The Camino Experience

VARIOUS DATES IN Spring and Autumn/fall

Imagine taking a whole week or so out just to ‘be’ in the moment and focus without interruption.

Imagine the freedom of this time away, of not having to think of anyone but yourself. Time to put yourself first, how often does that happen?

No beds to make, piles of ironing to work through, supermarket shopping to do or food to prepare. No-one else’s demands to attend to. All you have to do is get from A to B, enjoy your post walk drink, a hot shower and then dinner.

Imagine walking an ancient and historic path, walking in the footsteps of those who have gone before.Visiting the places they worshipped and where they were given refuge, seeing wonderful countryside and tasting the food of the region.

Tapping into their wisdom and stories and then relating that to our wisdom and stories. Wisdom and stories we may never even have valued.

I’m Heather Waring and I’m a coach and walking expert.

I’ve walked the ancient Camino Frances in stages over a period of 9 years, starting in the centre of France in Le Puy en Velay so covering around 1000 miles. I know the restorative effects that this path has had on me and the people I have met. I love it’s energy, it’s spiritual effect and what it teaches me. I love introducing it to others and see it waving it’s magic on them too.

In June 2019, I once again, took time out for my own personal walking development, and walked part of the Coastal Camino Portuguese from the beautiful city of Porto to Santiago. No matter how often I arrive on foot into Santiago, I still delight in that excitement as I reach the square in front of the cathedral. This route that I walked is around 200 miles and has allowed me to bring some new Camino offerings to you for the years ahead.

IN May this year I will explore further, this time walking from Santiago to Finisterre, the end of the earth, and to Muxia, where the Spanish believe that the true Camino ends. It may be that in years to come that I can offer this to you too.

You may have heard of the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important Christian Pilgrimages during the Middle Ages and now enjoying a resurgence. You might have wanted to walk this path but perhaps you’re not sure if you’d enjoy it or you may even be wondering if you could actually do it. You may have read about it or know others who have walked it; you may have been inspired by the film “The Way”; you might just enjoy walking; be looking for a bit of a challenge or adventure or even want to escape and step off the treadmill.

Whichever that might be, you are in the right place.

This is your chance to experience walking a section of this iconic path with a small group of like-minded women – laughing, learning and supporting each other. And above all focusing on YOU.

And you don’t need to worry about getting lost, because on this path you will be guided all the way.

In 2020 we have a new offer for you, this time on the Camino Portuguese, scroll down to find out more. And I also bring you the opportunity to walk the last section of the Camino Frances, the classic and most popular route.

Imagine embarking on an adventure that makes you a little nervous, but also incredibly excited.

In a small group of 6-10 people you’ll experience all aspects of this wonderful walk, no matter what route you choose. From breathtaking views of countryside or coast when we find ourselves on ridges and outcrops, to the many churches of varying size and importance, often open for us to visit; as well as the farms, forests and moorland and the villages, small towns and cities of the way. Of course let’s not forget the amazing food and wine of France, Spain and Portugal.

There’s something very special about the closeness, fun, laughter and camaraderie of travelling as a small group.

With time for reflection, discussion and mindfulness you’ll be able to focus on YOU and your life and start to recreate your life just how you want it to be. That journey will start even before you even leave your home as I want you to be able to maximise this gift that you are giving yourself. That time and space that allows you to focus on the most important person in your life, YOU.

This is a challenging walk, stretching you mentally and physically and that’s where the growth happens, that’s where we feel the achievement and where we get the great joy and inspiration.

There is something about the Camino that gets under your skin, so I know that you’re likely to leave wanting to return. We can do that too.

I’ll make the journey easy for you.

All your accommodation is booked in advance on the path and your large bags are moved on every day so you only have to carry a day pack. You have the peace of mind of knowing that at the end of the day a chilled beer, wine or soft drink, hot bath or shower, comfy bed and dinner await you. Everything apart from your travel, occasionally a couple of dinners in the larger towns and your personal alcohol consumption is organised for you and guidance regarding travel will be provided.

