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.

Today's journey is a steady climb to Rabanal Del Camino. Start early to avoid the heat of the day. Pass through the village and follow the tree-lined pavements, passing a polar grove and the River Jerga. Walk through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and onto El Ganso. The landscape changes into densely populated oak trees, heather, and conifers as you ascend the 'los Montes de Leon' before reaching Rabanal Del Camino, a charming mountain village.

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.

Today's terrain is relatively easy as you continue across the Valley of Ponferrada. Catch a glimpse of the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. The region of Bierzo is situated in a low-lying area with an agreeable climate that allows for the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables.

Take a day off from the trail to enjoy the sights of Villafranca and rest. Explore the town at your own pace and make your own dinner arrangements.

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.

Begin the day with an ascent through the pine-covered slopes of Monte Poso e Areas before joining the track towards Linares. Walk through forested areas before arriving at Padornelo, where you can fill your water bottles at the fountain. After the village of Fonfria, the trail passes through a birch forest which takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Continue on to Samos with its impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain.

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.

Enjoy a day of rest in Sarria. Explore the town at your leisure, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming location. Make your own dinner arrangements.

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.

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro and past Eucalyptus trees. You will be able to stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña.

Today's walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes.

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.

Your trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay and explore more of Santiago de Compostela, please ask for our rates.