Arrival in Leon
Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province
boarded by Galicia, Asturias, Palencia and Zamora. There is evidence
of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the knights
of Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the middle Ages.
Ensure you take the time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is
without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed from the 13th Century for a
period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an
impressive collection of early manuscripts. The Town Walls are of
Roman and medieval construction. Overnight Leon.
To Villadangos del Paramo (5hrs, 21km)
Leaving Leon, the route will take you right through town until you reach
Virgen del Camino, where legend states that the Virgin appeared in
front of a shepherd in 1506, and asked him to build a shrine. This
section will be quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert). Ensure
that you carrying plenty of water and are using sun protection. You will
pass through some small villages so you will be able to pick
refreshments up along the way before arriving in the village of
Villadangos del Paramo. This town of Roman origin was the site of a
battle that took place between the Queen Dona Urraca of Leon and
her husband, Alfonso I of Aragon in the year 1111. Take a quiet walk
around the streets and visit the Parish Church which contains an
image of the Apostle Santiago from the 18th Century.
Note:
you may choose to shorten the walk today by 9km by taking a
bus from Plaza Santo Domingo to Virgen del Camino. Buses leave
every 30minutes and the fare is around EUR€1.
To Astorga, home to Roman mosaics (6 hrs/30km)
The countryside becomes more agreeable as you make your way to
Puente de Orbigo. As you progress, the landscape gradually changes
with mountains appearing on the horizon. Walking across a fabulous
stone bridge you will pass Le pont de Hospital de Orbigo probably one
of the most famous buildings along the way. You will walk by the Santo
Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and will see Astorga in
the distant valley.
To Rabanal Del Camino, a mountain village (5 to 6 hrs/20km)
The walk today is a steady climb to Rabanal Del Camino so we
recommend that you commence early to avoid the hottest part of the
day. Walk through the village and follow the tree lined pavements
before passing a polar grove and the River Jerga arriving at Murias de
Rechivaldo. You will walk through the village of Santa Catalina de
Somoza and onto El Ganso. The landscape will change into densely
populated oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend “los montes
de Leon” before reaching Rabanal Del Camino (1200m), a charming
mountain village.
To Ponferrada (8hrs/30km)
Passing through broom, heather and other plant species you will
continue your ascent to the famous “Mount Irago”. By the mountain
pass you will see the “Iron Cross” (1490m) and you will now be
surrounded by mountains. The route continues downwards to Bierzo.
Passing by a coniferous forest you will come to Cruz de Ferro and the
Hermitage of Santiago. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley
floor and the Leon Mountains. A descent into the Ponferrada Valley
passes the quaint villages of Acebo and Molinaseca with their slate
roofs and wooden balconies, before arriving in Ponferrada.
To Villafranca Del Bierzo via Templar castle (5-6hrs/22km)
Relatively easy days terrains as you continue across the Valley of
Ponferrada. You will see 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 whose agreeable climate allows for the
cultivation of many fruits and vegetables.
The last stage in Castilla to O Cebreiro (8hrs/29km)
Your final day spent in the area of El Bierzo Is both one of the most
beautiful and challenging. The route passes through woodlands of
chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather and bracken. You will pass through
the narrow valley of the River Valcarce before tackling the challenging
ascent of O Cebreiro (1300m), situated between the ranges of los
Ancares and la sierra do Courel.
To Samos (6 to 7hrs/29km)
The day begins with an ascent through the pine covered slopes of
Monte Poso e Areas before joining the track in the direction of Linares.
You will 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 birch forest which takes you to
Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Continue on to
Samos where you will have the opportunity to visit its impressive
monastery which is one of the oldest in Spain.
To Sarria (3 hrs/12km)
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 views of the region.
Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (6 hrs/23km)
We recommend before leaving town that you take the time to visit the
Church of the convent of La Magdalena. Over the “Meseta lucense”,
the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted along
areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the
first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. 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 nights
accommodation.
Through the brooms to Palas de Rei (6 to 7 hrs/25km)
The route takes you through the brooms which have a 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. In the modest village of
Ligonde, the emperor Charles Quint stopped the 24th of march 1520.
Leave Lugo to enter La Coruña and on to Arzua (7 to 8hrs/30km)
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 Aruza in the province of La Coruña.
To Lavacolla (7 to 8hrs/29km)
Another long stage but the end is near. You will pass many ancient
sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story tell.
Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated
countryside, until you reach Lavacolla.
Arrive Santiago (3 hrs/10km)
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 rejoice the end of the journey.
Dinner is not included tonight so try one of the many restaurants in
town.
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
Note
There are 13 days of walking every day included in this itinerary. We
recommend that you include at least one extra day to have a rest. This
must be requested at the time of booking. Any changes after booking
will incur amendment fees or may not be possible.
- 14 breakfasts, 12 dinners:
Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices.
Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by either a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
- 13 nights hostels, 1 night 2 star hotel, generally with private facilities
- 1 walking guide, 1 map holder, 1 detailed day-by-day description of the itinerary for each room booked
- Visitor tax
- Organisation and booking fees
- Baggage transportation (max 15kgs per person)
Daily from 1 April to 10 November
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Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostel St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France,and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, also known as the ‘Way of St James ’ winds its way across borders, following in the footsteps of thousands of medieval pilgrims through the beautiful Sierras of Navarre and Aragon. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries,resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art.