I’ll also provide you with a 6 month fitness plan, a packing list and advice and guidance on gear and also travel so that you can feel confident when you join us .

On this journey we will generally walk for 5 days (with a travel day on either side) and the distance walked will vary depending on which section we are walking. You’ll have a rough idea when you choose which Camino Experience to come on.

But the camino is just one part of your journey…

You’ll do some preparation work before you leave so that you can maximise the benefits of this time away.

If you are feeling a little disjointed, a little lost or distracted or indeed fear you have lost that woman with all the dreams, plans and intentions you once had, you are indeed in the right place. The time, space and exploration of this walk will allow you to look at what you love about your life, what you want more of and what you might want to change or get rid of. We’ll also start to look at what steps you need to take to bring about these changes.

If possible, time zones allowing, we’ll start this off with a group call so you can all say hi to each other and start to build the bond that will inevitably grow and then you’ll have a one to one call with me as we get closer to the event. After your Experience, you will leave feeling calmer, fitter, clearer and with the beginnings of a plan for the next stage of your life.

Once home we’ll have another call to see how I can help you move on and if you wish, you can join my 3-6 month nurturing programme to keep you on track.

Having the time to think and focus on you; pondering many questions which will come up from within as well as those asked by the leaders; exploring the possibilities and meanings of the cards we work with and discovering what happens when you have to dig deep, will lead to insights and breakthroughs. You are likely to have even more questions at the end of this Experience than at the beginning and definitely much food for thought. We’ll make sure you get the answers you need and want.

What is unfolding is the continuation of your own journey and often there is a rediscovery and reconnection with your true self. If you want help and support to make this happen then we can talk about maximising what you get out of this Experience by joining one of my ‘Digging Deeper’ programmes giving you 3 – 6 months coaching and nurturing after your return …..or why not bring it in before you start to have you in the best place you can be when you begin your Camino Experience. You choose whatever you feel would serve you best.

What is included:

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Advice and guidance on travel

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6 or 7 nights accommodation depending on the section

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Transportation of your large bags to each night's accommodation

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Breakfast, lunch and dinner each walking day on the Sarria to Santiago section except for the last day into Santiago. Only breakfast and lunches included on Vigo to Santiago section.

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An experienced guide to lead you along your journey

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Camaraderie of walking in a small group of like-minded women

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The option of adding a 'Transition Day' at the end of your trip while still on location and in the zone

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An extensive tried and testing packing list of what to bring

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A 6 month training plan giving you plenty of time to build your fitness

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A couple of one to one calls to establish what you need to get out of the journey

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Time zones allowing, a pre-walk group call to meet your fellow walkers and start to bond as a group

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One-to-one and small group discussions along the way

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A post-walk beer/wine/soft drink every walking day

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A post-experience call to pull together what may have come up for you and ensure you are clear and supported in how to move forward

Upcoming experiences

In 2020, we bring you the last section into Santiago de Compostella on the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago and on the Camino Portuguese route from Vigo to Santiago. The choice is yours. Whether we run both twice will be down to demand so claim your place.

Sarria to Santiago in Spain

Spring 2023 (likely to be May) Autumn/Fall 2023

ThereFebIf you want to walk some of the Camino de Santiago and you know that you cannot do it all, then this would be a section I recommend.

This is the last section of the Camino Frances and in walking this last 100 km or just over, you can claim your Compostella (Pilgrim Certificate) at the end of the walk in Santiago.

The majority of this section is walked in Galicia with its green and undulating landscape. This is ‘green’ Spain and I was really taken by its beauty and how so much of it was on woodland paths in comparison with some other sections. As we walked through many ancient oak woods with their gnarled and twisted trunks, I found myself thinking about all the wonderful stories that these trees could tell if they could talk.

