120km
Santiago, Muxía, Finisterre, Santiago
13
days
Easy–Medium
some hills, plenty of photo stops
Max 10
women, fully guided
Welcome
Santiago out to the End of the World
Hello, welcome to Camino Confidence and Beyond and thank you for showing an interest in our Camino Slow Stroll on the Camino Finisterre including Muxia.
This walk is special in so many ways, but what really sets it apart from the other Camino routes, is that we'll be walking from Santiago instead of walking towards it. We start our 120 km walk at the square in front of the cathedral and head towards the sea, which really is the route less travelled. The trail is mostly gentle, but there are some hills that will get the blood pumping faster - and provide plenty of photo stops.
This part of Galicia is gloriously green and lush, and we'll be enjoying spectacular views as we walk through open landscapes, farmland, and verdant woods on our way toward to the coast. We'll head to Muxia first to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Boat by the Atlantic coast, and then to Finisterre, which was once thought to be the End of the World, and where we find the 0 km marker – the end of all caminos.
Why women walk with us
Pilgrims walk the Camino for many different reasons, be it to reconnect with the church, search for a spiritual experience, walk in someone's memory, search for answers, take time to reflect or simply for the fitness benefits. Whatever your reasons, it will definitely challenge you both physically and mentally. We have walked with women who have experienced the death of a loved one, a devastating divorce, loss of their roles due to children leaving home but also women looking for adventure, excited about discovering Spain and the Camino, determined to make the most of this exciting time of life. We look forward to you joining us for what will be an unforgettable experience.
Our groups of no more than 10 women come together from all over the world with one common goal - to follow their dream to experience the Camino. Over 12 days, with a manageable average daily walking distance, you will walk 120 kilometres on our Camino Confidence and Beyond Slow Stroll with the added support of a circle of like-minded women who will share these moments with you and encourage you to keep going.
At the end of the journey you will be returning to Santiago, mingling with other pilgrims and sharing your joy and tears with strangers who have become friends. The Camino can be a deeply emotional and spiritual experience Camino – expect joy, excitement, trepidation, happiness and hilarity, but also discomfort and even sadness – and many find their lives will truly never be the same again.
We openly encourage you to enjoy every moment of your Camino, whether you walk with the other members of the group or choose to walk alone and meet up with the group in the evening. It is important to us that you walk your Camino your way, see the Camino through your own eyes, but all the while aware that your luggage is being transported, your accommodation is booked and there is a guide to help you.
Our guides will share wonderful stories with you about the Camino, its rich history and fascinating legends to help you to fully immerse yourself in this wonderful experience.
As Founder and Guide at Camino Confidence and Beyond, I am so proud of the women in these groups. It gives my guides and I great pleasure to see them come together in the WhatsApp group, helping each other, booking activities together, often even arranging to travel together to and from the start and finish point. We observe as their confidence grows every day as they become a unit, often becoming such good friends that many come back to walk with Camino Confidence and Beyond time and time again.
For a full itinerary please contact Carol Alexander-Price by email contact@caminoconfidence.com.
Some facts about this wonderful route
A little history along the way
The name Finisterra (in Galego: Fisterra) comes from the Latin Finis Terrae, which literally means The End of the World. The cape where the lighthouse stands is one of the westernmost points of Europe.
The sunset at this outpost was revered by the Romans, who built a temple to the Sun on the headland, called Ara Solis.
Though this walk does not qualify for the Compostela certificate, it does qualify for the Muxiana and Fisterrana equivalents.
This route is the only recognised Camino which forms a loop; this means it is also the only one where pilgrims will be walking towards you.
Is a Camino Slow Stroll for me?
Do you enjoy walking with like-minded women? Do you prefer to walk reasonable daily distances at a more leisurely pace but don't mind a couple of more challenging days to get your heart pumping? Are you happy to share private accommodation within the group? Then a Slow Stroll is definitely for you.
What is a Camino Slow Stroll?
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Camino Slow Strolls are mindful fully guided walks along various stages and routes of the Camino de Santiago.
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They are usually between 7 and 14 days long.
