Camino 100 Challenge Inspires Walkers to Trek for Breast Cancer Charity

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Clare Balding’s recent BBC Radio 4 series, Ramblings, explores the historic Camino de Santiago trail in northern Spain and has inspired many to lace up their boots and take on the route. Among those moved by the broadcaster’s journey are participants of Walk the Walk’s Camino 100 Challenge, a 100-mile trek from Mount O’Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela, undertaken to raise funds for breast cancer causes.

Walk the Walk, a cancer charity known for its MoonWalk events in London, Scotland and Iceland, organises the Camino 100 Challenge which covers 100 miles in five days. Starting on 28 September 2025 and concluding on 5 October, the event begins at Mount O’Cebreiro and passes through Galicia’s hills, woodlands and hamlets before reaching Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Participants aim to raise a minimum of £850, with the charity providing a 14-week training plan, local guides and daily luggage transfers. The cost begins at £1,140 and includes accommodation, meals and Walk the Walk gear such as tech t-shirts and a high-vis cap.

Walkers who completed the 2024 challenge shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences, echoing the emotional and physical themes Balding highlighted in her series. Julia Davis, who walked just months after receiving a breast cancer all-clear, said: “I recall the breath-taking views, seeing all the little chapels along the way, just standing and taking a breath. I completed my challenge wrapped up with the love, strength and courage from all my family and friends at home believing in me and Walk the Walk and my team sharing each step. Everyone needs to experience the Camino journey, which I will always carry in my heart.”

Michelle King described the trek as transformative: “It is a journey of a lifetime on so many levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The collective feeling of accomplishment and pride felt by everyone when we walked together into Santiago and hugged and laughed in front of the Cathedral with our completed Camino passports is something I will treasure for a very, very long time.” Friends Cate Harrison and Meryl Roberts, motivated by a difficult year, added: “After a tough year, taking on a big challenge felt right. Walking has always been something we love, so the Camino, a long-time bucket list item, was the perfect way to spend time reflecting, while doing something good for others. And wow, what an experience it turned out to be.”

Walk the Walk’s impact on cancer awareness and research

Fundraising success. The charity has raised over £144 million to date, supporting breast cancer research, prevention and care for those affected.
Innovative campaigns. Walk the Walk pioneered the Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too and Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer campaigns, raising awareness about male breast cancer.
Signature events. Known for the MoonWalk, where participants wear decorated bras or bra t-shirts, the charity promotes fitness and well-being through walking challenges ranging from 5km to 100 miles.

Limited places remain for the 2025 Camino 100 Challenge. Interested walkers can sign up on their website or contact Lisa Tyrrell (01483 741430, lisaty@walkthewalk.org) or Jennifer Broh (01483 741430, jennifer@walkthewalk.org) for more details. The journey provides a meaningful way to support the fight against breast cancer.