camino virtual challenge
- CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
- 6 DISTANCE OPTIONS
- WALK, JOG, or RUN
- ANYWHERE, ANY TIME
- START - 1st MAY ONWARDS
- FINISH BY 31st AUG
- MEDAL + BUFF OPTION
- CERTIFICATE
- PRIZES
For over a thousand years, travellers have followed the roads of the Camino toward the city of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northern Spain. The cathedral was built in the 9th Century, over what was believed to be the tomb of St James the Apostle, and Pilgrims from across Europe began travelling there on foot. In medieval times, walking to Santiago became one of the great pilgrimages, alongside journeys to Rome and Jerusalem.
Guided by yellow arrows and the scallop shell symbol, pilgrims travelled across mountains, villages, and open countryside. What began as a pilgrimage has now broadened to a journey, a challenge, an adventure, and a personal achievement for many. It’s not just about where you’re going – but the experience of getting there.
Your virtual challenge follows these historic routes. Choose your route, track your distance – and whether you walk, jog, or run, each kilometre moves you closer to Santiago!
How it works...
Track your progress online
Once signed up to your chosen Camino route, you can link up to our Map with STRAVA / GARMIN / FITBIT within your Ultra Britain Account (so your activities automatically feed on to the map). Alternatively, you can add activities manually. Each time an activity is logged you’ll progress along your route along with other participants.
Start from 1st May onwards, and anyone can join until 31st May.
You have until 31st August to complete your Virtual Challenge.
Challenge Options
Walk, Jog, or Run. Anywhere, Anytime!
Via de la Plata
Seville → Santiago
1,000 km
The Via de la Plata offers a quieter, more reflective path to Santiago — a route defined by long, open stretches and a sense of true distance travelled. Far from the busier Caminos, it passes through historic cities and lesser-known regions, where the journey feels slower and more personal. Beneath your feet lies centuries of history, from Roman roads and aqueducts to traces of Moorish Spain. With fewer pilgrims along the way, every encounter feels more meaningful. For those drawn to solitude, heritage, and a deeper sense of journey, the Via de la Plata is a Camino that stays with you long after it’s complete.
Camino Francés
St-Jean → Santiago
800 km
The Camino Francés is the original and most iconic route to Santiago, walked by pilgrims for centuries from across Europe. Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the foot of the Pyrenees, the journey crosses northern Spain through medieval cities, vineyard-covered regions, and the vast open plains of the Meseta. Along the way, a network of monasteries, churches, and pilgrim hospitals once supported travellers on this long and demanding journey. Rich in history and scale, this is the Camino that defined the pilgrimage — a route where completing the full distance has, for generations, been seen as a truly life-changing achievement.
Camino Portugués
Lisbon → Santiago
600 km
For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed north from Lisbon and Porto, following one of Europe’s most historic roads to Santiago. The Camino Portugués winds through vineyard-covered valleys, riverside towns, and centuries-old cities, crossing iconic landmarks like the medieval bridge at Ponte de Lima. Walked by kings, merchants, and everyday travellers alike, this route became one of the most important pilgrimage paths in Western Europe. Today, it offers a rich blend of culture, history, and steady progression — a Camino that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the people who have walked it before.
Camino del Norte
San Sebastián → Santiago
450 km
Not all Caminos follow the crowd. From San Sebastián, the Camino del Norte takes the harder path — tracing Spain’s northern edge through a landscape shaped by the Atlantic. This is a route of constant movement: steep climbs, sudden descents, and horizons that shift with every step. Fishing villages, green hills, and open coastline replace the well-trodden trails inland. It’s a Camino for those drawn to something a little more raw — where the journey feels less travelled, and every kilometre feels earned.
Camino Portugués Coastal
Porto → Santiago
300 km
Follow the old pilgrim route marked by salt-worn waymarkers on this coastal route heading north from Porto along one of the most scenic Camino routes. The Coastal Path weaves through seaside towns, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs, with fresh ocean air and ever-changing views guiding your journey. Crossing into Spain, the route turns inland toward Santiago, blending coastal beauty with historic villages. A perfect balance of challenge and scenery, this is a Camino defined by its connection to the sea.
Camino Inglés
Ferrol → Santiago
150 km
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims from England, Ireland, and Northern Europe often travelled by ship to Galicia. Their journey on sea ended at ports such as Ferrol, where they then continued on foot to Santiago. For many pilgrims, these last kilometres were the most meaningful — the moment the cathedral towers of Santiago finally appeared on the horizon. This route became known as the Camino Inglés — the English Way.
Prize Draws...
Fantastic prizes to be won!
3x Participants that complete HALF of their Challenge by Midnight on 30th June have the chance to win a pair of Carbon Fibre Trekking Poles.
+ PRIZE FOR BEST CHALLENGE SELFIE. The Virtual Challenge Platform allows you to upload photos as you take on your virtual challenge. Best challenge selfie wins a free place on our Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge (26 Sept’ 26).
What you'll get...
Below is the cost of entry, inclusions, and optional extras (we can only send to a UK address). Registration is open until 31 May & the Challenge finishes on 31 August (latest!)
REGISTRATION DETAILS
£10 ENTRY FEE
- From 1st May Onwards
- Join up to 31st May
- Finish before 31st August
- 6 route options: 150km – 1,000km
- Optional Finisher Medal
- Optional Neck Buff
- Finisher’s Certificate included
- Interactive Map – track progress
- Prize draws along the way!
Entry is FREE for 'CLUB MEMBERS"
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
MAKE YOUR CHALLENGE SPECIAL!
Challenge medal and/or neck buff.
Purchase options available on registration form.
Fundraise for Charity
Our Virtual Challenges have raised over £300,000 for UK Charities, and we’re hoping this one will raise another £20,000 for the Ultra Challenge Charity Partners. SCROLL DOWN to set up a JUSTGIVING page.
Series Partners
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
Set up your online fundraising page...
If you’ve joined and want to fundraise for a charity of your choice – you need to set up a Just Giving sponsorship page using the button below. There’s no specific target – raise whatever you can!
