Camino - Leon to Santiago

Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province bordered 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 in 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 in Leon.

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 is quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert). You will pass through some small villages 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. Continue to Villar de Mazarife for overnight.

Note: you can shorten today's walk by 9km by taking a bus from Plaza Santo Domingo to Virgen del Camino. Buses leave approx every 30 minutes, the fare is around €1.

Distance 21km/13mi

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.

Distance 30km/18.7mi

The walk today is a steady climb to Rabanal Del Camino so we recommend that you start 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/3940ft), a charming mountain village.

Distance 20km/12.8mi

Passing through broom, heather and other plant species, the trail climbs to the famous Mount Irago, one of the highest points on the Camino at 1520m. At the top stands the Cruz de Ferro, an iron cross set in a tall oak post. It is surrounded by a mound of stones, which have been left by pilgrims over the centuries. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon mountains. A descent into the Ponferrada Valley passes the quaint village of Acebo before you head further down into Molinaseca. Across the bridge you'll find a pleasant and relaxing town with slate roofs, wooden balconies and welcoming bars.

Distance 25km/15.5mi

The terrain today is relatively easy 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. It's also known for its wine.

Distance 30km/18.6mi

Today you can enjoy the sights of Villafranca and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

Your final day in the El Bierzo area is one of the most beautiful and the most 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/4265ft), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra do Courel.

Distance 28km/17.4mi

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 with its impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain.

Distance 30km/18.6mi

A shorter day today to allow time to visit the monastery before setting out. Continue in the afternoon towards Sarria. You will not pass through any villages so pack some snacks. A medieval town full of history and Jacobean tradition, Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It is the most popular starting point to walk the Camino to Santiago.

Distance 14km/8.7mi

Today you can enjoy the sights of Sarria and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

We recommend visiting the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena before you set out today. On today's walk you will pass through many small villages dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands, and see “horreos”, the typical raised grain silos of the area. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent to cross the bridge over the Miño River and the Belesar Reservoir, where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village. Continue into Portomarin and your accommodation.

Distance 22km/13.7mi

The route today takes you past farmland, charming hamlets and calvaries. You will pass through the hamlet of Ventas de Naron, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on 24 March 1520. Continue to Palas de Rei and your accommodation.

Distance 24km/14.9mi

Today's walk offers scenic beauty and heritage, from forests and quiet rivers to churches and medieval bridges, taking you through the small towns of Coto and Leboreiro. Your destination is Melide, one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino Trail. We recommend trying the local speciality, ‘Pulpa a Feira’, octopus usually served boiled, sprinkled with salt and paprika (pemento and pemento picante) and drizzled with olive oil. Delicious! The terrain becomes easier as you continue through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro, and past Eucalyptus trees. Crossing the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and continue to Arzúa, home of the D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese.

Distance 28km/17.5mi

Optional upgrade available to stay in a 'pazo' (Galician traditional house) a little out of town - supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walking is lovely, with gentle slopes leading past green fields and rural landscapes, gradually becoming more urban.

Distance 18km/11.1mi

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

Distance 21km/13mi

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.