About This Walk
Walk the French Way Final Stage with the Hiking Hens
Sarria to Santiago: 5 Days Walking & 2 Nights in Santiago
7 nights – B&B
€100 Non Refundable Deposit Per Person + Booking Fee
Departs: 5th – 12th July 2026
Join the Maria, Biddy and the Hiking Hens as they take on the last 115 km of the classic French Way of the Camino de Santiago, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. Walking through Galicia’s stunning landscapes, we will follow in the footsteps of pilgrims past, passing historic crosses, statues, and grain silos along the way.
As a women’s walking group based in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland, the Hiking Hens was founded in 2021 to bring women together through hiking, friendship, and well-being. They explore the Mourne Mountains weekly, fostering camaraderie, adventure, and fun, and now they’re taking that spirit to the Camino in July 2026!
Enjoy a warm welcome upon arrival in Lugo before setting off on your self-guided journey. Travel solo, but never alone, with the support of a Uwalk tour manager and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women. Finish your pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela, celebrate at the magnificent Cathedral, and soak in the city’s magical atmosphere before returning home with unforgettable memories and newfound friendships.
Highlights:
- Self Guided Trip accompanied by Maria & Biddy from Hiking Hens, a Uwalk Tour Manager
- Meet & Greet on Arrival & Camino Walks Briefing
- Walk the Camino with like minded people – great way to make new friends.
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- From Sarria to Santiago is the most popular section of the entire Camino de Santiago
- Enjoy mouth watering local cuisine
- Sarria is 115km from Santiago, which is the minimum distance required for pilgrims to receive the “Compostela” certificate
- The main street of Sarria, Rúa Maior, has a picturesque atmosphere where we suggest you enjoy a good coffee during the afternoon.
- Varied landscapes with forests, farmlands and rustic villages
- Beautiful green landscape that is characteristic of Galicia
- In Santiago de Compostela you can visit the beautiful old town, which has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site
- After finishing in Santiago, you can choose to take an excursion to Finisterre
Day 1 - Arrive in Santiago
After arriving into Santiago de Compostela, a scheduled coach transfer will take you to Lugo where you will be based for 3 nights.
Overnight Hotel – Lugo
*Transfer Included: Coach transfer departs Santiago Airport at (Time to be confirmed when 2026 flights are announced.)
Transfer Time: 1 Hr 15 Mins
**Scheduled Transfer will be matched with an Aer Lingus or Ryanair flight arriving mid afternoon. Flight details to be confirmed.
Additional Transfers NOT Included – Available at an Additional Cost: Coach transfers for other flights outside of designated flight above. Additional Cost: €50pp
Day 2 - Lugo (Walk - Sarria to Portomarín)
Breakfast: 7am
Bus leaves: 7.30am – Coach transfer from Lugo to Sarria for the start of the
first day’s walk.
Route: Walk from Sarria to Portomarín, (23Km)
Start Walk: Sarria
This first stage goes through different towns where you can visit some Romanesque churches along paths and forest tracks. On reaching Portomarín we have the opportunity to visit the Romanesque church of St. Nicholas and this pretty village with its peculiar history.
Finish Walk: Portomarín
Afternoon coach transfer: from Portomarín to Lugo. (Approx 30 mins)
Bus leaves: Approx 4.30 / 5pm
Bus Stop Location: Location to be confirmed at hotel reception each morning.
Transfer Time: 25 Mins
Overnight Hotel – Lugo
Day 3 - Lugo (Walk - Portomarín to Palas de Rei 23km)
Breakfast: 7am
Bus leaves: 7.30am – Coach transfer from Lugo to Portomarín to start your walk.
Route: Walk from Portomarín to Palas de Rei, (23Km)
Start Walk: Portomarín
First, we descend to the reservoir and then we’ll start climbing the hill to the Monte San Antonio, from where we will reach the villages of Toxibó and Gonzar.
Then we will go through different villages and small towns like Hospital
de la Cruz, Ventas de Naron and Eirexe until Palas de Rei.
Finish Walk: Palas de Rei
Afternoon coach transfer: Palas de Rei to Lugo.
Bus leaves: Approx 4.30 / 5pm
Bus Stop Location: Location to be confirmed at hotel reception each morning.
Transfer Time: 30 Mins
Overnight Hotel – Lugo: Gran Hotel
Day 4 – Palas de Rei to Arzua – 29km
Breakfast: 7am
Bus leaves Lugo: 7.30am – Coach transfer from Lugo to Palas de Rei.