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Difficulty level is easy/medium.
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The daily distances vary between 10 and 15 kms but some stages will challenge you and get your heart pumping.
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They are designed for small friendly and supportive groups of women.
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Your luggage will be transported so that you can relax without the strain of carrying a heavy backpack.
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You will be offered two online meetings prior to walking to help guide you on issues such as what to pack, what equipment to buy and other tips. You will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group where you can get to know the other walkers and the guide and have a chance to coordinate your travel.
Our route
Day by day
1
Arrive in Santiago
Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage city steeped in history and legend, with so much to see and do. The Old Town is always lively, filled with students, pilgrims and tourists. After visiting the spectacular cathedral and maybe staying for mass, we recommend wandering around the old town's narrow streets and discovering some of its other attractions, hidden gems, and little plazas.
When you arrive your guide will meet you and check you into your hotel with comfortable twin ensuite rooms. After a short informal meeting where the guide will provide information for the journey ahead, we'll go for lunch or dinner together, and you can start to get to know the rest of the group.
2
Santiago ➜ Ventosa, approx 10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Your pilgrimage begins on the square in front of the cathedral, then your guide will take you off the busy city streets and onto a quieter trail through the suburbs. After some initial ascent the Camino follows a lovely forest path away from the city, until eventually we arrive in the small town of Ventosa. Here we'll check into our first albergue – pilgrim hostel – in a restored rural house with a restaurant on site. We'll stay together in a very comfortable dorm with duvets, individual charging points and a privacy curtain, and there is a garden to relax in after our first day.
3
Ventosa ➜ Negreira, approx 11.3 km (7 miles)
For our second day we'll head towards the town of Negreira. The trail offers some challenge on the way up to the highest point, but we'll take our time and get there slowly, but surely. After the hill the landscape levels out, and we'll be rewarded with a nice lunch by a very photogenic medieval bridge in one of Spain's prettiest villages. From Negreira we'll be taken to our accommodation for the night, a lovely casa rural just off the Camino, with a restaurant and a huge garden, where we'll stay in twin ensuite rooms.
4
Negreira ➜ Vilaserio, approx 13.2 km (8.2 miles)
Returning to Negreira and the Camino again, we'll follow the riverside trail out of town. The trail winds gently uphill today, but there is a lovely café at the top where we will stop for a well deserved rest and second breakfast. Our accommodation is a small, but comfortable pension in the small village of Vilaserio, where we'll stay in twin rooms with private bathrooms. There is also a bar and restaurant for our dinner and breakfast the next morning.
5
Vilaserio ➜ Lago, approx 15.1 km (9.4 miles)
From Vilaserio we have a longer, but mostly easy day on narrow paved country lanes and tranquil paths in lush green woods. The Camino winds through little hamlets, past farms and fields, with a few good stops. One last hill gives us wide views over the area before we arrive in the charming albergue in the village of Lago. The group will be accommodated close together in the dorm, with comfortable duvets. There is also a restaurant on site, where we can meet and mingle with other pilgrims heading out to the sea.
6
Lago ➜ O Logoso, approx 10.1 km (6.3 miles)
A shorter day, mostly on quiet paved roads through a gently rolling rural landscape. We'll be entering the territory of mythological beast, Vákner … your guide will tell you the story. After a nice lunch break we'll be heading uphill towards our accommodation, which is nestled near a hilltop where the ancient Pedra Cabalgada, the balancing stone, has been a revered landmark for thousands of years. There's also the option of soaking tired feet in the cool mountain stream nearby. We'll be staying in O Logoso, a recently restored pilgrim hostelry with a café restaurant and albergue on site, though we'll be staying in twin ensuite rooms.
7
O Logoso ➜ Dumbria, approx 6.8 km (4.2 miles)
From O Logoso we start on our shortest day, a well earned alternative to a rest day. It is also a significant one, because at this point we have to choose our path, literally. After a few kilometres we'll come to a main road with two Camino markers – one indicating right for the route to Muxia, one indicating left for Finisterre. We'll head towards Muxia, stopping at a beautifully restored little guest house in Dumbria where we can spend the afternoon relaxing and reflecting, catching up on journalling and laundry, or just enjoying a drink and a chat on the terrace. Whatever you choose to do, you will be very comfortable in the twin rooms and the restaurant and garden.
