The CaminoWays Fund, 2015 to 2020
Giving something back to the trails we love
For six years, the CaminoWays Fund supported people and projects that cared for the Camino and its communities: cleaning trails, planting forests, training trail wardens and carrying pilgrims’ hopes to Santiago.
The Fund closed in 2020 and is no longer accepting projects. This page tells the story of what it achieved, and what we do today to travel responsibly.
- 1,400+native trees planted in northern Portugal
- ~6,000pieces of litter collected on the Camino Portugués
- 650 kmof trail walked and cleaned
- 35 dayscarrying pilgrims’ intentions to Santiago in 2020
Where it began
Inspired by two friends and a wheelchair
In 2013 we met best friends Justin and Patrick. Justin has a debilitating neuromuscular condition, and they had an extraordinary plan: to walk the Camino together, with Patrick pushing Justin’s wheelchair all the way to Santiago. We were honoured to help them on their way. Their journey became the film and book I’ll Push You.
Their story showed us how much good one journey can do. In 2015 we created the CaminoWays Fund to support other inspiring, responsible projects on the Camino and in our destinations.
Read Justin and Patrick’s story
What the Fund supported
Four projects, four ways of caring for the trail
The Great Camino Clean-Up
We were the main sponsor of A Greener Future’s clean-up of the Camino Portugués. Rochelle and Mike walked 650 km of the route, collected nearly 6,000 pieces of litter and organised local clean-up events with residents and pilgrims along the way.
The Great Camino Clean-Up
Trail wardens on the Burren Way
The Fund’s 2016 winner trained trail wardens to look after the Burren Way in County Clare, Ireland, a long-distance trail that passes the Cliffs of Moher. The project was devised by Clare Rural Recreation Officer Eoin Hogan.
About the project
Replanting forests with Mossy Earth
After the 2017 wildfires in Galicia and northern Portugal, we supported Mossy Earth‘s native reforestation project. Together we planted over 1,400 native oak trees, creating forests that store carbon and resist fire better.
Mossy Earth and CaminoWays
We Walk For You
When the pandemic stopped most pilgrims from travelling, Santiago-based pilgrim Johnnie Walker and his friend Stephen walked from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago in 35 days, carrying the prayers and intentions that people sent them from around the world.
Follow their journeyToday
How we travel responsibly now
The Fund has closed, but the idea behind it continues in the way we organise every Camino.
- Local, family-run places to stay. We choose traditional guesthouses and family-run hotels in the towns and villages along the way.
- Fair prices for our partners. Our prices are set to pay fairly the people who look after you on the ground.
- Respect for the places we visit. We respect local people, their culture and their traditions, and we hope every pilgrim who travels with us does too.
Good to know
About the CaminoWays Fund
Can I apply to the CaminoWays Fund?
No. The Fund ran from 2015 to 2020 and is now closed, so we are not accepting new projects.
Was it the same as the Greenlife Fund?
Yes. The Fund was first named after our company, Greenlife Tours, and later became the CaminoWays Fund.
Where can I read about responsible travel on the Camino?
Our Responsible Travel and Environmental Policy explains how we work with local partners and protect the places we visit.
Walk the Camino with people who care about it
Plan your Camino in the Camino Planner, or talk to one of our specialists.