Beautiful in Spring and in Autumn/Fall, this path takes us along by railway lines; on quiet country roads and through small villages. It’s an undulating path providing many stunning views of the surrounding countryside and giving us a beautiful overview of what this region of Spain has to offer. There are many beautiful buildings to admire and visit, historical facts to gather and the food is delicious.

On this section, many choose to have a very short final day so that they can get to Santiago in time for the midday mass. I choose instead to make the last two days of equal length and to have the time to fully enjoy your last walking day and to be able to savour the first sighting of the three spires of the cathedral from Monte do Gozo. You will want to have time to take photos here and celebrate getting so far.

We will not forget mass though and whether you attend for religious reasons; spiritual ones; the sense of theatre or just as a celebration, you can attend the next day. You will also have time to go to the Pilgrim office and receive your certificate and your final stamp, the physical proof that you did all the hard work.

On this trip, I allow this extra day so you can do the above and also have time to relax, celebrate, and explore and enjoy the beautiful city before heading home the following day.

It’s also a great opportunity to begin your transition back into life at home. It’s amazing how after 5 days on the path, with the solitude and peace that busy places seem so much chaotic and noisier than they were before. This helps prepare you.

Our accommodation in Santiago is usually in a converted XVIth century monastery just across from the cathedral and is such an atmospheric place to stay, a perfect and fitting end to our walk.

On this section we cover about 75 miles over the 5 days, some days longer than others. The terrain is undulating, much of it through ancient oak woods and on gravel and earth paths. Some road walking in places mainly coming into or leaving towns or villages. Very rural in most places.

If you are interested in this section then do not delay because it’s the busiest and most popular and gets fully booked. This is the reason that the EARLYBIRD cut off dates are so much earlier.

Your investment for this walk is £2595 + VAT

However, we offer an EARLYBIRD PRICE of £2395 + VAT until Jan 31st 2023 if you are considering the May one and May 31st 2023 if you are looking at the autumn Experience.

Once the EARLYBIRD date is passed the cost is the full £2595 + VAT

For Spring 2023 we do not yet have any bookings and for Autumn 2023 we have 3 bookings and this one is going to be our first mixed Camino Retreat. This means ONLY 5 places left on this Autumn Camino Experience and others are seriously considering the path so if you are interested, let’s have a chat so you can grab your place and not be disappointed. That means you can also start your training and spread your payment further.

Payment plans are available, with some people choosing to pay up front, and others spreading payments out over as many as 12-18 months. We will work with what suits you as long as final payment is made before you leave on your Experience. We want to make this as doable for you as possible.

Once you commit, we take a £250 + VAT non-refundable deposit which secures your place and the price at the time of booking, then we follow up with a payment discussion.

Interested?
– email me on heather@1millionwomenwalking.com and we can set a call up or use the link below to book a virtual coffee and we can talk through your questions, any concerns and see if this is right for you.

TO FIND OUT MORE, BOOK A VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH ME

£2,595 + VAT

EARLYBIRD PRICE £2395 + VAT

Baiona or Vigo to Santiago in Spain

May 2023 and Sept/Oct 2023.

We are delighted to bring this new offer to you for 2023.

This is the last section on the Coastal Camino Portuguese (Caminho da Costa) although all the walking does, in fact, take place in Spain – that’s just geography.

At present I am investigating the actual starting point for this last section of at least 100km as I am getting conflicting advice.

We start our journey in Baiona, a pretty seaside town or 26 km further north in the city of Vigo, one of the biggest fishing ports in the world and dates back to Roman times when there was a settlement here. The mouth of the nearby Vigo Estuary is sheltered by the Cíes Islands, which form part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. The Cíes are known for their rich birdlife and crescent-shaped Rodas Beach.

From Vigo, we climb a little and then find ourselves on a stunning ridge walk which lays out for us the surrounding landscape along most of its length. We remain on this ridge for most of our days walk and from our vantage point have great views over the estuary and the islands and the surrounding area.

