St James Way Challenge – 16/03/2026 – 19/03/2025

£95.00

The St James Way Challenge – 70 Miles in 3 Days

Follow the historic start of the Camino de Santiago from Reading to Southampton on this intense and inspiring 3-day trek. Covering 70 miles of riverside paths, rolling countryside, and historic trails, this fully guided challenge is not for the faint-hearted – with 25 miles of walking each day, it demands stamina, determination, and a good level of fitness. A tough journey, but one you’ll never forget.

Date: 16/03/2026 – 19/03/2025
Meet: Forbury Retail Park, Forbury Road, Reading RG1 3JD
Start time: 08:00

We have 3 funding options available.

Option 1 – Self funded: £95 reg fee & £580 balance paid 4 weeks before challenge start date; no fundraising commitment so you can raise as much as you would like for charity(Total £675)

Option 2 – Charity sponsorship: £95 reg fee paid online & at least £1400 charity sponsorship.

Option 3 – Mixed fundraising: £95 reg fee & £245 balance paid 5 weeks before challenge start date; you must raise at least £800 charity sponsorship.

Category:

Description

St James Way – Camino Inglés To Santiago

Get ready to take on an unforgettable journey along the St James Way – the official English start to the legendary Camino de Santiago. Starting at the historic ruins of Reading Abbey, we’ll follow in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims as we trek 70 miles through picturesque countryside, winding riverside paths, and charming canal routes, finishing at the coastal city of Southampton – the traditional gateway to Santiago.

While most pilgrims complete this route in 5-7 days, we’re taking it up a notch – tackling the full distance in just 3 intense, exhilarating days. This is a real challenge, requiring grit, determination, and a good level of fitness – but the sense of achievement at the finish line is absolutely worth it.

You’ll be guided every step of the way by our expert leaders, who’ll keep the group safe, motivated, and moving at a steady pace. Expect a fast-paced trek, stunning scenery, shared laughter, and unforgettable moments as you power through this historic route with a team of like-minded adventurers.

Upon registering, you’ll receive a comprehensive event pack, including a detailed training plan, gear guide, and all the info you need to prepare both physically and mentally for this epic 3-day challenge.

Difficulty: Tough
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 70 miles

Who Is This Event For?

This adventure is for those who are ready to push themselves physically while experiencing something truly unique. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking your next big challenge, a pilgrim at heart following the start of the Camino de Santiago, a nature lover chasing peaceful paths and sweeping views, or someone simply craving time away from the noise of daily life – this journey delivers.

But make no mistake – this is a physically demanding event. We’ll be covering around 25 miles per day for 3 consecutive days, and that level of sustained effort requires solid fitness, stamina, and determination. This is a challenge that will test your body and mind – but with the right preparation, it’s incredibly rewarding.

The route from Reading to Southampton will be fully guided, offering a mix of scenic beauty, historic landscapes, and plenty of support along the way. If you’re ready to take on something tough, meaningful, and memorable – this challenge is for you.

 

What Is Included?

  • A qualified Mountain Leader throughout
  • Support vehicle
  • Baggage transfers
  • Lunch each day of the challenge
  • Water refills throughout
  • 2 nights accommodation during the event with breakfast
  • 1 night accommodation in Southampton to celebrate completing the challenge
  • Transfer from Southampton to Reading after the event

 

You Will Need To Bring:

  • Suitable walking shoes/boots
  • Appropriate clothing for the walk
  • Waterproof Jacket and trousers
  • Spare warm layer
  • Hat and gloves if required
  • Snacks and water (minimum 2 litre’s) for the walk
  • Clothing for the evening once we reach our accommodation.

 

Your Chosen Charity

If you’re taking on the challenge to fundraise, you’ll select your chosen charity from the drop-down menu above – so make sure to pick the right one!

Once you’ve registered, we’ll pass your contact details to your selected charity. They’ll then get in touch to support you with your fundraising journey and offer any guidance you need. Your charity will also let you know which fundraising platform they prefer you to use, helping you get set up and ready to start raising those all-important donations.

Please Note:

The walk will take place in most weather but the leader will reserve final judgement on the day (in most cases) and maintains the right to abandon any walk if they feel the safety of themselves or any participant is at risk.

Additional information

Funding option

Charity Sponsorship, Mixed Fundraising, Self Funded

Charity

No charity sponsorship, 20 Stories High, Accuro, Acorn Education Trust, Acorns Children's Hospice, Action For A-T, ADHD UK, Allsorts, All We Can, Anaphylaxis UK, Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services, The Big Food Project, Birmingham Dogs Home, Bluebell Wood, The Brain Charity, The Brompton Fountain, BSAVA PetSavers, Bullwell Runners, The Butterfly AVM Charity, Cheetah Conservation Fund UK, Children And War UK, The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association, Church Army, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, Dragonfly Cancer Trust, Duchenne UK, Dystonia UK, Every Life Matters, Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Friends of Ravenshall, Georgia's Voice, Giddo's Gift, Harry's Pals, Heaven's Playground, Helen Allison School PTFA, Hypo Hounds, Immunodeficiency UK, Independent Age, Jessie's Fund, Jon Shaw Foundation, Just4Children, Kijana Kwanza (Young People First), Lancashire Youth Challenge, Leicester Animal Aid, Life, Lifeshare, Longfield Community Hospice, Manorview Foundation, Medic to Medic, MEF2C Foundation, Meningitis Now, Merciful Relief Foundation, One25, On Your Side, Our Time, Paces, Parenting Mental Health, People Matters, Protection Approaches, Retina UK, Rossendale Trust, Rotherham Hospice, Rotherham Hospital & Community Charity, Roundabout, Sands, Sebastian’s Action Trust, Second Chance Headway, Secret World Wildlife Rescue, SIFA Fireside, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Stevenage FC Foundation, Suffolk Mind, Suicide&Co, Tigers4Ever, Time To Talk Mental Health UK, Tree Aid, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity, Vision4Youth, Walk N Talk 4 Mental Health, Weston Park Cancer Charity, When You Wish Upon a Star, YMCA Exeter, York Mind, Younger People With Dementia, Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity

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