Camino - Leon to Santiago in 15 Days

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 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.

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 may choose to shorten the walk today by 9km by taking a bus from Plaza Santo Domingo to Virgen del Camino. Buses leave every 30 minutes and the fare is around €1.

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, which is 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.

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/3937ft), a charming mountain village.

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/4890ft) 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 village of Acebo before you arrive into Molinaseca with its slate roofs and wooden balconies.

Relatively easy day's terrain 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.

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.

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 can visit 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 taking the time to visit the Church of the convent of La Magdalena 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 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 accommodation.

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. 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 continue on to 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 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.

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