Route: Walk from Palas de Rei to Arzúa, (29Km)
Start Walk: Palas de Rei
When leaving Palas de Rei we’ll have a nice walk through forests to Coto. About noon we’ll reach Melide, halfway along this stage, where you can taste the octopus in one of its typical local cuisine restaurants called “pulpería”. Then across eucalyptus forests we will reach the village of Boente, from where we’ll walk to the village of Ribadiso before reaching Arzúa.
Finish Walk: Arzúa
No afternoon coach transfer. You will walk to Arzúa where your hotel is situated.
Overnight Hotel – Arzúa
Day 5 - Arzúa (Walk - Arzúa to Lavacolla)
Breakfast: 7am
No morning coach transfer
Route: Walk from Arzúa to Lavacolla (Arca), (29Km)
This morning walk from Arzúa through eucalyptus forests which bring us even closer to our destination. We’ll pass through different towns, including Santa Irene and Arca.
Afternoon coach transfer: From Lavacolla (Arca) to Arzúa.
Bus leaves: Approx. 4.30 / 5pm
Bus Stop Location: Location to be confirmed at hotel reception each morning.
Transfer Time: 20 Mins
Overnight Hotel – Arzúa
Day 6 - Arzúa (Walk - Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela)
Breakfast: 7am
Bus leaves: 7.30am – Coach transfer from Arzúa to Lavacolla (Arca) and walk to Santiago de Compostela.
Route: Walk Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela, (12Km)
As we get closer to our destination we pass through the Monte del Gozo, whose name comes from the joy felt by the pilgrims when seeing the city for the first time.
Overnight Hotel – Santiago
Day 7 - Free day in Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast: 7am
Free to Explore the town of Santiago de Compostela.
Spend the days visiting this beautiful city, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Why not visit the market town, Plaza de Abastos or one of its museums e.g. the Museum of Pilgrimages and the Cathedral Museum.
Overnight Hotel – Santiago
Day 8 - Depart Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast: 7am
Free morning in Santiago before your transfer to the airport. Coach transfer will depart your Santiago hotel to service the selected flight departure (Flight time to be advised).
Transfer Included: Coach transfer at TBA time. (Check hotel reception to confirm departure time).
For those requiring a later transfer, taxi and public transport is readily available from Santiago. See links below.
Depart Santiago de Compostela for home.
Useful links:
Optional Excursion: Day trip to Finisterre from Santiago
Finisterre is known as the Edge of the World! Traditionally, this was the last stretch of the Camino and the final 0.0km waymarker where pilgrims used to finish their Camino journey and burn their clothes as they admired the spectacular sun sets of World’s End over the Atlantic Ocean.
Ask your reservation specialist about an optional day trip to Finisterre which will take you from Santiago de Compostela to the fishing village and Cape, stopping along stunning parts of the Costa da Morte.
Price from €899 per person sharing includes:
- French Camino Final Stage with the Hiking Hens
- Meet and greet on arrival in Santiago and private coach transfer to your accommodation.
- Hiking Hens Maria and Biddy along with Uwalk Representatives will accompany the group, however please note that this is a Self Guided Walking Trip on the Camino. Walking Notes will be provided with your documents to help you along the way.
- 5 days self-guided walk to Santiago averaging approximately 15-25 Kms per day followed by 2 Nights in Santiago
- 7 Nights 2/3* Hotel accommodation with private facilities. We have chosen popular family run hotels along the route. Accommodation is generally simple, tried and tested and in line with a typical Camino experience mostly on or beside the Camino route.
- Accommodation: 3 Nights in Lugo, 2 Nights in Arzúa, 2 Nights in Santiago
- Rooms are based on twin share with private facilities. Solo travellers can opt to be paired with other solo travellers for room sharing. Single rooms are generally not available.
- Breakfast included daily
- Scheduled Airport Transfers* (Details to be confirmed).
- 1 x 20kg Bag transferred daily – 20 kilos and maximum size is 65 x 50 x 40 cm.
- Daily Coach Pick Up and Drop off transfers for all walking points. Please clearly mark all your belongings with your name and contact details. Labelling your belongings prevents mix ups, delays and loss. We will provide Uwalk baggage labels when you arrive at the first hotel.
- Walking Notes – A hard copy of each day’s walking notes will be available at your hotel.
- Pilgrim Passport – You will receive on arrival at your first hotel.
- All local taxes and charges.
- 24/7 Emergency support in the event of a problem
- Uwalk Representative throughout the trip
- Uwalk Support team along the Camino.
- Emergency back up from our local office in Santiago.
Note:
- Payments to be made in instalments. Payment schedule will be advised when booking.
- Final payment is due on 2nd May 2026.
- N.B: All participants MUST have travel insurance and book their own flights.
- Travel Insurance is compulsory. Confirmation of travel insurance must be emailed to UWalk, 8 weeks prior to departure.
