belief was growing.

And perhaps most importantly, the team had started to come together.

Day 3 – Burguete to Zubiri (20.32km)

Our team met in Burguete to begin Day 3; an 18.3km walk of medium difficulty, with long rolling hills, beautiful green canopies, and ever-changing landscapes.

Every corner revealed another breathtaking view. The timing of this trip, just before the busy season, feels perfect. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, the animals are out enjoying the sunshine, and everything is incredibly green after winter.

With the hardest day behind them, the team was in great spirits. Germán reassured everyone that today would be “a walk in the park” — a statement that would later earn him a new nickname!

Everyone set off at their own pace, taking in the Camino in their own way.

One of our youngest participants, just 15 and a half years old, showed incredible energy; charging ahead and finishing at least an hour and a half before the next person… his dad! His 14-year-old sister has also been amazing, engaging with everyone and embracing every part of the adventure. Both of them have been incredibly impressive.

At the end of the walk, we gathered at a gorgeous little pub, where the team shared celebratory drinks and food together. Each person was cheered in as they arrived, which was a beautiful moment of support and connection. Our bright red shirts made it easy to spot one another and added so much to the team atmosphere.

Some of the group even soaked their tired feet in the river at Zubiri. A simple but perfect way to end the day.

All in all, it was a very lovely day.

The route passed through beautiful forests and rolling green hills before arriving at the famous Puente de la Rabia, a medieval stone bridge that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries.

From there, our coach transferred us to the vibrant city of Pamplona, where we settled into the lovely Hotel Maisonnave.

Pamplona, most famous for the Running of the Bulls festival, is a city rich in history, culture, and atmosphere. Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre, its medieval streets and lively plazas are filled with stories, tradition, and the spirit of northern Spain.

That evening, we came together for a lovely group dinner where everyone shared their purpose and story for being on the Camino. It was a beautiful way to break down barriers, connect more deeply, and truly get to know one another.

What has been created within this group in just a few days is something truly special.

Those who arrived the most nervous are now realising something powerful:

this journey is all for one, and one for all.

And Germán?

Well… he has now officially earned the nickname Pinocchio. Because, according to the team, his “walk in the park” description wasn’t entirely accurate!

Day 4 – Zubiri to Lugo

A coach met us in Zubiri for what would become a very entertaining 550km drive across northern Spain toward Galicia.

The bus quickly came alive with music, laughter, quizzes, and the creation of what became our official Camino playlist. Team Foyle dominated most of the quiz competitions along the way — much to the frustration of everyone else!

We stopped for lunch in the beautiful and historic city of León, one of the great highlights of the Camino de Santiago.

León is one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage cities and has welcomed Camino walkers for centuries. Rich in Roman history and medieval charm, the city is perhaps most famous for its breathtaking Gothic cathedral, often described as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Europe.

The León Cathedral was absolutely enormous and truly magical. Its towering structure, intricate stonework, and extraordinary stained-glass windows are considered some of the finest in Europe and left many of us completely in awe.

Our team wandered through the lively streets and beautiful plazas, soaking up the atmosphere, and in true Adventure Time Travel style, some even ended up dancing with the locals. One of those spontaneous moments that perfectly captures the joy of travelling together.

Later that evening we arrived in Lugo, the hometown of our wonderful guide, Germán.

Lugo is a hidden gem in Galicia and is famous for its incredibly well-preserved Roman walls, which date back almost 2,000 years and completely surround the old city. The walls are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and remain one of the only complete Roman walls left in the world.

Germán proudly took us on a walking tour through the old town, sharing stories about his home city and giving us a true local experience. It was clear how much this place meant to him.

That evening he organised a very special group dinner for us at one of his friend’s restaurants; a warm, authentic, and memorable evening filled with beautiful share platters, wine, laughter, and conversation.

By now, the group was no longer simply travelling together. They were becoming a team.

Day 5 – Sarria to Portomarín (23.86km)

The following morning we boarded the coach for the short transfer to Sarria, the most popular starting point for pilgrims completing the final 100km of the Camino.

The walk from Sarria to Portomarín had that classic Camino mix — green countryside, quiet villages, and just enough rain to keep things interesting.

