Charity walks have risen in popularity over the years, from the Three Peaks Challenge to night-long city walks. With Marie Curie, you could go the extra mile and take your quest to America’s wild west, to the peaks of East Africa, to the heart of China or to Spain’s ancient north. You’ll travel with a group of individuals focusing on two equivalent aims; to quench a thirst for adventure, and to enrich the lives of others while doing it.
Read on for four of the best charity walks you can sign up to today…
During the 8th century Christian reign of Alfonso II, a tomb was unearthed in Santiago, Spain. It was believed to have been the final resting place of Saint James, one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. In a predominantly Islamic Spain, its divinity was revered by the small Christian communities of northern Spain and southern France. Ever since, pilgrims have embarked upon a spiritual journey to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which traditionally began from the pilgrim’s home.
Today, the ancient routes can be commenced from a range of regions - this particular one begins in Sarria, journeys through to Portomarin, Palace de Reis, Arzua and Pedrouza, finally ending in Santiago. You’ll pass through traditional villages and fairytale forests, crossing rivers and rolling hills. At the finishing point in Santiago, you have the opportunity to attend a Pilgrim’s Mass, where you can watch the ritual swinging of the famed Botafumeiro – an incense dispenser that looks like an enormous metallic lantern. It expels incense as it is swung round the cathedral at speeds of up to 68km/h.