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.

Meals:  D

This morning there will be a short transfer to Chozas de Abajo just beyond León. You will pass through some small villages so you will be able to pick refreshments up along the way before arriving in the peaceful camino friendly village of Villar de Mazarife. As you progress, the landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Walking across a fabulous stone bridge you will reach Le pont de Hospital de Orbigo probably one of the most famous buildings along the way. Overnight Hospital de Orbigo. Distance: 18.1km/11.2mi

Meals:  B,D

Todays walk will take you by the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega. At this point you will see Astorga in the distant valley. Arriving into the town of Astorga after a short ascent, you can appreciate the medieval centre and historic buildings. Distance 17km/10.5mi

Meals:  B,D

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 polar grove and the River Jerga arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo. You will walk through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and onto El Ganso. The landscape will change into densely populated oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend 'los Montes de Leon' before reaching Rabanal Del Camino (1200m), a charming mountain village. Distance 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B,D

Passing through broom, heather and other plant species you will continue your ascent to the famous 'Mount Irago'. Passing by a coniferous forest you will come to Cruz de Ferro (1490m) and the Hermitage of Santiago. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon Mountains. A descent into the Ponferrada Valley will take you into the quaint village of Acebo for your overnight stay. Distance 16km/10mi

Meals:  B

Head through Molinaseca with its slate roofs and wooden balconies on your way to Ponferrada. Today is a relatively easy day as you continue across the Valley of Ponferrada. Distance 15.5km/9.6mi

Meals:  B,D

You will see the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Cacabelos. The region of Bierzo where Cacabelos is situated, is in a low lying area whose agreeable climate allows for the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables. Distance 15.5km/9.6mi

Meals:  B,D

Starting from Cacabelos you will hike to Villafranca del Bierzo. This is the last important town you will pass through on your Pilgrims journey. On the outskirts of the village you will find the 12th-century Romanesque church of Santiago. In early days pilgrims who could not make it all the way to Santiago were given the jubilee blessing here. Continue through here to Trabadelo for your overnight stay. Distance 17km/10.5mi

Meals:  B,D

Your final day in the El Bierzo area is one of the most beautiful and the most challenging. The route passes through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather and bracken. You will pass through the narrow valley of the River Valcarce before tackling the challenging ascent of O Cebreiro (1300m/4265ft), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra do Courel. Distance 20.5km/12.7mi

Meals:  B,D

The day begins with an ascent through the pine covered slopes of Monte Poso e Areas before joining the track in the direction of Linares. You will walk through forested areas before arriving at Padornelo where you can fill your water bottles at the fountain. After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest which takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

Continue on to Samos where you will have the opportunity to visit its impressive monastery which is one of the oldest in Spain. Distance 9km/5.5mi

Meals:  B,D

Samos has as its centrepiece an enormous monastery, it is one of the largest and oldest monasteries dating back to the 6th century. From here pass through Cruce and Sarria to Barbadelo following a winding path between the river and railway to cross a stream. Distance 17.5km/10.8mi

Meals:  B,D

You are now experiencing rural Galicia at its best following a well worn path along granite stepping stones and narrow laneways to stay above the flood prone area below. Gently climb to Ferrieros and Vilacha before descending steeply to the bridge spanning the Miño river. Overnight in Portomarin. Distance 16.5km/10.2mi

Meals:  B,D

The route takes you through the brooms with their magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on the 24th of March 1520. Overnight in Lestedo Distance 19.6km/12mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk on a quiet country road, passing a 17th Century Wayside Cross en route. Continue through Palas de Rei and other small villages until you arrive at today’s destination, the hamlet of Coto. Distance 13km/8mi

Meals:  B,D

Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and pass through the township of Melide, which is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Compostela Trail. We recommend you try the local speciality of ‘Pulpa a feira’, octopus usually served boiled and cooked with red pepper and paprika. Continue to Castañeda, where you will overnight. Distance 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B,D

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through forests full of Eucalyptus trees. You will be able to stop at one of many villages for lunch. Today you will walk through Arzúa in the province of La Coruña, before continuing to Salceda. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

The walk today is lovely, as you again pass eucalyptus trees, large green fields and rural landscapes on your way to Lavacolla. Distance 18km/11mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. In historic 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 10km/6mi

Meals:  B

Your trip arrangements end after breakfast.

Meals:  B