8
Dumbria ➜ Quintans, approx 11.3 km (7 miles)
After a leisurely day in Dumbria we head towards Quintans, following quiet rural roads, gravel trails, and forest paths through lush Galician woods. If the weather is good, we should be able to get a glimpse of the sea from the highest points of the walk today. We are staying in a small rural hotel with twin ensuite rooms and a café restaurant downstairs.
9
Quintans ➜ Muxia, approx 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
Today we walk to the sea! There are a couple of stops on this part of the route, but today's aim is to arrive in Muxia in time for a long lazy lunch. Muxia is a charming fishing port with a quaint old town which is perfect to explore. Only one kilometre from the town centre you can visit the Santuario da Virxe da Barca (Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Boat) and the idyllic lighthouse right by the crashing waves of the Atlantic ocean.
If you are feeling a bit tired and in need of some self-care, your guide can organize a massage for you with an excellent massage therapist in the town, but it will need to be organized in advance. You can even earn yourself a Muxiana, Muxia's own pilgrim certificate. Our accommodation is a small, comfortable hotel in the centre of town, where we will once again be in twin ensuite rooms.
10
Muxia ➜ Lires, approx 16.3 km (10.1 miles)
Today we will be walking along the coastline and tackle a steep climb – luckily this is a slow stroll, so we'll take your time and enjoy breaks when we need them, it is not a race. After the climb we will stop at a really popular cute café where we will join other pilgrims, some going to Muxia, some to Finisterre, for a coffee or cold drink and a chat. Our destination is Lires, charming little coastal village with a beach nearby, where we'll be staying in twin ensuite bedrooms in a lovely hotel and have dinner together in the evening.
11
Lires ➜ Finisterre, approx 13.6 km (8.5miles)
After breakfast at a nearby restaurants we will once again choose the path less travelled and follow the quiet coastal route with some incredible views of the beach and the sea. The route will then take you through the gently undulating Galician landscape towards Finisterre. Depending on weather and energy levels we can either stop for lunch or go straight to the hotel, or you may decide to continue to walk the additional 3.5 km (2.2 miles) to the KM 0 marker and the lighthouse up on the headland and enjoy coffee and cake in the lighthouse café. However, you will also have tomorrow morning to do this if you prefer – or you can take a taxi. You will be accommodated in twin rooms with private bathrooms.
12
Finisterre ➜ Santiago
Those who didn't make it to the lighthouse yesterday, may decide to walk there this morning, while others may decide to relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Finisterre. Once we have checked out, we will be whisked away to Santiago by taxi (included in the package) in time for check into our last night's accommodation and more time to explore the historical city. You will be accommodated in a hotel in twin rooms with private bathrooms.
13
➜ Onward travel
Santiago is a lovely city to wander around and get gently lost in, so you might like to stay an extra day to explore, perhaps enjoy a tour on the roof of the Cathedral, have your photo taken with the two Marias, search for the shadow pilgrim, or visit the pilgrim museum. Or just find a nice café and pilgrim watch while you reflect on your Camino.
The details
What's included
What is included
12 nights shared good standard accommodation sourced and personally checked by Camino Confidence and Beyond
Luggage transported from accommodation to accommodation
A friendly guide with extensive camino experience and good local knowledge
Advice on travel and logistics within Spain
Your credential (pilgrim passport for stamps) and scallop shell for your backpack
Two question and answer zoom meetings
What's not included
Health or travel insurance
Travel to and from start and finish point
Food, drinks and snacks (allow 35-50 euros a day)
Taxis, buses and incidentals not included in the itinerary
Tips for guides
We recommend travel and medical insurance. If you choose not to take out an insurance policy then you will be ask to complete an option out form.
