Join other fundraisers from Centrepoint as we explore the eighth and final section of the French Way, the most traditional and best known of all the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago de Compostela. During the 5-day walk we traverse the hilly landscapes of Galicia, passing numerous points of cultural and historical interest along the way.
The history of this inspiring challenge
The UNESCO World heritage site of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the legendary medieval Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), is named after the Apostle Saint James (Santiago), who is buried here.
Saint James went to this most north-western part of Spain, called by the Romans ‘Finis Terrae’ (end of the world), to preach and convert people to Christianity. After returning to Palestine in 44AD, he was taken prisoner and tortured to death. The king refused to bury him, so his disciples stole the body and brought him by boat to the Spanish coast where he was buried in a secret place in a wood.
Centuries later, in 813, the hermit Pelayo heard music in that wood and witnessed strange lights in the night sky. The site was thus called, in Latin, ‘Campus Stellae’, field of the star, a name that later became Compostela.
Today, thousands of people known as ‘pilgrims’ walk the Camino de Santiago for a number of different reasons; spiritual, cultural and adventurous or simply such as wanting to learn about the history of this ancient trail and as a way to get fit and spend time outdoors. This is not a religious tour. The Camino is about the journey and to the majority of people it symbolises a time of reflection, learning and fresh starts.
This is an Open Challenge and you will be joined by fellow travellers who may be supporting other charities.
Sign up for a charity place
By joining us, you'll make a huge difference to the lives of homeless young people. As part of our team, you'll receive:
- Regular newsletters and emails to keep you updated
- Your very own Centrepoint technical running top to wear with pride
- Dedicated support from the Centrepoint Events team, ranging from nutrition advice to help with your online fundraising
- Covered rest stops every 12.5km, signed route and tracking as well as food and drink along the way.
Your questions answered
If you have any further questions for our team, please check out our FAQs page. There we've put together some responses to the questions you ask us the most about fundraising for Centrepoint, including details of how to contact our events team.
