Camino - Leon to Santiago

Start your journey in the historic province of Old Castile, heading towards the city of Leon. Explore the city's rich history, from Roman occupation to the knights of Templar. Visit the grand Cathedral of Leon, a 13th-century marvel, and the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, home to an impressive collection of early manuscripts. Walk along the Roman and medieval Town Walls before settling in for the night in Leon.

Leave Leon behind as you journey through the town towards Virgen del Camino, a shrine built where the Virgin is said to have appeared to a shepherd in 1506. Traverse the exposed Paramo desert, passing through small villages until you reach Villadangos del Paramo, a town of Roman origin. Explore the Parish Church, home to an 18th-century image of the Apostle Santiago, before continuing to Villar de Mazarife for the night.

As you make your way to Puente de Orbigo, the landscape gradually changes, with mountains appearing on the horizon. Cross the fabulous stone bridge of Le pont de Hospital de Orbigo, one of the most famous buildings along the way. Pass by the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and catch a glimpse of Astorga in the distant valley.

Continue your ascent through forested areas to the famous 'Mount Irago'. Witness the legendary 'Iron Cross' and find yourself surrounded by mountains. The route continues downwards to Bierzo. Pass by a coniferous forest to reach Cruz de Ferro and the Hermitage of Santiago. From Manjarin, enjoy the view of the valley floor and the Leon mountains. Descend into the Ponferrada Valley, passing the quaint village of Acebo before heading further down into Molinaseca, a pleasant town with slate roofs, wooden balconies, and welcoming bars.

Your final day in the El Bierzo area is one of the most beautiful and challenging. The route passes through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather, and bracken. Pass through the narrow valley of the River Valcarce before tackling the challenging ascent of O Cebreiro, situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra do Courel.

A shorter day today to allow you ample time to visit the monastery. Continue in the afternoon towards Sarria. You will not pass through any other villages so pack some snacks. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. We recommend that you take the time to visit the Convento de la Magdalena and church before leaving town.

Over the 'Meseta lucense', the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands. A relatively easy walk until your descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation.

The route takes you through the brooms with their magnificent fragrance. Along the path, you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage, you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on the 24th of March 1520.

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all which have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town.