Cate and Meryl share their incredible Camino 100 experience

Cate and Meryl’s Camino 100 story

Walking the Camino for Walk the Walk: A Journey of Heart, Hills, and Hiking Boots

When we signed up for the Camino de Santiago for Walk the Walk, we knew this would be more than just a hike—it was a chance for healing and a meaningful way to honour and remember loved ones. After a tough year, taking on a big challenge felt right. Walking has always been something we love, so the Camino, a long-time bucket list item, was the perfect way to spend time reflecting while doing something good for others. And wow, what an experience it turned out to be.

Training for the Camino – Making It Fun

Let us tell you, the Camino’s hills are not your average inclines! We took training seriously but kept it light-hearted, mixing up the routes, heading out with friends, and yes, even including a pub stop or two. One thing we learned quickly: don’t worry about your pace. Just keep walking, get those miles in, and focus on enjoying each step with your companions. And please don’t skip the hills! When you’re training, bring your backpack along, wear the boots you plan to walk in, and get used to carrying a bit of weight—your back and feet will thank you later.

On the Camino – A Blend of Nature, Culture, and a Touch of Magic

From the start, the Camino had us spellbound. One day we’d be surrounded by eucalyptus trees, the air filled with birdsong, enjoying pure tranquility. The next day, we’d find ourselves in bustling villages, meeting other pilgrims, and savouring fresh Spanish pastries and coffee at roadside cafes. The changing scenes made every day feel fresh and new.

One of the most moving moments for us was the Mass in O Cebreiro. We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with pilgrims from around the world, all united by the journey. Hearing the Lord’s Prayer in so many languages and being blessed on our way with a tiny pebble to guide us felt deeply special and stayed with us throughout the trip.

Packing and Prep – Essentials, Luxuries, and Staying Strong

Some tips that worked wonders for us: invest in good socks (smartwool are lifesavers!) and follow every tip you hear about foot care—no blisters here! Here are some of our favourites:-

• Use a foot file regularly on the soles of your feet (preferably after a shower/bath) as this helps reduce areas of hard skin.
• Massage hemp foot cream into your feet after every walk.
• During the challenge, we treated our feet to a ‘foot mask’, soothing away any hot spots we may have had.
• Walk the Walk offered advice regarding foot tape, which we purchased in advance and took with us. On the first evening we were shown (by WTW’s Sam) how to tape our feet. This was the BEST tip and even if it did mean we had to wake 30 minutes earlier to give ourselves time for taping, it was certainly worth it.

Packing cubes were also a game changer for keeping things organized, especially when you’re living out of a suitcase for a week.

Keeping our bodies limber was key, so we made stretching and Pilates a regular part of our training—and we kept it up on the Camino too. Each morning started with some light stretching to get our legs ready for the miles ahead, and in the evenings, we’d do some Pilates to release tension and keep our muscles strong. We both agreed it made a massive difference in avoiding any stiffness or injury, especially on those tougher days with more hills and uneven paths.

We also made sure to have a good playlist ready for some feel-good energy during those tiring afternoon miles. When we needed a boost, the music came on, and we couldn’t help but dance along the way!

Camino Friends and Community

Part of what made this trip so unforgettable was the people we met. Alex, our guide, and Sam, our coordinator, took care of every little detail, making the journey seamless and letting us focus on enjoying each step. Fellow walkers were always ready to share stories, lend a hand, or offer encouragement. Along the way, other pilgrims even donated when they heard we were walking for charity, which was such a humbling experience and made us feel like part of a bigger purpose.

Evenings meant sharing drinks and swapping stories with our group, sharing laughs about the day’s adventures, and getting to know one another better. It was a wonderful way to unwind, reflect, and connect over a shared experience that had brought us all together.

The Finish Line – Reaching the Cathedral

There’s nothing quite like arriving at the end of the Camino in front of Santiago de Compostela’s grand cathedral. It’s a moment of pride, relief, and accomplishment all wrapped into one. For us, it was deeply emotional, knowing why we’d started and reflecting on everything we’d seen and felt along the way.

Fundraising Tips – Getting Everyone Involved

Fundraising turned into its own adventure. We made sure to share our story and keep friends and family updated on our training and our journey. We involved them right from the start, and their generosity and support kept us motivated. Keep talking about what you’re doing—you’ll be surprised how many people want to cheer you on or lend their support.

Final Thoughts – Just Go For It!

If you’re thinking about taking on a challenge like the Camino, do it. The combination of physical challenge, beautiful landscapes, and incredible people make it unforgettable. We walked away (literally!) with memories, new friends, and a sense of fulfilment. So, lace up, grab your pack, and walk for something meaningful - you won’t regret it.

Thank you for sharing your story Cate and Meryl.

You can sign up now to join us for The Camino 100 2025!