Walk. Reflect. Fundraise.

This summer we are undertaking a fundraiser like no other. Together we will walk, reflect, pray and raise vital funds for those who are fighting to break free.

The Camino: A Pilgrimage of Heart and Soul

For centuries, the Camino de Santiago has been a journey of reflection, perseverance, and faith—a road where pilgrims find renewal and a deeper connection with God, themselves and others. Each step taken is a symbol of the struggle and strength required to walk a path toward healing. In the same way, those on their own Freedom Journey with Mercy UK navigate a road filled with challenges, but one that leads to restoration and freedom.

Why This Walk Matters

At times, life can feel like an endless, uphill journey. But no one should have to walk that path alone. Through our Freedom Journey, we give individuals the tools, support, and spiritual guidance they need to find hope and healing. By taking part in this pilgrimage, you are not just walking for yourself—you are walking for every person fighting to break free from pain, anxiety, and trauma.

“Before Mercy UK, I was in a dark place. I felt alone, like I was stuck and couldn’t see a way out. But through the Freedom Journey, I found people who walked with me, who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. I found my faith again, and I started to heal. It has been the hardest, yet most freeing journey of my life.”
— Freedom Journey Participant

Itinerary: a Journey of Reflections

This is no ordinary fundraiser. Together we will reflect on the different stages of someone’s freedom journey. It’ll be a chance to deepen your own relationship with God, yourself and others as we raise funds for those that are walking this difficult path. We will gather in Sarria on Sunday 12th October, where you will be given a journal to record your reflections over the days ahead…

 

  • Sarria to Portomarín (14.5 miles)

    Theme: Surrender and trust

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

    As you begin your journey, take time to acknowledge the weight you're carrying—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The road ahead may be long, but you're not walking it alone. Just as pilgrims throughout history have laid down their burdens on this path, today is an invitation to release what no longer serves you. Trust that healing begins with surrender.

    Prompt for prayer/reflection: What burdens are you ready to lay down today? Where do you need to trust God more deeply?

  • Portomarín to Palas de Rei (15.5 miles)

    Theme: Endurance in Hardship

    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

    Blisters may start to form. Legs may ache. And yet—you keep walking. Like many who begin their healing journey, the second step is often harder than the first. But God walks with us in the discomfort. And He strengthens us through it. Your perseverance today mirrors the brave decisions others make every day to keep going when it's hard.

    Prompt for prayer/reflection: In what areas of your life do you need strength to endure? Who are you walking for today?

  • Palas de Rei to Arzúa (18 miles)

    Theme: Connection and Companionship

    “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

    This stretch can be long and tiring, but it’s also rich with moments of encouragement. You’ll likely walk alongside others, share stories, laugh, maybe cry. This is a picture of Mercy UK's heart: that no one should walk alone. Healing happens in relationship—in vulnerability, kindness, and shared strength.

    Prompt for prayer/reflection: How can you open your heart to others today? Is there someone who needs your encouragement?

  • Arzua – Arco do Pino (12 miles)

    Theme: Pushing through the wall

    “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

    Today might be tough. The aches feel deeper, the miles longer. You're so close—and yet, this is when it’s hardest to keep going. But take heart: the horizon is changing. You're nearly there. Often, the moment just before breakthrough is when resistance is at its strongest. This is the 'pain wall'—where doubts speak loudest and energy runs low. But this is also the place where strength is forged and hope takes root. Remember, it's impossible to keep putting one foot in front of the other and not move forward- so keep walking!

    Prompt for prayer/reflection: Where in your life do you feel like giving up? Ask God for the strength to push through. What hope is He holding out on your horizon?

  • Arco do Pino to Santiago (12 miles)

    Theme: Celebrate the Wins

    “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” - Romans 8:37

    You’ve arrived. Every step has led to this moment of arrival—not just at the cathedral, but in a deeper understanding of yourself, God, and what it means to walk with purpose. This echoes the stories of those who’ve found their healing through completing the Freedom Journey and deepening their relationship with God, self and others as a result. Their journey, like yours, is not over—but this milestone matters. Celebrate it.

    Prompt for prayer/reflection: What has this journey meant to you? Who or what are you celebrating today? Give thanks for how far you’ve come.

  • Theme: Living from the transformation

    “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

    You made it. The walk is done—but the real journey now begins. What you've experienced over these days isn’t just about miles walked or feet blistered—it’s about inner transformation and experiencing a physical representation of what some of our Freedom Journey participants experience mentally and spiritually when they walk through their Freedom Journey. This pilgrimage may be over, but don't let what you've gained stop here. Let the clarity, connection, and courage you've found shape how you live moving forward. Don’t rush back to “normal.” Let this breakthrough, this achievement, keep working its way through your life—one step, one choice, one day at a time.

    Prompt for prayer/reflection:
    What has God shown you this week that you don’t want to forget? How will you carry this journey into your everyday life?

Costs & Fundraising Aim

Cost

It will cost up to approximately £450 for accommodation and food.
You will also need to factor in travel and flights to and from Santiago, which is the closest airport.

Fundraising Aim

Our hope is that each person joining will raise a minimum of £1,000 via your own JustGiving page, which we can help set up.

 FAQs

What are the exact dates of the Pilgrimage?
Arrive to Sarria by the end of Sunday 12th October, Day 1 of the Pilgrimage starts Monday 13th October, and completes at the end of Friday 17th October. You will be ready to depart from Santiago Saturday 18th October.

Will I need to find my own way to and from the start/end points?
Yes. The closest airport is Santiago. You will need to arrange your own flights, as everyone will be coming from different airports. Sarria, our starting point, is then about 50 miles away. The easiest way of getting there is by train. Once we have our final list of walkers, we will coordinate our travel times so that, where possible, we can make that train journey together.

Where will we be staying, are there options or are we staying together as a group?
It is a popular route, with plenty of accommodation. We’d like to be able to stay together as a group, so will be looking to make a group booking when we are clearer on numbers. We are looking at double/twin rooms. If you’d like to arrange your own accommodation though, you are very welcome to.

Will we be walking as one big group or at the pace we choose?
We anticipate that there will be a variety of fitness levels within our group! So while we will try to stay together as much as possible, we’ll make sure no one is walking any faster than they are comfortable with. The walk itself, while long, is not too strenuous.

Do I need my own insurance/Is this classed as a dangerous activity?
Yes, everyone will need to arrange their own travel insurance. Or you may already have some if you have an Annual policy in place. And no, it’s not classed as a dangerous activity. This is a very safe and popular walking route.

Is there any medical support?
Mercy UK will not be providing any medical support, but the route will take us through various villages and towns where there will be medical provisions. We will, of course, make sure that we have emergency information to hand. If you have medical concerns, it’s best to be approved by your medical professional for this walking activity.

Is there an individual target or a group target?
We want to raise at least £20,000 through this fundraiser. We are aiming to get a group of 20 people together, so are hoping that each individual can raise £1,000 each.

Is there a certificate at the end?
Yes! The route we have picked is the shortest one you can take and still receive the official Camino de Santiago pilgrim certificate.

 So, are you in?!

Email us and let us know you are interested in taking part. We can’t wait to do this journey together!

communications@mercyuk.org

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