- We recommend that all EU citizens carry European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Apply HERE
- Single Trip travel insurance can be purchased HERE.
- Scheduled Transfers are available on day of arrival and day of departure for flights arriving/departing in at the same time as the designated flight to be advised at a later date.
- Rooms are based on twin share. Solo travellers can opt to be paired with other solo travellers for room sharing. Single rooms are generally not available.
-
- Twin Room – 2 Guests (Both names are required when booking)
- Twin Room – Guaranteed Room Share (If you are a solo traveller and wish to share a room, we will match you up with someone to room share).
- Accommodation is in hotels and pensions with private facilities. We have chosen popular family run hotels and pensions along the route. Accommodation is simple and follows the character of the area.
Not included:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- *Transfers not supplied for flights other than the designated flight time to be advised.
€100 Deposit Per Person (Non refundable + Booking Fee)
Single Room supplement applies
Travel Insurance: €40 (Click here to purchase)
Balance due 8 weeks prior to departure which can be paid in instalments.
Cancellation Policy
Up to 60 days before travel = loss of deposit
60 – 30 days before travel = 50% cancellation charges
30-15 days before travel = 75% cancellation charges
Inside 14 days = 100% of total cost : NO REFUND.
Name Changes
Name changes may be allowed subject to the agreement our suppliers/partners as follows:
Up to 30 days before travel €50.00pp
30 days to 8 days €100.00pp
Inside 7 days no changes.
Accommodation is in 2/3 star hotels and pensions with private facilities. We have chosen popular family run hotels / pensions along the route. Accommodation is simple and follows the character of the area.
Single rooms are on request only and not guaranteed.
Single Supplement of €350 Applies
The Hiking Hens: More Than Just a Walking Group
The Hiking Hens is a vibrant women’s walking initiative led by Maria & Biddy based in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland, founded in 2021. What started as a simple challenge to reclaim physical and mental well-being after lockdown has grown into a thriving community of women who come together to hike, connect, and support each other.
Meeting weekly, the group explores the stunning Mourne Mountains, embracing adventure, camaraderie, and fun along the way. With a strong focus on inclusivity and well-being, the Hiking Hens offers a welcoming space for women of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and friendship.
Beyond hiking, the initiative has expanded to include Motivational Monday, Friendly Friday, and even Hiking Hens Global, where they share their passion with like-minded women’s walking groups worldwide. More than just a hiking group, the Hiking Hens is a movement that encourages women to step outside, both physically and mentally, empowering them to feel stronger, happier, and more connected and now we’re taking that spirit to the Camino in 2026!
Useful links:
Santiago Rosalia de Castro Airport
Camino Travel Tips
- Break in your walking boots and socks to prevent blisters. It is also a good idea to have worn any clothing on long walks before you travel to make sure they are comfortable.
- Bring runners or ideally flip flops for evening time to give your feet at chance to breath & recover
- Pack a sports bottle & fill it each morning before you leave the hotel at breakfast
- Bring spare (dry!) socks in your backpack
- Get your pilgrim passport stamped in hotels, shops & restaurants along the Way. You must have walked 100km in order to receive your Compostela certificate of completion, in Santiago.
- If you have luggage transport booked with us, put your name on your luggage label and attach it to your case on the first morning. This will enable the driver to identify your bag and its destination each day.
- Buy a scallop shell on your first day & attach it to your rucksack
- A poncho is fantastic for any wet days to keep you, your clothing & your bag dry
- If you run out of battery on your camera / phone along the way, charge it in one of the many restaurants / cafes that you stop at. Just bring your adapter & lead. Or take a charged battery pack with you.
What to pack in your rucksack?
- Plasters (incl. blister plasters)
- Safety Pins
- Sun Cream
- Lip Protection
- Snacks (Protein Bars, Glucose sweets or take a few pastries from the breakfast buffet!)
- Hiking Poles (if required)
- Plastic Bags for wet clothing
- Spare socks & t-shirt depending on the weather
- Water Bottles
- Tissues / Wipes
- Antibacterial Hand Gel
- Camera (Charge your battery fully & make sure you’ve plenty of memory!)
- Mobile Phone
- Sun Glasses
- Pilgrim Passport
- Emergency Phone number (on travel documents)
- Hotel Voucher & Directions to hotel
- Spanish/Portuguese Phrasebook
Cancellation Policy
Up to 60 days before travel = loss of deposit
60 – 30 days before travel = 50% cancellation charges
30-15 days before travel = 75% cancellation charges
Inside 14 days = 100% of total cost : NO REFUND.
Useful Blogs:
Walking the Camino – Advice from Chartered Physiotherapist Siobhán Treacey
Training for the Camino de Santiago
Staying Hydrated on the Camino
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