WALK & WRITE THE CAMINO
SARRIA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
5 - 15 September 2020 I 12 places only!
Welcome to Walk & Write Sarria – Santiago de Compostela!
A writing holiday for your body, mind & spirit.
Next Walk & Write Camino
5 – 15 September 2020
11 DAYS 12 PLACES ONLY! FULLY SUPPORTED DAILY WRITING GUIDANCE
JOURNEY OVERVIEW – WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Walk & Write Camino is an 11-day adventure writing experience that will lead you through the final 115 kms of Spain’s famous Camino pilgrimage.
You will, literally, write your journey home.
A hike along the Camino in northern Spain is one of the world’s great walking experiences. The pace is relaxed, walking 10 ‑ 18 km a day, and you will stay in handpicked hotels and guesthouses, including a castle, a convent and a 300-year-old farmhouse, all fully restored for warmth and comfort.
By completing the final 115kms to Santiago, you will be eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate.
“Loved it! The walking, discovering, learning, sharing; being in the laneways & pathways; being resilient, then relaxing… the bracing air, little birds, hot chocolates, beers, delicious food, the writing – really enjoyed it!”
Sally
Walk & Write Camino is organized in partnership with UTracks.
On this specially crafted trip, you will experience a series of writing workshops in beautiful villages, forests, farms and cities. At certain junctures along the way, such as gentle streams and open hilltops, in afternoon cafes and iconic village squares, we will stop, rest and write.
You will experience writing about people and local cultures; you’ll gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail; you will have ample opportunity to revel in that beautiful, reflective space that walking offers the pilgrim.
The gates of Galicia will welcome you, as you make your way along the trail to the fabled city of Santiago de Compostela, its famous cathedral the site of the tomb of St James.
It’s important to note this is a walking holiday. While the relaxed pace of the walking ensures there is plenty of time for writing and reflection, you will need a reasonable level of basic fitness.
“The walking was wonderful, tramping through forests, muddy lanes, greeting other pilgrims, stopping for coffee…it was just so special. The writing component was invaluable. It was given out at measured intervals, which challenged and excited me. The chunks were there to tease out your thoughts and challenge, yet they also built upon the previous foundations and ultimately it felt like you had come full circle which was exactly how I felt about the physical walk. Steph’s kind and empathetic way with each individual as they journeyed was also such a joy. Writing is the tool that helps, guides and brings to fulfilment what is inside each of us.”
Michelle
The great cathedral of Santiago de Compostela will welcome you into the old city.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- experience the final stages of one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimages
- walk through time as history parades before you: landscapes, architecture, cultural heritage
- eat delicious local meals prepared just for you at the end of each day
- sleep soundly in ancient farmhouses and castles, renovated for warmth and comfort
- relish the freedom of having your luggage transported for you
- deepen your journey through exclusive writing workshops
- enjoy the camaraderie of engaged and interested walking writing buddies
- enter one of Spain’s great cities by following the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have walked this way before you
- accompanied by award-winning journalist, author and experienced Camino pilgrim, Stephanie Dale.
“Amazing experience, beautiful countryside, so nice chatting and meeting pilgrims from other countries along the way and learning about the others in our group. Accommodation was outstanding every time. Loved it all – very comfortable – loved that most were located out of the cities. Castles were amazing – so historical. My main reason for the Camino was the walking – the writing overcame my expectations and was on my mind all through the day. Writing really lifted my spirits. It will be a big help to me in the future.”
Lyn
For bookings or further information
phone Jaclyn at UTracks Sydney office on +61 2 8270 8488.
Keep good company as you walk & write your way through gentle landscapes.
THE WRITING
On this Walk & Write holiday writing adventure, you will:
- clarify your writing purpose
- learn to use writing as a tool for everyday good health and wellbeing
- rest in productive time out, each and every day, as you tune into the rhythms of the world around you and explore your writing voice
- engage in gentle purpose as you wander the beautiful trails of Spain’s northern interior
- receive writing support, guidance and encouragement throughout the journey.
Your writing facilitator, Stephanie Dale, specializes in helping new writers get started on their writing – and experienced writers overcome writer’s block.
“I had a most wonderful time and, with your help, managed to climb the wall of my writer’s block. I have written enormous amounts since the Camino. I’m not sure if all of it is great writing but it is oiling the wheels of my brain in any case and among the pebbles we invariably find some gems. Thanks so much.”
Sue Gunningham, author
Whether you want to blog your journey, share fabulous social media updates, write for good health and wellbeing, take notes for a novel, unlock your inner writer or break through writers’ block ‑ this journey will meet your writing needs as you take a break from everyday life.
Walk & Write will encourage you to sit quietly, patiently, like the hunters of old, tuning your senses to the rhythms of life around you. You will learn to take time to rest, renew, replenish. You will find your creative rhythm. You will discover new ways to incorporate writing into your everyday life. You will be offered support, guidance and encouragement to write your story, your way.
Afternoon siesta – time out for writing on The Camino.
TAKEAWAYS include:
- a real time record of your Camino adventure
- concrete writing direction
- increased writing confidence
- confidence in using writing as a pathway to everyday good health and wellbeing
- solid notes for future writing projects
- lifelong friendships
- enthusiasm to do it again!
