Camino de Invierno - Ponferrada to Santiago

Ponferrada is the capital of the Bierzo region, located at the crossroads of the French Way (Camino Frances) and the Camino de Invierno routes to Santiago. It is here that pilgrims in winter veered south on their way to Santiago to avoid O Cebreiro, notorious for poor weather during the colder months. Your pilgrimage begins in this impressive city, with its Los Templarios Castle, home to the Knights Templars’ Library, and the Renaissance Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Encina with its 17th-century bell tower. Aside from these great sights, there is a lively historic quarter with interesting bars and restaurants. Enjoy exploring its historic centre and perhaps a glass of the great local wine.

The buzz of pilgrims recedes as you cross the Sil river via the medieval Mascaron bridge. Today's walk is through the Bierzo region, passing vineyards, small towns with beautiful wooden balconies, a long-standing architectural tradition, such as Toral de Merayo, and up to Villavieja. The stage has moderate gradients. You have the option of taking a detour to visit Cornatel Castle (the site of a medieval music festival in the last weekend in August) which offers wonderful views over the Bierzo valley before descending to the village of Borrenes. Walking: 21km/13.2mi, approx +/-550m/1805ft

A superb walk today to discover a UNESCO World Heritage listed cultural site. Departing Borrenes we recommend taking the optional loop walk to Las Médulas, which was the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire. The detour is approx. 6km/3.8mi through La Cuevona and La Cueva de la Encantada, allowing you to explore the area. Searching for gold, the Romans developed hydraulic power techniques to tunnel into the mountainside. Abandoned after 200 years, the impact of the ancient technology is visible today, with exposed red clay eroded hillsides flanked by chestnut trees. It's fascinating, and taking in the view of the hills from Orellán is highly recommended. The Camino continues with a descent to Puente de Domingo Flórez. Walking: 15-19km/9-11.9mi, +350m/1150ft, -500m/1640ft

Today you leave Castile and Leon and enter Galicia, following the flow of the River Sil. Starting with an ascent past an old hydroelectric facility, the way is undulating along the valley and some short, steep climbs. Enjoy impressive countryside views and the rural Galician architecture of beautiful black slate roofs. Mediterranean vegetation alternates with vineyards of the DO Valdeorras, a characteristic wine that is aged in 'Covas' (caves). The town of Sobradelo is a perfect lunch spot before continuing on a level route to O Barco de Valdeorras and your hotel. Walking: 18km/11 mi, +340m/1115ft, -400m/1312ft

The trail continues along the Sil River Valley with impressive views, and wine will continue to be the star of this stage. Vilamartín de Valdeorras has a large number of underground wineries, easily identified by the chimneys that emerge from the surface. The terrain is flat along the river as you make your way to Rúa de Valdeorras, where evidence of Roman civilisation can be found including Cigarrosa Bridge which crosses the Sil river. The stretch from A Rúa de Valdeorras to Montefurado is undulating as you enter the Ribeira Sacra. Pass the charming village of Os Albaredos, with its beautiful stone houses, then descend to the river until you reach Montefurado, from where a transfer will take you to your accommodation in A Rúa. Walking: 24km/15mi, approx +/-360m/1180ft

This morning (8.30am) a transfer takes you back to Montefurado to continue walking, following the Sil river. Start the day ascending along paths with great views, including of the river and the Sierra del Caurel. From the Novaes Castle you will walk along the old Camino Real, on tracks left by carriages in the Middle Ages. After reaching the highest point of the stage (approx 450m) you will find the valley of Quiroga, where vineyards and olive groves abound. Descend to the village of Quiroga for overnight. Walking: 17km/10.5mi, approx +/-450m/1476ft

Continue on foot through rural landscapes with panoramic views. The first part follows the river Sil before leaving it and entering the mountains (highest point approx 600m) and valley of the Lor river, marked by intermediate ascents and descents. Continue between windmills, fields and meadows towards the Lemos valley and A Pobra do Brollon. In the afternoon, transfer to your accommodation in Salcedo. Walking: 22km/13.7mi, +/-450m/1476ft

After breakfast, transfer to continue walking from A Proba do Brollón. This stage has moderate gradients through the valley of the Cabe river. Your destination is Monforte de Lemos, capital of Ribeira Sacra, an important wine growing region, and Tierra de Lemos. It has a number of sights including a castle, a compact historic quarter and plenty of reminders of ancient times. Walking: 13km/8.2mi, +110m/360ft, -200m/656ft 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.