It never poured heavily; the rain simply lingered all day, turning the trail muddy but never dampening the mood.

Our group was impossible to miss: a line of bright red rain ponchos moving through the countryside like one long cheerful parade. We definitely weren’t losing anyone.

Being at the back made it a long day though. The gaps stretched, the kilometres felt longer, and Portomarín seemed to take forever to appear.

Still, the slower pace had its rewards — more conversations, more laughs, and more time to take in the beauty around us.

Day 6 – Portomarín to Palas de Rei (28km)

Rain, red ponchos, rolling hills, and a well-earned finish.

Our accommodation this evening was split into two locations, some staying in the centre of town, while the remainder were transferred to a stunning stone-house paradise.

It turned out to be one of the most magical nights of the trip.

We sat by the fire with pilgrims from another group, sharing songs, stories, wine, and laughter late into the evening.

That night I introduced the Team Challenge.

I deliberately split partners and close friends apart, placing everyone into teams led by fabulous captains. The goal was simple:

Slow down.
Connect.
Smell the roses.
Meet new people.

At first there were some worried faces…

But it turned out to be the best decision of the entire trip.

Day 7 – Palas de Rei to Melide (17.22km)

The Team Challenge was now fully underway, and the energy completely shifted.

The walk to Melide was hot, lively, and full of fun. The teams embraced every challenge with enthusiasm under the leadership of their wonderful captains.

People slowed down.
They talked more.
They noticed more.
They connected more deeply with each other and with the Camino itself.

Some participants even said it was the best day of the trip so far.

That evening in Melide we gathered at a fabulous restaurant whose owners encouraged us to sing, laugh, celebrate, and simply enjoy ourselves without worrying about making noise.

And we certainly did.

The team presentations were hilarious, creative, emotional, and unforgettable.

There was singing.
There was storytelling.
There were costumes.
There were tears of laughter.

We had so much FUN.

Day 8 – Melide to Arzúa (14.1km)

The Camino was now beginning to feel very real.

The friendships formed over the previous days had become genuine connections, and the team spirit continued to grow stronger with every kilometre walked together.

There was laughter on the trails, stories shared over coffee stops, and quiet moments of reflection amongst the beautiful Galician countryside.

The group had well and truly become a Camino family.

Day 9 – Arzúa to O Pedrouzo (19.3km)

As Santiago drew closer, emotions began to build.

For many, this journey had already become far more than simply a walk across Spain. It had become a chance to reconnect with themselves, challenge their limits, and discover the power of slowing down.

The physical challenge remained, but mentally the group had transformed.

There was confidence now.
There was belief.
And there was a growing realisation that the finish line was no longer just a dream: it was becoming reality.

Day 10 – O Pedrouzo to Santiago (19.4km)

The final walk into Santiago is something words can never quite describe.

The excitement.
The emotion.
The anticipation.

Every step towards the cathedral carried meaning.

As the group entered Santiago together, there was an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement. Ten days earlier, many had arrived nervous and unsure of themselves.

Now they stood together having crossed mountains, hills, rain, mud, and countless kilometres; stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally than when they began.

The Camino had challenged them.
But more importantly, it had changed them.

Memorable Moments from the Camino

There are certain moments from the Camino that will stay with us forever.

The incredible team presentations from Team Princess Camino and Team Firth were simply beautiful — filled with humour, creativity, heart, and emotion. There were tears, laughter, and a real sense of connection in the room that night.

Watching our 15-year-old participant run almost the entire 180km journey was nothing short of extraordinary. His energy, determination, and enthusiasm inspired everyone around him and became one of the most talked-about moments of the trip.

Rob dancing with the locals in León perfectly captured the spirit of this adventure: joyful, spontaneous, and completely immersed in the experience.

And then of course… there was Pinocchio.

What began as a joke about Germán’s “small rolling hills” quickly became one of the lasting symbols of the trip, bringing constant laughter and unforgettable memories to the group.

There were also the quieter moments:
The endless conversations while walking.
The laughter shared over coffee stops.
The stunning scenery that seemed to change around every corner.
The misty mountains, green fields, ancient villages, and winding trails through Galicia.