“The writing component was integral to the transformation that occurred along the way. Stephanie’s beautiful way of facilitating these conversations is special. Thanks Steph for your wonderful way of being and inspiring us on our paths whatever they may be.”
Lea
Trust in The Way – everyday surprises along the road to Santiago de Compostela.
ITINERARY – DAY BY DAY
AT A GLANCE:
-
- Day 1 Arrive in Sarria
- Day 2 Walk to Morgade, transfer back to Sarria (3.5hrs, 13km, +260m)
- Day 3 Transfer to Morgade, walk to Portomarin (2-3hrs, 10km, +50m, -385m)
- Day 4 On foot to Ligonde, transfer to Lestedo (4hrs, 16km, +420m)
- Day 5 Transfer to Ligonde, walk to Coto (4hrs, 16km, +50m, -270m)
- Day 6 Walk to Castaneda (4hrs, 15km, +20m, -120m)
- Day 7 Continue to Salceda, transfer to Lavacolla (4.5hrs, 16.5km, +120m, -370m)
- Day 8 Transfer to Salceda and on foot to Lavacolla (5hrs, 18km, +100m, -300m)
- Day 9 Walk to Santiago (3hrs, 10km, +70m, -110m)
- Day 10 Free day in Santiago
- Day 11 Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela.
Your itinerary will lead you through gentle trails along The Way to Santiago de Compostela – perfect for writing over a picnic lunch.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS – updated trip notes on their way!
- The logistics for this journey have been organized by UTracks, a subsidiary of World Expeditions.
- To speak to a UTracks representative about Walk & Write Sarria-Santiago de Compostela, phone Jaclyn on +61 2 8270 8488.
BOOK YOUR PLACE ON THIS PERFECT WRITING HOLIDAY
To discuss your Walk & Write Camino holiday phone Jaclyn on +61 2 8270 8488.
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE CALL UTRACKS +61 2 8270 8488
“Thank you so much for your time and valuable insight. It was great to discover I actually do have something to write about! I also loved hearing the stories from the other members of the group.”
Jenna
Wander gentle trails through the mists of Galicia.
INCLUSIONS & COSTS
The cost of Walk & Write Sarria – Santiago de Compostela is $3390, based on twin share accommodation. A single supplement is payable if a single room is required.
INCLUSIONS:
- 10 breakfasts, 10 dinners: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
- 10 nights in a combination of 3‑4 hotels and comfortable guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
- 1 walking guidebook, 1 map holder, 1 detailed day‑by‑day description of the itinerary for each room booked
- Luggage transfer (max 20kgs per person)
- Visitor tax
- Emergency hotline
- Transfers as noted in the itinerary
- Trip escorted by journalist, author and experienced Camino pilgrim, Stephanie Dale.
THERE ARE ONLY 12 PLACES ON THIS JOURNEY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE JACLYN +61 2 8270 8488
Every single night, return home to well-earned pilgrim dinners.
Join us, we’d love to welcome you aboard.
FAQs
DO I HAVE TO BE AN EXPERIENCED WRITER?
Absolutely not! Everyone is welcome at Walk & Write holiday writing adventures – new writers, experienced writers, writers who are not yet confident enough to call themselves a writer. Our program is about your individual writing journey.
DOES IT MATTER WHAT KIND OF WRITING I’D LIKE TO DO?
Not at all! Some people will come along with a very clear idea of what they plan to achieve on their writing holiday – they may want to take notes for their novel, plan out a family history, write as the spirit moves them or blog their Camino journey for friends and family at home.
Others may have no idea what they want to write – they know only that the longing to write won’t go away and the thought of starting their project on a writing holiday is an opportunity too good to pass up!
Your writing facilitator Stephanie Dale is skilled and experienced at handling the needs of all writers in the group, regardless of their level of experience or productivity.
DO I NEED A CERTAIN LEVEL OF FITNESS?
Walk & Write Camino is not a difficult walk, although there will be some days that are steeper than others. A good level of basic fitness is required, as you will be walking up to 18 kms a day.
WILL I GET INDIVIDUAL WRITING COACHING?
Yes! That’s the beauty of Walk & Write holiday writing adventures. Your writing facilitator is with you all the way, to answer questions and offer guidance, support and encouragement.
“Today was unbelievable. I sat down by the river to write and couldn’t believe it – it was as if I was in the river and it took me places. My writing just flowed. I no longer even cared if it was ‘good’ or ‘bad’.”
Ailsa
WHAT KINDS OF WRITING DO YOU COVER?
Walk & Write holiday writing adventures are designed to open your senses to experiencing whatever it is you’d like to write. Previous writing projects have included:
- travel writing
- blogging
- social media messaging
- food writing
- fiction
- short stories
- memoir
- letters
- speeches
- family and community histories
- landscape writing
- writing wild places
- architecture writing
- journaling.
MORE QUESTIONS?
CALL US!
CONTACT WALK & WRITE ON +61 422 138 103 OR UTRACKS ON +61 2 8270 8488
Ultreya! Mass inside the great cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, fabled tomb of St James. The pilgrims’ journey complete.