#hercamino Women’s Group-Camino  

Day 1: Leon

One of the most beautiful cities in Castilla, situated in the vast Meseta (plateau) region in Spain.

Explore this beautiful city with an incredible Gothic cathedral renowned for its spectacular stained glass windows.

Visit the two main districts Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico. Both are located near the Cathedral. Wander the narrow streets and plazas. With a variety of taverns, bars, restaurants, and terraces you have an abundance of choices to relax and enjoy.

In the evening we will meet as a group for the first time (you will be advised of the location prior to arrival) to become familiar with your fellow pilgrims and discuss the days ahead of us. You will have a chance to ask any questions or concerns to ensure you are feeling ready for your Camino.

After this, we will enjoy a meal together before having a good nights’ rest to prepare for your first walking day on Camino de Santiago!

Day 2: Leon – Hospital De Orbigo 

Exiting a large city is not terribly exciting. An 8 km walk through city streets, to the monument of La Virgen Del Camino, marking the end of the city.

Virgen Del Camino has become a popular starting point for many Pilgrims. A short bus trip shortens the distance to Hospital de Órbigo to 25km. You are free to decide what you wish to do for this day. For those of you that wish to shorten the day, we will meet as a group at an agreed time in the foyer of your hotel to catch the bus to La Virgen Del Camino

When in Virgen Del Camino you enter the off-road Camino path. Here you have the choice between the historic Camino through Villadangos Del Páramo (full of industrial and residential areas). Or the alternative Camino through Villar de Mazarife. This alternative takes you off the national road through a more rural option. Both options take you to Hospital de Órbigo a flat and manageable stage.

When you arrive at Hospital De Orbigo you will be greeted by the sight of the magnificent bridge this town is famous for. Boasting nineteen arches with the Río Órbigo flowing through only three. The bridge is reserved for pedestrians only. You will also find in this Templar Town a 12th Century Church.

Day 3: Hospital De Orbigo – Astorga

Enjoy a short and not demanding day. Wandering over rolling hills.

When reaching the pretty hilltop city of Astorga visit its spectacular ‘pink’ cathedral. Built in1471 it now houses a museum. Also, the fabulous Episcopal palace designed by Antoni Gaudí, (the famous Catalan architect) is well worth a look as are the old city walls.

Astorga is well known for its famous chocolates and “Las Mantecadas (cupcakes) de Astorga”.

Day 4: Astorga – Rabanal Del Camino

Start your way on Mountain paths where you will be surrounded by heather, oak and broom. The ascent is soft and progressive up to Rabanal Del Camino.

To your left escorting you for several days, is the magnificent view of “El Teleno”. The highest mountain summit in León, at 2,188m.

You will pass several beautiful villages,  Santa Catalina de Somoza and El Ganso.

Soon after you will reach Rabanal Del Camino 1,150m high, a beautiful little town where you can eat the famous and very hearty Cocido Maragato.

Day 5: Rabanal Del Camino – Molinaseca

A spectacular stage, cold most of the year. Take something warm in your daypack.

Begin with a hard steep ascent to the beautiful village of Foncebadon, 5.5km. A village lost in the middle of the mountain. Continue to climb to “Cruz de Ferro” (Iron Cross) 1.504m, the most symbolic milestone of the entire Camino.

A bit further you find the “Collado de las Antenas” at 1.515m, the highest point on the French Camino. Take some time to enjoy the stunning view.

Start your descent to the lush area of El Bierzo. You will experience a challenging descent to Molinaseca. Probably the hardest in Camino together with the decline to Zubiri.

The most difficult section is between the Collado down to Acebo. Please take your time and take care of your ankles and knees. In bad weather, we suggest walking the road instead of the way.

You will enter Molinaseca crossing its beautiful Romanesque Pilgrim’s Bridge, a picturesque town that looks a little like a movie set, sitting at the foot of the mountain. Its narrow streets and historic buildings are spectacular.

Day 6: Molinaseca – Ponferrada

After 5 days of walking, today is a very easy and short walk into Ponferrada. The last big city on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Take advantage of being in the city. If you have any need to update any of your gear and have a well-deserved rest. The 12th-century Templars Castle is especially worth visiting here.

Day 7: Ponferrada – Villafranca del Bierzo

Leaving Ponferrada – Villafranca del Bierzo you pass through the village of Compostilla a former mining town. Followed closely by Columbrianos then Fuentes Nuevas and Camponaraya.