Good to know
Everything else you need to know
On this route we will stay in a variety of specially selected, excellent standard accommodations, however, in order to accommodate our short daily stages, we will also be staying in albergues (pilgrim hostels) on a few nights. These albergues have excellent facilities, and we think you will enjoy this chance to experience albergue life alongside pilgrims from all over the world. Don't worry, the group will still be together, so this will be a safe and gentle introduction to communal living.
Very rarely, due to the remoteness of some of the stops, you may have to share a larger room or dormitory, but we always ensure that the accommodation is good!
Many people ask us if they have to walk as part of a group, and the answer is that it is entirely up to you. We usually like the group to walk together on the first day, just while they familiarise themselves with the terrain and signage, but after that, we at Camino Confidence and Beyond encourage you to see the Camino through your own eyes and walk it your own way.
What most women enjoy about walking as a group is the camaraderie, and the fact that they have company for evening meals and extra activities if they wish. Please bear in mind that taxis can be organized for you should you require extra support.
During your Camino you will meet up with your guide each day to have a chat about the day's events. You can discuss how you found the route, how you feel physically and mentally and any issues you may have.
We will also take a look at the following day, the weather, the time you prefer to start walking, organize any taxis required, decide what to carry, point out where the facilities are along the route and confirm what time you can check in to our next accommodation.
Communication will be via messaging app WhatsApp, and there will be two dedicated private groups. One is for general chat, where members of the group can keep in touch and even share photos. The other is for specific information like links to accommodation – the group will have read-only access to this, but only the guide will be able to post.
Although we do not expect you to walk a Camino before walking the Camino, we highly recommend that you take steps to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. Even though this part of the route is not overly difficult, there are some steep ascents and descents and a strong body and a positive mindset will not only help prevent injuries, which could result in you ending your Camino early, but it will also enhance your enjoyment.
The cost of transporting 1 bag each of no more than 20 kgs is included in the price. If you require more than one bag to be transported, this can be arranged at your own cost. Your guide will provide a label and zip ties to secure the label to your transported bag.
You must not attach anything to the outside of this bag, or you will be charged extra, and although the transport company is reputable, avoid transporting anything of value or very fragile. If you have to transport a CPAP machine or anything else that is necessary for your trip them make sure they are wrapped up carefully in your luggage.
Try to make your luggage recognisable with a bright coloured ribbon or luggage tag. The bags must be left where instructed by your guide before 08.00 every morning and are guaranteed to arrive at the next accommodation by 15.00 at the latest.
Be aware that it is your responsibility to get your bags to your room from the drop-off point and to return them the next day. Please bear in mind that not all accommodations have lifts so you may be required to carry them up stairs.
There is free WIFI available at all of our accommodations and also at cafés and bars on the route.
As a rule, meals are not included in the price, but occasionally our accommodations do include breakfast in the price, please check with your guide. This is to offer you more flexibility to eat what you want, when you want. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants on the route with lots of choice on offer, as well as supermarkets where you can buy fruit, snacks and water. Spanish stores and most eateries will also have some gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
While we highly recommend that you prepare physically for this walk, we also understand that life happens and you may need a little more support.
There are bus routes along the Camino, but in some areas buses are few and far between, so any such travel arrangements need to be made as far in advance as possible. The same goes for taxis. With Galician authorities temporarily restricting the release of more licenses, a limited number of taxis are available. Should you need one, you must alert the guide the night before at the latest, so that she can reserve one for you. Please note that taxis cannot be flagged down in the street.
It is customary to tip a guide in Spain if you are happy with their service, however it is not obligatory. If you do choose to tip, the amount you tip is entirely up to you, but around 10 euros a day is a good guide.
It is also customary to tip waiters, local guides etc. if you are happy with their service, 10% of the bill is recommended if you are eating, if you are just having a coffee then it's normal just to leave the difference – for example if it's 1.40 euros and you only have 1.50 euros, leave the 10 cents.
We are here to help you. You will be provided with a range of information including what to carry and what to transport, how to prepare physically, tips on what backpack or footwear to take etc. All you need to do is ask. Camino Confidence and Beyond is a small bespoke company, and we are proud to offer you very friendly and personal experience.
