Accessible Caminos

A guide for wheelchair-accessible travel to the Camino de Santiago starting points and returning from Santiago de Compostela, focusing on services, inspiration, and accessibility for disabled travelers. The guide includes options from major UK airports (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Glasgow) and Irish airports, along with verified links to assist you in planning.

Firstly some Inspiration – Websites Facebook & Film

  • Facebook : Certain routes, such as the Camino Inglés or Camino Francés, have sections adapted for wheelchair users. Here’s few – Katies Page  and one from Carol Hall , her page is Camino with a Disability – local to me. 
  • Film :  The first movie of its type I saw .” I’ll Push You “ -  Warning – its wonderful and emotional. A Multi Festival Award Winner
  • Website :Accessible Camino from Justin and Patrick – The original “I’ll Push You” Adventurers 
  • Accommodations: Accessible accommodations, including hotels and albergues, are available in many areas. Websites like Accessible Spain Travel provide tailored services for pilgrims.
  • Equipment: Consider bringing lightweight, durable wheelchairs or powered chairs designed for rough terrain.

General Accessibility Tips for the Camino

  • Preparation: The Camino can be physically demanding, but certain routes, such as the Camino Inglés or Camino Francés, have sections adapted for wheelchair users.
  • Accommodations: Accessible accommodations, including hotels and albergues, are available in many areas. Websites like Disabled Accessible Travel provide tailored services for pilgrims.
  • Equipment: Consider bringing lightweight, durable wheelchairs or powered chairs designed for rough terrain.
  • ALL Airport Assistance Links – A Handy page of Assistance Links to all UK airports from FlyingDisabled.org.uk

Routes and Starting Points

  1. St. Jean Pied de Port (Camino Francés)
  • Flight Options:
    • Fly to Biarritz Airport (accessible shuttles are available). Airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet operate flights from Manchester and London airports.
    • Alternatively, connect via Paris (CDG/Orly) and take a train with SNCF to Bayonne, followed by accessible transport to St. Jean.
  • Ground Transfers: SNCF Accessibility Services offer assistance during train travel.
  1. Pamplona (Camino Francés)
  • Flight Options:
    • Direct flights from UK airports to Madrid or Bilbao. From Madrid, Renfe trains to Pamplona are equipped for wheelchair users.
  • Accessible Transfers: Private transfers can be booked via Accessible Spain Travel.
  1. Ferrol (Camino Inglés)
  • Flight Options:
    • Fly to A Coruña Airport or Santiago de Compostela, then use adapted transport to Ferrol.
    • Ryanair and Aer Lingus provide direct services from the UK and Ireland.
  • Transport: Local companies like Taxis Ferrol provide accessible vehicles.

Returning from Santiago de Compostela

  • Accessibility in Santiago: The Cathedral and Old Town have been adapted for wheelchair users. Access is available via the back entrance of the Cathedral
  • Flight Options:
    • Direct flights to London, Manchester, Dublin, and other major hubs. Ryanair and Vueling are common operators.
    • Wheelchair assistance is available at All Spanish Airports inc’ Madrid , Ferrol and Santiago Airport (AENA Accessibility – Barrier Free Access ).

Inspiring Resources and Services

  • Disabled Pilgrimage Support: Organisations like The British Pilgrimage Trust offer resources and understanding for disabled pilgrims.
  • Tours and Excursions: Accessible tours of Santiago and nearby regions are available, such as the ones offered by Disabled Accessible Travel.

The “Done for You” route

1. Macs Adventure

  • Specializes in self-guided tours with flexible itineraries, baggage transfers, and pre-booked accommodations. They offer routes such as the French Way, Portuguese Way, and more.
  • Website: Macs Adventure

2. UTracks

  • Offers both guided and self-guided tours. Services include accommodations, meals, luggage transfers, and detailed route notes. Routes cover various Camino options, including lesser-known paths.
  • Website: UTracks

3. Santiago Ways

  • Highly rated provider offering self-guided and guided options. They focus on high-quality service with logistics, accommodations, and meal arrangements.
  • Website: Santiago Ways​

4. Follow the Camino

  • Provides tailored itineraries for all major Camino routes, including the French Way and Portuguese Way. Their services include luggage transfers and personalized advice.
  • Website: Follow the Camino

5. Camino Ways

  • Offers a variety of routes with both guided and self-guided tours. They provide accommodations, luggage transfers, and route assistance.
  • Website: Camino Ways

6. Spanish Steps

  • A boutique provider that combines Camino tours with unique experiences like retreats and workshops. Options include Camino del Norte, Finisterre, and French routes.
  • Website: Spanish Steps​

7. Tee-Travel

  • Focused on Spanish and Portuguese Caminos, this agency offers custom itineraries with accommodation, baggage transfers, and optional guides.
  • Website: Tee-Travel

These providers cater to a range of needs, from self-guided pilgrimages to fully escorted journeys. If you have specific preferences like group tours, private arrangements, or particular route interests, it’s best to explore their services further to tailor your experience.

Which is the Best Agency ?  

  • Heres a top 10 review of the main specialist agencies . Oddly Numbered but unsurprisingly – as its on the Santiagoways website – they are Number 1 . That may be deserved – who knows I’ve not tried them all !
Wildside Holidays

Who’d have thought ?? Don’t let that this rather old fashioned looking site of Wildside Holidays

  • put you off – It’s such a mine of information. Humour too - as among hundreds of well researched ideas and links they list “Edible Bikes”  and “Inglorious Bustards” for both Culinary Bike tours and Birdwatching.
  • Eroski Consumer: Not sure whats going on here . This link is via IVARs site at caminodesantiago.me . Looks like Provides route maps, accommodation options, and essential resources for each stage of the Camino.

8. UK-Based Camino Tour Providers

  • Collett’s Mountain Holidays: Offers guided and self-guided walking tours on the Camino, including accommodation in handpicked hotels and baggage transfers. Services include welcome briefings and route notes. Details on Collett's tours​
Augustine Camino

Features tailored pilgrimages with accommodation booking, baggage transfer, and route planning for both experienced walkers and beginners. Learn more on Augustine Camino

9. Pilgrim Hostels (Albergues)

  • The Camino includes a network of municipal, private, and parochial albergues. They are affordable and cater specifically to pilgrims. Booking is often done on arrival, but some private options allow reservations through platforms like Booking.com.

10. Specialist Youth Pilgrimage Services