Walk past the Hermitage of San Roque in Cacabelos. If it is open pop in, it has been turned into a quirky little museum of sorts. Wander through the village and admire the clever street art. At the end of the main road, you will come to Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Plaza. Visit the church if open, or admire it through the glass doors.

Arriving in Villafranca del Bierzo

You will be delighted when arriving in Villafranca del Bierzo. A magnificently historical town with its beautiful castle and the church of Santiago. Admire the ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta Del Perdón which only opens during Holy Years.

Group Dinner

In the evening we will meet as a group to share a dinner and some of our Camino stories. (You will be advised of the location and time, on the day)

Day 8: Villafranca del Bierzo – Ambasmestas

Today you continue in this beautiful area of El Bierzo.

Your route passes through the ranges of ‘Os Ancares’ finishing your day in Ambasmestas or Vega de Valcace, depending on the best available accommodation. There you can see the spectacular feat of engineering, the motorway bridge, 100m above.

Notice a change in the language of the people with locals speaking Galician, the language of Galicia and bordering regions.

Day 9: – Ambasmestas – O Cebreiro

From here to Santiago you walk mainly through a landscape with oak, beech, chestnut and gum trees.

Today you face the iconic milestone of the Camino, the feared climb up to O Cebreiro at 1.330m. From Vega de Valcarce, at 630m you climb 700m in 12 km. The hardest section is between Las Herrerias and La Laguna, 500m in 5.5 km. You cross the border between Castilla and Galicia and realise the day was well worth every step, the views are spectacular.

O Cebreiro is the first village in Galicia, a delightful hilltop hamlet. From here we have a spectacular 360º view. This image will remain in your mind forever. O Cebreiro is an iconic location for its outlook, church, legends and its “pallozas”, typical Galician construction, round stone houses with a straw roof.

After a hard days’ walk, you will enjoy the specialities of this land: Pulpo (octopus) and the local Cebreiro cheese.

Ensure to take the time to attend the Pilgrims Mass. Whether you are religious or not the Mass here has a special spirit as does this land.

Day 10: O Cebreiro – Triacastela

Today you initiate your journey in Galicia, through the “Ancares” Mountains.

Between O Cebreiro and Triacastela, you are walking in a land where fog, wind and low temperatures are frequent in all seasons and particularly in winter. Ensure you pack for the day to suit the weather conditions.

Moderate but frequent steep sections up to Hospital de la Condesa, are challenging today. Then an extremely steep incline up to Alto de Poio. Sitting at 1.337m, the highest point in the Galician section of Camino. The reward for your hard work is fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic pilgrim statue.

From the Alto, you will continue to Fonfría and from there you have a long walk downhill, 9 km to the town of Triacastela. This is the first stop on the Galician section of the Camino. With around 1000 inhabitants there are regularly more Pilgrims than locals in the town. A great place to rest after your days of climbing mountains!

Day 11: Triacastela – Sarria

There are two options to arrive in Sarria

Through San Xil valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Camino (7km shorter), or, through Samos, where you walk along the valley of the river Ouribio, magnificent oak and chestnut trees and admire the impressive Samos Monastery.

Whatever decision you make, you’ll get it right.

At the end of your day, you arrive in Sarria, a large town, about 15,000 inhabitants. You will notice an influx of Pilgrims from here. This is due to the last 100 km rule of the Compostela. It is here that tour companies and groups in buses hop on and off the Camino to do short walks and get stamps.

A Camino fact, around 40% of French Camino pilgrims arriving in Santiago every year start their pilgrimage in Sarria. Do not fear though, you will find as the groups only do small sections, there are still stretches where you will have times of peace and tranquillity.

Day 12: Sarria rest day

A well-earned rest in a modern bustling town with plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars is the order of the day.

No bag to place in the foyer. 

Have a sleep-in, eat a hearty breakfast then visit the old quarter. Grab yourself a map of the city, and amble along Rua Major. Visit all of the historic delights this city has to offer. Iglesia de Santa Mariña, Monasterio de la Magdalena, medieval bridge Ponte Aspera, Capilla de San Lazaro and Torre de la Fortaleza, the only remains of a once impressive castle, just to name a few.

