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 Mazrife 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 30minutes and the fare is around €2. Distance 22km/13.7m

A long and quite challenging day. The landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Moors, rivers and meadows run along the route until you reach the bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, which history remembers as "Passo Honroso", one of the most famous structures along the way. Pass the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and see Astorga in the distant valley. Astorga is at the crossroads of the Spanish Camino and the Roman Silver Road and is known for its medieval, walled Old Town. You can enjoy a late afternoon drink in the main square. Distance 30km/18.75mi

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 poplar grove and the River Jerga, arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo. Continue through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and on to El Ganso. The landscape changes to dense oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend “los Montes de Leon”, before reaching Rabanal del Camino (1200m), a charming mountain village. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Passing through broom, heather and other flora, continue your ascent via Foncebadon to the famous “Mount Irago”, surrounded by mountains, and reach the important landmark, the Cruz de Ferro, at nearly 1500m the highest point of the French Camino. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon Mountains. From here the trail descends across the rich Bierzo region, and you reach the beautiful town of Molinaseca with its slate roofs and wooden balconies. Distance 25km/15.5mi

A long day, although less demanding than yesterday and gentler slopes. The terrain is relatively easy as you continue across the valley to Ponferrada. You can admire the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. The region of Bierzo is low lying with an agreeable climate, allowing the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables. It is 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.

The final day in Bierzo is one of the most beautiful and also the most challenging. From Villafranca you follow the course of the river through stunning landscapes and passing through small villages in the Valcarce Valley. Gradually, the challenge intensifies with a steep final ascent, marking the transition from the province of León into Galicia. The route winds through a mountainous trail, ultimately leading to the iconic village of O Cebreiro (1330m), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra Do Courel. Distance 28km/17.4mi

From O Cebreiro, famous for its pallozas and mystical atmosphere, descend through the Sierra de los Ancares and enjoy spectacular views along the way. After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest and takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. The route crosses stunning oak and chestnut forests alongside the Sarria River, also known as the Oribio River in its initial stretch. Continue to Samos, where you can visit the impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain. Distance 30km/18.6mi

A shorter day today allowing you time to visit the monastery. Later, continue towards Sarria via the small villages of Aguiada and O Carballal. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording great views of the region. Known for its historical and cultural richness, but also for its practical importance, Sarria is the starting point for pilgrims wishing to complete the last 100km of the Camino Francés. Distance 14.7km/9mi

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

We recommend taking time to visit the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena before setting out today. Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted amongst cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos of the region. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent to cross the Dam of Portomarin, where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village. Continue into the town and your accommodation. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Today's route takes you through the brooms with their lovely fragrance. Along the way you'll find charming hamlets and calvaries. It's a rural landscape marked by small villages and cultivated fields. Pass through Ventas de Naron, where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, and continue downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and finally Ligonde. Here you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed in Ligonde on the 24th of March 1520. Continue to your accommodation in Palas de Rei. Distance 24km/15mi

Today's walk offers scenic beauty and heritage, from forests and quiet rivers to churches and medieval bridges. With constant ascents and descents it's a challenging stage. You can recharge in Melide, one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino, where we recommend trying the local specialty ‘pulpo a feira’ (octopus) - delicious! Continue through villages and past Eucalyptus trees 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 stage is relatively short and easy, with gentle slopes. The typical rural characteristics prevail, gradually becoming more urbanised. Pass through the village of Salceda and arrive in the small town of Rua, or continue to Pedrouzo a little further along the way. Distance 18-19km/11-12mi

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 into an increasingly populated landscape. From Monte do Gozo continue downhill to the 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.