We walked through green forests. We walked up steep hills. We walked through one-horse towns which were the only signs of civilization for miles around. We left as strangers; we came home best friends.

Last year, thirty members of Trinity VDP walked the last 100 kilometres of the Camino de Santiago (which translates as the Way of Saint James). The Camino is the most famous long-distance walking trail in the world, encompassing dozens of routes from across Europe as they converge on the cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are said to be buried.

The trip itself is, quite simply, one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences you will ever complete. Along the way you’ll meet countless other pilgrims making the same journey as you. You’ll stay in ‘alburgues’ (pilgrims’ hostels) for the grand fee of €3 a night. You’ll get to meet many wonderful Spanish natives who are, by and large, nice people, and who in any case sell wine for less than €1 a carton (yes, carton) which tends to make most people happy.

While the walk itself is a test of endurance, the fond memories outweigh any physical pains along the way: from an encounter with an angry goose near Lugo, through several litres too many of wine for lunch at Santa Irene, to finally catching a glimpse of that shining spire of the cathedral at Santiago.

Each participant raised €250 – by whatever manner they wished – which was donated to aid the society’s work in Zambia. In total, combined with other group fundraising events such as bagpacking, nights out, and a table quiz, €12,000 was raised, making last year’s Santiago trip the biggest single fundraising event in Trinity VDP’s history. This year we’re hoping to make the event even bigger. To cater for demand, we’re organizing two or three different routes on which everyone will head simultaneously for Santiago.

Whether you’re a seasoned VDP member wanting to try something a bit different, or a shy fresher wanting to take a leap into the unknown, Santiago is for you. We wouldn’t ever lie to you, would we?