These first 3 or 4 days lead us along the coast joining with the pilgrims coming from the Central Camino Portuguese route in Redondela. Then after leaving the wonderful University town of Pontevedra with it’s Pilgrimage and Basilica and it’s many squares where cafes and restaurants spill out onto the pavement, we head inland for the last 3 days.

On the night before Santiago we stay in Padron, famous for its peppers. These are offered in most restaurants and which really have to be sampled. Finally at the end of day 5 or 6 we arrive in the beautiful city of Santiago, the destination of our entire trip.

As this is a final section we will cover this last 100 km or just over and you can collect your pilgrim stamps and then claim your Compostella (Pilgrim Certificate)

We are again in Galicia with its green and undulating landscape. ‘Green’ Spain is lush and vibrant in the spring, the streams tend to be full and the sound of water and birdsong abound. I am always bowled over by it’s beauty and on this section, having the coast for part of the time adds another dimension.

Beautiful at all times of the year and if you walk in the autumn/fall the beauty you are likely to see the grapes heavy on the vines or may in fact, be there as the harvest happens.

Unlike the last section on the Camino Frances, you do not get a glimpse of the cathedral from outside the city, rather it tends to creep up on you and tease as you make your way through the narrow streets of the old town. The suddenly, you see so much more and as you step into the cathedral square, the sight of the amazing cathedral takes your breath away. I get goosebumps just writing about it and no matter how many times I enter, I am still enthralled.

In Santiago, I allow an extra day so you can go to mass if you choose whether that’s for religious reasons; spiritual ones; the sense of theatre or just as a celebration and also that you have time to collect your certificate and final stamp. Then you have time to relax, celebrate, explore and enjoy the beautiful old town before heading home the following day.

This ‘down time’ is a great opportunity to begin your transition back into life at home. It’s amazing how after a number of simple days on the path, filled with mainly solitude and peace that busy places seem so much chaotic and noisier than they were before. This helps prepare you for that re-emergence.

Our accommodation in Santiago is usually in a converted XVIth century monastery just across from the cathedral and is such an atmospheric place to stay, a perfect and fitting end to our walk.

We are walking around 62 – 75 miles over the 5 or 6 days, some days longer than others. Though on this route there is a little more equality of daily mileage. There is a mix of terrain, sometimes on promenades or concrete walkways; occasionally on the sand; at other times on gravel and earth paths and on roads walking in and out of towns or cities. We have a bit of climbing up in places but the views are worth it but on most occasions this path is described as a flatter one .

The last sections always book up first and they are busier but we do keep away from the height of the summer. We plan well in advance as accommodation gets fully booked so if you’re interested, do chat with me earlier rather than later.

Your investment for this walk is £2595 + VAT

If you are interested in the Spring then we offer an EARLYBIRD PRICE of £2395 + VAT until Jan 31st 2023. For the Autumn/Fall Experience the EARLYBIRD PRICE of £2395 + VAT remains until May 31st 2023.

Once EARLYBIRD price has passed the cost is £2595 + VAT

There are currently ONLY 4 places left on the Spring Experience and the Autumn/Fall one has some interest but no form bookings yet.

Payment plans are available, with some people choosing to pay up front, and others spreading payments out over as many as 12-18 months. We will work with what suits you as long as final payment is made before you leave on your Experience. We want to make this as doable for you as possible.

Once you commit, we take a £250 + VAT non-refundable deposit which secures your place and the price at the time of booking, then we follow up with a payment discussion.

Interested?
– email me on heather@womenwalkingwomentalking.com and we can set a call up or use the link below to book a virtual coffee and we can talk through your questions, any concerns and see if this is right for you.

TO FIND OUT MORE, BOOK A VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH ME

£2,595 + VAT

EARLYBIRD PRICES £2395 + VAT and £2595 +VAT.

Interested in joining an experience?

The first step on your journey is to arrange a committment free call.

TO FIND OUT MORE, BOOK A VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH ME

How about a VIP Camino Experience?

