Camino - Leon to Santiago Rambler

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 takes you right through town and its outskirts 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. Take the left fork to the hamlet of Oncina de la Valdoncina and your accommodation. Ascent 120m/descent -110m

This section is quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert). Walk on peaceful country roads among pastures and farmland, via the small village of Chozas de Abajo to Villar de Mazarife. Ascent 100m/descent -90m

The countryside is very agreeable as you make your way to Puente de Orbigo and your overnight town of Hospital de Orbigo. The Puente is one of the longest and best preserved medieval bridges in Spain and dates from the 13th century and is famous for a jousting tournament that took place here in 1434. Ascent 150m/descent -140m

As you walk by the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega you will 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 and Gaudi's Bishop's Palace. We recommend enjoying a late afternoon drink in the main square with the locals. Ascent 220m/descent -160m

Leaving Astorga you cross the river Jerga, arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo before ascending to Santa Catalina. You can take the pilgrim track or detour via the village of Castrillo de Polvazares, a Maragato village with stone houses. Own dinner arrangements this evening. Ascent 160m/descent -80m

The walk today leads to El Ganso from where the landscape changes to dense oak trees, heather and conifers as you start your ascent of "Montes de Leon”, reaching Rabanal del Camino (at 1200m), a charming mountain village with a tradition of caring for pilgrims on their way up to Cruz de Ferro. Ascent 180m/descent -120m

Today you will reach the highest points of the Camino, Cruz de Ferro at Puerto Irago (1505m) and Alto Altar (1515m). From Rabanal you first reach the mountain hamlet of Foncebadon and continue ascending to the humble monument of Cruz de Ferro. After Alto Altar, descend to the quaint village of El Acebo. Own dinner arrangements this evening. Ascent 350m/descent -500m

From El Acebo you will walk via Riego de Ambras to Molinaseca, with its slate roofs and wooden balconies, before descending to Ponferrada, the captal of El Bierzo and known for its magnificent Templar castle. El Bierzo produces excellent wines, which we recommend enjoying with the local botillo sausages. Ascent 100m/descent -300m

Today's terrain is relatively easy as you continue across the valley, walking through vineyards and fruit groves, en route to Cacabelos. Ascent 120m/descent -90m

Continue through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. Along with its wine, the region of Bierzo's agreeable climate allows the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables. Villafranca has several historical sights and a lovely parador (optional upgrade available, must be requested at time of booking). Ascent 140m/descent -130m

Leaving Villafranca, the main route passes through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather and bracken, following the narrow valley of the River Valcarce. Arrive in Pereje then Trabadelo, from where it is a short walk to Ambasmestas. Ascent 180m/descent -120m

The trail leads you to Herrerias de Valcarce, from where you start the challenging ascent of O Cebreiro (at 1300m), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra Do Courel. There are some hamlets along the way where you can take a breather. In O Cebreiro explore the stone village with Celtic roots and enjoy panoramic views. Today you leave Castilla y Leon and cross into the region of Galicia. Ascent 700m/descent -150m

Today is a highland trail across scenic ridges and rural farmsteads. From O Cebreiro there is a small ascent through the pine covered slopes of Monte Poso e Areas before you join the trail in the direction of Linares, where flax was once grown. Continue through forested areas via Alto de San Roque with its imposing statue, Hospital de la Condesa, with its pre-Romanesque church and Padornelo, where you can fill your water bottle at the fountain. Continue to Fonfria, a village typical of the area. Ascent 250m/descent -350m

After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest and takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Walk through shaded fortests and past rural farmsteads. A pilgrim mass is held daily at 6pm at the parish church. Nearby are the limestone quarries that were used to build the cathedral in Santiago. Ascent 200m/descent -400m

Leave town on the southern route. At Lusio you can make a small detour to see the restored monastery building, Casa Grande. Continue to Samos, where you can visit the impressive Benedictine monastery, one of the oldest in Spain. Ascent 180m/descent -250m

If you didn't visit the monastery yesterday afternoon, don't miss it this morning. You will not pass through villages today so pack some snacks. Today you walk to Sarria, located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It is approx 110km from Santiago and you will notice the Camino is busier from here. We recommend taking the time to visit the Monastery of Magdalena with its church and cloister before leaving Sarria. Ascent 220m/descent -180m

The trail ascends gently today, first to Barbadelo then to Morgade. You will walk on lovely tree-lined paths, typical Galician countryside, with gentle slopes and through several villages. Ascent 250m/descent -200m

Today you will pass through 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 your descent into the Mino river valley. Cross the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation. In the main square you'll see the old church which was rebuilt stone-by-stone and can enjoy a late afternoon aperitive. Ascent 150m/descent -250m

The route takes you through the brooms which have a lovely fragrance, and past charming hamlets and calvaries. Arrive in Ventas de Naron, with its small Romanesque Magdalena chapel built from stones that came from the Templar hospital that was nearby. Ascent 300m/descent -120m

Continue through typical Galician terrain of dense eucalyptus groves and cow pastures, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde and down 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. Ascent 200m/descent -170m

You leave Lugo province to enter La Coruña today. The terrain becomes easier as you walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Casanova and past Eucalyptus trees. Cross the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge to reach Furelos. In Melide you can enjoy some famous "pulpo a la gallega" (octopus). The Camino Primitivo via Oviedo joins the main Camino Frances (French Way) here. Ascent 300m/descent -280m

Cross rustic bridges and pass through the villages of Boente and Castaneda along the way to Arzua, in the province of La Coruña. Ascent 250m/descent -270m

The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes on an undulating path to Salceda. Ascent 230m/descent -210m

Enjoy a quiet walk on shaded paths to Lavacolla, where medieval pilgrims would ritually wash before entering Santiago. Lavacolla is also known for its airport servicing the region. Ascent 200m/descent -180m

The last day on the trail is always special. From Lavacolla, ascend to Monte do Gozo passing many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Following country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside, continue to 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. Ascent 240m/descent -220m

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to stay longer in Santiago please ask for our rates. Also see below for details of a day trip excursion to Fisterra.