Camino de Invierno - Monforte to Santiago

Arrive Monforte de Lemos, gateway to the Ribeira Sacra (sacred riverside), an important wine growing region. Monforte has a number of sights including a castle, compact historic quarter and plenty of reminders of ancient times. Be sure to try its prestigious wines and visit one of the wineries that, just a few kilometres away, are located in a privileged position on the slopes of the impressive Sil canyon. Optional accommodation upgrade available: stay in the Parador. Optional full day excursion available, extra night Monforte required: Ribeira Sacra experience, includes cellar visit and wine tasting, lunch and boat trip on the river Sil, plus return transfers and accommodation. Options must be requested at time of booking - extra costs apply.

A long and at times quite challenging walk today, or you can shorten (by 11-13km) by taking an optional transfer to Piñeiro or O Camino Grande - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies. This area has a high concentration of Romanesque art including the church of San Paio de Diomondi. Today's walk is mostly on paved paths through pretty countryside then down to Belesar, where the vineyards grow on almost vertical terraces on the banks of the Miño river. The descent to the river is on a paved path with a 300m drop. It is around here that marks 100km from Santiago. You can explore the surroundings by boat or simply enjoy the views before heading up (300m) to Chantada along the Codos de Belesar, an ancient Roman road that ran from Braga in Portugal to Astorga in the province of León. Walking: 30 or 17-19km/18.7 or 10.6-11.9mi, +700m/2296ft, -580m/1903ft

Today is marked by a steep climb to Monte Faro (at 1187m), the highest point on the Camino de Invierno. The ascent is gradual and quite pleasant. At the summit is the Ermita Nosa Señora do Faro, a seventeenth-century hermitage built on top of the remains of older temples, and from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the four Galician provinces (weather permitting). The last stretch is downhill with fantastic views of a mountain landscape as you approach the province of Pontevedra. The town of Rodeiro / A Feira (River) is the end of today's walk. From here an afternoon transfer will take you back to Chantada for overnight. Walking: 25km/15.6mi, +650m/2130ft, -550m/1804ft

In the morning, transfer back to Rodeiro to continue your walk. Today is characterised by beautiful landscapes and moderate gradients. Walking between small rural villages, meadows and abundant native vegetation you will cross the Arnego River several times over medieval bridges including Ponte de Pedroso. The last few kilometres are a slight descent to Lalín, capital of a region renowned for its gastronomy and where Galician stew reigns supreme. Walking: 21km/13.1mi, +/-290m/625ft

Today's stage has moderate gradients and runs through small villages and large rural areas. Departing Lalin you walk through the Paseo Fluvial del Rio Pontinas (riverside walk) towards A Laxe, where the Invierno Camino converges with the Vía de la Plata. The trail usually becomes busier as you approach Santiago. Follow small rural paths or "corredoiras" past country houses, old manor houses and medieval bridges including Ponte Taboada, built in 912. You can make a small detour along the way to see the Fervenza do Toxa, a river waterfall, one of Galicia's highest. Continue to Bandeira and your accommodation. Walking: 23km/14mi, +225m/738ft, -320m/1050ft

Today you will walk on well-walked tracks on an undulating route between crops, landscapes with thick vegetation and meadows towards the Ull River. Finally there's a steep descent on a paved path to the Ulla River Valley. Along the way you will see the Santuario de la Virgen de Gundián in the distance, in a truly beautiful setting, with the 'Puente de Gundián' bridge in the background - a lovely spot to take a short break on the Camino. Your day ends at Vedra/Ponte Ulla. Walking: 13km/8.2mi, +150m/492ft, -450m/1476ft

The last day of the walk is always special. Today's undulating stage starts with a steep ascent to a charming chapel before leading along country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. On reaching the Sar road you will soon have your first sighting of the cathedral towers, to welcome you to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. On arrival in Santiago there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Walking: 20km/12.5mi, +350m/1148ft, -250m/820ft

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you’d like to add an extra night, please ask our office for details. It is also possible to add a day trip to Fisterra on the Atlantic coast.