In the evening we meet as a group to share a meal. A wonderful traditional restaurant and a chance to catch up with the group and share Camino stories. (Location and time to be determined on Camino)

Day 13: Sarria – Portomarin

Today you face a beautiful stage through Galician bush. Pretty villages and hamlets with their traditional “hórreos” (granaries). In Pina dos Corvos you will enjoy wonderful views of Belesar reservoir and the surrounding countryside. From there in front of you is a steep descent into Portomarín where you will cross the Miño River over its modern bridge into Portomarín.

The remains of the medieval town of Portomarín disappeared under these reservoir waters in the 1950s. Franco (Dictator) decided to build a hydroelectric dam 40 kilometres downriver and flooded the town of Portomarín.

The most important monuments are the churches of San Nicolás and San Pedro. Along with some of the cherished 16th and 17th-century manor houses or Pazos they were transported stone by stone high above the river to the new village of Portomarin. The square in the centre of town boasts most of the historic monuments including the Pazo Del Conde da Maza.

Day 14: Portomarin – Palas de Rei

Today’s walk passes through similar landscapes as yesterday. As you exit Portomarin crossing the river Miño, Galicia’s longest river, you then begin a steady uphill walk from 350m to 725m. For 12km you face a challenging yet not difficult section on and off the road.

In Ventas de Narón, you pass the small 13th century Ermita de Santa María Magdalena built by the Knights Templar. In Castromaior the circa 4BC to 1AD Roman ruins are well worth the short detour off the Camino.

Your destination Palas de Rei, known as Palace of the King due to a king residing there. You find a small country town with plenty of shops, bars and cafes. Most of town life revolves around the Plaza del Concello. Visit la Iglesia de San Tirso originally built in the 12th to early 13th century. It has undergone numerous changes over the centuries with the only original part of the church, the Romanesque doorway.

Day 15: Palas de Rei – Arzua

Today Palas de Rei – Arzua is a long day.

Most of the way you will Walk downhill, crossing many creeks. Reaching Melide in the middle of your journey. A mandatory stop to enjoy the most famous Pulpo (octopus) in Galicia. Look out for Ezequiel and Garnacha, two of the most renowned octopus restaurants in Galicia.

Winding your way in and out of pine and eucalyptus forest, eventually, you come to a steep descent into Ribadiso da Baixo.

Finally, arriving in Arzúa, the most significant city (6,000 inhabitants) before Santiago. Famous for its local cheese Queixo Arzúa-Ulloa. While there visit the 14th-century Capilla de la Magdalena, all that is left of a former Augustinian monastery.

Day 16: Arzua – O Pedrouzo

A comfortable stage, quite flat, along prairies and bushes. Alternating between track and county lanes, passing through several small hamlets.
Continue on woodland paths, passing a monument to Guillermo Watt. A Pilgrim who died at this spot, a day prior to completing his Camino.

Eventually reaching Alto de Santa Irene, the high point of today. A good picnic and rest area.
O Pedrouzo is a small busy town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars and the last stage of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.

Day 17: O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela

Today you face your last walk day in Camino!

The first half runs through rural landscape, similar to days before.

From Lavacolla you walk past the airport, near highways and urban residential areas. Eventually reaching Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy) 5km before the city centre. From here you will glimpse the spires of the Cathedral in Santiago.

The entrance to the old city of Santiago (100,000 inhabitants) is stunning. An incredible walk through the historic city streets leading you under the Arco del Obispo. Here you make your triumphant entrance into the Plaza del Obradoiro, Congratulations!

This night is one of celebration. The City will be brimming with Pilgrims and Locals alike enjoying the local cuisine and wines. Sharing tales of their Camino and for many saying farewells to their Camino Friends.

*Don’t forget to go and get your Compostela. The location will be noted on your daily map

Day 18: Rest Day in Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy your last day and explore this Historic City with its many specialised Tapas bars and restaurants

If you arrived late yesterday you can attend the midday pilgrims’ mass. Look around the famous Cathedral of St. James which forms the city’s heart. Watch the collection of pilgrims arriving into the square as they finish their epic journey as you did yesterday.

In the evening we will meet as a group to share our last night, last meal and Camino stories. Some of you will have developed a bond that will last a lifetime. For some, this is the end of this unique experience unless, of course, you are heading to Fisterra!

Day 19: Santiago de Compostela 

Today in Santiago de Compostela you will have your last breakfast as a Crossroads Travel Client.

Unless of course, Fisterra has called you!

Whatever it is you do from here please go safely, thank you for trusting Crossroads Travel with your precious travel time.
We hope to see you again sometime soon.

Buen Camino!!