What's included on an alternative pilgrimage trip?

Handpicked accommodation, route notes and maps, and support while you walk. Each trip page shows exactly what's included.

Are luggage transfers included?

On most trips, yes. On our Japanese trails, luggage transfers aren't included as standard.

How are these trails graded?

Each trip is graded, and the trip page shows the daily distances, elevation and terrain, so you can choose the right trail for you.

Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, a daypack and layers for changeable weather. We send a full packing list once you book.

Can I walk an alternative trail solo?

Yes, our alternative pilgrimage trips are all open to solo travelers.

How should I prepare?

Build walking fitness beforehand, break in your footwear, and read the stage notes for your specific trail before departure.

4.6(469)

Alternative Pilgrimage Trails

The Camino Frances is the ultimate bucket-list walk for many, but there are other routes to Santiago and other pilgrimages around the world, each with its own history, people and stories to share.

Walk the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrim road to Rome, from the Swiss Alps through Tuscany in 8-day stages, or follow France's Le Puy Way towards Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where the Camino Frances begins. In the UK, St Cuthbert's Way runs from Melrose, where St Cuthbert began his religious journey, to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, crossing the tidal flats to finish by the sea. Or head to Japan for the Kumano Kodo, the 11th-century pilgrim trail to the Grand Shrines of Kumano, or the Nakasendo, the old road between Kyoto and Tokyo.

Every trip includes handpicked stays, route notes and maps, and support while you walk.

5 hand-picked routes

England · Scotland
4.7 (234)
St Cuthbert's Way
Walking
5–9 days
Easy - Moderate to Moderate
from$1,525CAD pp
View Route
Italy · Switzerland
4.4 (96)
Via Francigena
Walking
8–50 days
Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
from$2,540CAD pp
View Route
Japan
4.7 (56)
Kumano Kodo Trail
Walking
6–9 days
Moderate
from$2,870CAD pp
View Route
Japan
4.8 (45)
Nakasendo Trail
Walking
5–11 days
Moderate
from$3,055CAD pp
View Route
France
4.7 (38)
Camino Le Puy Way
Walking
12–38 days
Moderate
from$3,525CAD pp
View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!
October 2026
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided
June 2026
West Highland Way, Scotland
October 2026
Hadrian's Wall Path, England
June 2026
Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England
August 2026
Via Alpina, Switzerland
In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try
October 2026
Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

Join our Macs Community

What are the alternative pilgrimage trails?
Other self-guided pilgrim walks, to Santiago and beyond: the Le Puy Way in France, the Via Francigena in Italy, St Cuthbert's Way in the UK, and the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo in Japan.
Are luggage transfers included?
On most trips, yes. On our Japanese trails, luggage transfers aren't included as standard.
How do I choose between the Camino and an alternative trail?
For the classic pilgrimage, walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. For something different, follow the Via Francigena to Rome, cross the tidal flats to Lindisfarne on St Cuthbert's Way, or walk Japan's ancient pilgrim roads.

Alternative Pilgrimage Trails