Ready to supercharge change in your life? Maximise this entire Experience by having Heather all to yourself? By booking a VIP Camino you get 1 to 1 coaching and service from the very beginning.

Starting with your preparation, Heather will be on hand to guide you through your fitness training, give personal advice on the correct gear – even come shopping with you, answer questions and address concerns and keep you accountable at all stages. She will coach you, through regular calls, as you set your intentions for this journey and get you into the mindset which will serve you best.

On the actual path, Heather will be by your side ensuring that the challenges you face and the insights you have, are explored fully for your benefit and your development.

As you walk, there will be ‘alone’ time too for you to ‘be’ with your thoughts and feelings, for you to tune into what comes up and to give headspace. Having that ‘me time’ is an essential part of the trip.

Heather will work with you to put together your personal Routemap so that when you return home, everything learnt and experienced is used by you, in both your business and personal development and you’ll receive regular coaching for 6 months after the Camino through sessions on zoom.

The first step in your journey is to arrange a committment free call.

TO FIND OUT MORE, BOOK A VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH ME

What other women are saying

“

A series of totally unexpected, but most fortunate, events led me to meet Heather in April 2018. After just an hour of conversation, I had signed up and was preparing to walk a section of the Camino de Santiago in September.

For me it was the realisation of a long-held dream – to walk a pilgrim route alongside like-minded women. And what an experience it was. We walked through spectacular countryside, met with fascinating people from all over the world, enjoyed some rigorous conversations, drank lots of delicious wine and ate some very tasty tapas. But the very best parts for me are the new friendships and the many wonderful memories that were forged along that road. Both of these I now treasure.

Thanks Heather, I had a ball!

Karen Christian, Sheffield, UK

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Getting away and completely unplugging for 5 days, being completely open to what the Camino would bring to me, has been nothing short of life altering.

It was a challenging walk, hard at times because of long days but also the weight of our lives and experiences that we carry and were able to work with on the path.   It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had and I’ve already signed up for the next one. I really look forward to continuing my physical and metaphysical journey.

If you’re thinking about the Camino Experience, do it, you’ll not regret it and Heather prepares and encourages you every step of the way. Thank you Heather for being so amazing at bringing together such a wonderful group of women, organizing a grand Camino adventure, and for bringing so much joy into my life.

Debby Kevin, COLuMBIA, Maryland, USA

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What has the Camino trip done for me? I have started to slow down a bit; trying not to get worked up over things that are out of my control. Taking deep breaths seems to help center me too. I look at the photos, laugh at the fun we had and continually be thankful for the opportunity I had.

I am naturally finding myself thinking less and less about myself and more and more about what I want to do for others. I have found a local person I can chat to periodically about how my life is progressing and where I want to see it going.

So all and all a positive result in large part because I had the space to get out of my routine, relax and think. Huge thank you to you.

WENDY HARMON, DENVER, Colorado, USA.

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Learning so much about myself and how I cope with adversity. Big thanks to Heather for the opportunity and my fellow walkers for the support.

Linda Everett, Bonnyrigg, Scotland

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I am so glad I took part in the Camino Experience and really value it. I felt physically good and able to cope though there were challenging sections of steep ups and downs. It was all very positive, well organised and I felt well supported.

Celia Coram, Hackney, London, UK

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“The Camino allowed me to focus on myself, which is something that I am rarely able to do as a wife, mother and employee. As a wife and mother I am responsible for keeping my family afloat. As an employee I am responsible for keeping my team afloat. But no one is responsible for keeping ME afloat! I felt like I was drowning before this trip, and now- after 1 week of focusing on no one but me- I feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and more present in my life. I am beyond thankful for this wonderful opportunity.”

Shannon Clay, Denver, Colorado, USA

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I didn’t know what to expect really – both in terms of my own capacity and the whole experience. I loved the group, reaching the tops of hills , the countryside and the challenge. If you are thinking of doing it, do train. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy it.

Rosalind Hallifax, London, UK