Camino Invierno

Your journey starts in the historic city of Ponferrada, which you can easily reach from Leon by bus (1h 40m). Explore its historic centre or visit the Templar castle and in the evening enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, perhaps sampling one of the delicious regional Bierzo wines. 

Leave the city this morning, crossing the medieval Mascarón bridge over the Sil river. Walk through small towns with beautiful wooden bridges, such as Toral de Merayo. Ascend to Castillo de Cornatel, a Knights Templar Castle, where pilgrims used to seek shelter, and enjoy lovely views over the Bierzo valley before descending to Borrenes. 

Ascent: +484m (1587t) / Descent: -458m (1502ft)

A short ascent dotted with vineyards soon brings you to the landscape of Las Médulas this morning, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We recommend taking an optional loop through this area to explore the striking reddish mountains created by Roman gold-mining excavations over 2000 years ago.  Leaving here, continue to follow the Camino before descending to the town of Puente de Domingo Flórez.

Ascent: +348m (1145ft) / Descent: -507m (1663ft)

Leaving the Castilla y León region behind, today you enter Galicia by the hand of the Sil River, who will accompany you for much of the following route. Enjoy Galician rural architecture with beautiful slate roofs, and changing landscapes as Mediterranean vegetation alternates with the Valdeorras vineyards. Pass the impressive Pontenova bridge, with its 7 arches, before entering the village of O Barco de Valdeorras. We highly recommend sampling one of the local wines here, which have their own Denomination of Origin. 

Ascent: +350m (1148ft) / Descent: -406m (1332ft)

Wine will continue to be a feature today, especially in Vilamartín de Valdeorras, with its large number of underground cellars. They can be easily identified by the chimneys that rise to the surface.  You are now in the Ribeira Sacra region and passing A Rúa you will walk with the Sil on your left, accompanied by olive groves and strawberry trees. You will also discover the charming village of Os Albaredos, with its beautiful stone houses. Finally, descend to Montefurado where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in A Rúa.

Ascent: +282m (925ft) / Descent: -298m (977ft)

In the morning you will be collected at A Rúa and transferred to your starting point. Ascend along paths giving you outstanding views over the Ribeira Sacra. In particular, the hilltop of Torre Novais and the 13th century castle provide views right over the Sil River. Walk along the old Camino Real on the tracks left by carriages in the Middle Ages.

After reaching the highest point of the stage, you will find the Quiroga Valley where vineyards and olive groves will return to announce the end of today's route. Descend to the town of Quiroga.

Ascent: +282m (925ft) / Descent: -298m (977ft)

In a stage marked by moderate ascents and descents, you will walk through mills, forests and cliffs towards the Lemos valley. Pass by the atmospheric shrine of Os Remodios in a tranquil pine wood, where pilgrims used to give alms, before crossing stepping stones over the River Saa into Pobra de Brollon. You will be picked up here and transferred to a nearby rural hotel.

Ascent: +521m (1709ft) / Descent: -641m (2103ft)

Today you will ascend to "Alto da Serra" on Mount Moncai and soon you will be able to see the silhouette of the Parador de Monforte, a luxurious historic hotel located right at the top of the hill that stands out over the roofs of the capital of the Ribeira Sacra.

This area, in addition to its high landscape and monumental value, is home to another of the 5 Denominations of Origin of Galician wines, the DO Ribeira Sacra. We highly recommend adding an extra night in Monforte if you have time, where we can arrange an optional day excursion to a nearby wine cellar including a catamaran trip and tasting lunch. It is also possible to upgrade for the night so that you stay in the Parador hotel, which is housed in an old monastery.

Ascent: +190m (623ft) / Descent: -95m (311ft)

Today you will walk to meet the Miño, father of the Galician rivers. The route will take you very close to one of the most photographed images of the Ribeira Sacra: the river meander of O Cabo do Mundo. We recommend you make a small detour to the viewpoint that frames this spectacular view.

You soon find yourself in one of the areas of Europe with the highest concentration of Romanesque art, and will pass several monuments on your way, before heading through a tranquil area of beautiful Galician oak groves.  Walk on an old Roman road through the picturesque village of Belesar, an old Roman road, and enjoy views of the River Mino, with its terraced vineyards and canyons. Enter Chantada through a convent and porticoed street.

Ascent: +713m (2339ft) / Descent: -503m (1650ft)

Today you will ascend to Monte Faro, declared a Special Conservation Area, where one of the highest peaks in Galicia is located at a height of 1,187 meters.

After reaching the Hermitage of Nosa Señora do Faro at the top of the mountain, at your feet you will find a panoramic view of the four Galician provinces. Thousands of pilgrims have stopped here throughout the centuries to pray and this is sure to be a special moment on your walk. Descend through oak groves to the village of Rodeiro, and a transfer will bring you to your hotel back in Chantada.

Ascent: +697m (2286ft) / Descent: -554m (1817ft)

Begin today by passing through small rural towns and several bridges over the Arnego river on its way to the Ulla river. Pass through Pedroso, an area linked with old stonemasons, before arriving at the town of Lalín, the capital of the region famous for its succulent inland cuisine and an annual food festival called "Feira do Cocido" where thousands enjoy delcioius Galician cuisine.

Ascent: +222m (728ft) / Descent: -300m (984ft)

The Camino Invierno joins with the Via de la Plata today and is a short and easy stage, crossing through landscapes typical of rural Galicia. Walk between pazos and stately homes towards the meeting with the Ulla river. Perhaps stop off at one of the 'parrilladas' along the way, steak houses where you can sample a tasty 'churrasco', grilled pork or beef on charcoal.

Ascent: +260m (853ft) / Descent: -459m (1505ft)

Accompanied by the River Ulla today, walk through lush forests and crop fields until you start a steep descent towards the town of Ponte Ulla. Explore the beautiful Romanesque church of Santa Maria da Magdalena before arriving in Galegos, where your accommodation for the night is located in an area famous for Rías Baixas wine.

Ascent: +360m (1181ft) / Descent: -419m (1374ft) 

The Mount of Pico Sacro is the final hurdle which separates you from the famous Praza do Obradoiro. Enjoy amazing views from the Ermita de San Sebatian before crossing small villages linked by trails. Soon you will begin to see the impressive spires of the Cathedral of Santiago and you will know that you have reached your goal once you cross the Sar neighborhood, which welcomes you to the wonderful city of Santiago de Compostela. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a completely unique atmosphere, the joining place of thousands of pilgrims and where the lively streets brim with busy restaurants and bars. Pick up your Compostela certificate from the pilgrim's office and we highly recommend adding an extra day so that you can enjoy the pilgrim's mass the following day. 

Ascent: +330m (1082ft) / Descent: -341m (1118ft)

After breakfast, your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.