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15 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
The Camino de Invierno was recognised as an official Camino trail in 2016, making it the newest route to Santiago. However there is nothing new about this route, having been used for centuries particularly in winter by pilgrims keen to avoid the mountains of O Cebreiro. The route takes walkers through outstanding scenery along an ancient Roman road which follows the Sil River Valley as it meanders into Galicia. Passing through the Ribeira Sacra region is a highlight, being an important wine growing area with carefully planted vineyards hugging the steep mountainside above the river. An option to hang up your boots for the day and visit a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting lunch and catamaran trip is well worth it. Other highlights of the route include Las Médulas which is an archeological park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dramatic canyons of the Sil River valley and the solitude a less walked trail offers. This 267km route ensures you are eligible for the official Compostela certificate of completion, which is issued by the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela. Your entry into Santiago is from a different and more picturesque part of the city than other routes whilst the satisfaction and sense of joy on completing the route is still shared by other pilgrims on arrival at the cathedral.
Spain
Ponferrada
Santiago de Compostela
18kg of CO2-e PP per day
(247kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Ponferrada
Ponferrada is the capital of the Bierzo region, located at the crossroads of the French Way (Camino Frances) and the Camino de Invierno routes to Santiago. It is here that pilgrims in winter veered south on their way to Santiago to avoid O Cebreiro, notorious for poor weather during the colder months. Your pilgrimage begins in this impressive city, with its Los Templarios Castle, home to the Knights Templars’ Library, and the Renaissance Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Encina with its 17th-century bell tower. Aside from these great sights, there is a lively historic quarter with interesting bars and restaurants. Enjoy exploring its historic centre and perhaps a glass of the great local wine.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
The first stage of the Camino Invierno to Borrenes (6hrs)
The buzz of pilgrims recedes as you cross the Sil river via the medieval Mascaron bridge. Today's walk is through the Bierzo region, passing vineyards, small towns with beautiful wooden balconies, a long-standing architectural tradition, such as Toral de Merayo, and up to Villavieja. The stage has moderate gradients. You have the option of taking a detour to visit Cornatel Castle (the site of a medieval music festival in the last weekend in August) which offers wonderful views over the Bierzo valley before descending to the village of Borrenes. Walking: 21km/13.2mi, approx +/-550m/1805ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk to Puente de Domingo Florez, option to visit Las Médulas (4-6hrs)
A superb walk today to discover a UNESCO World Heritage listed cultural site. Departing Borrenes we recommend taking the optional loop walk to Las Médulas, which was the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire. The detour is approx. 6km/3.8mi through La Cuevona and La Cueva de la Encantada, allowing you to explore the area. Searching for gold, the Romans developed hydraulic power techniques to tunnel into the mountainside. Abandoned after 200 years, the impact of the ancient technology is visible today, with exposed red clay eroded hillsides flanked by chestnut trees. It's fascinating, and taking in the view of the hills from Orellán is highly recommended. The Camino continues with a descent to Puente de Domingo Flórez. Walking: 15-19km/9-11.9mi, +350m/1150ft, -500m/1640ft
Day 4
Continue to O Barco (5.5hrs)
Today you leave Castile and Leon and enter Galicia, following the flow of the River Sil. Starting with an ascent past an old hydroelectric facility, the way is undulating along the valley and some short, steep climbs. Enjoy impressive countryside views and the rural Galician architecture of beautiful black slate roofs. Mediterranean vegetation alternates with vineyards of the DO Valdeorras, a characteristic wine that is aged in 'Covas' (caves). The town of Sobradelo is a perfect lunch spot before continuing on a level route to O Barco de Valdeorras and your hotel. Walking: 18km/11 mi, +340m/1115ft, -400m/1312ft
Day 5
Walk to Montefurado, transfer to A Rúa (6hrs)
The trail continues along the Sil River Valley with impressive views, and wine will continue to be the star of this stage. Vilamartín de Valdeorras has a large number of underground wineries, easily identified by the chimneys that emerge from the surface. The terrain is flat along the river as you make your way to Rúa de Valdeorras, where evidence of Roman civilisation can be found including Cigarrosa Bridge which crosses the Sil river. The stretch from A Rúa de Valdeorras to Montefurado is undulating as you enter the Ribeira Sacra. Pass the charming village of Os Albaredos, with its beautiful stone houses, then descend to the river until you reach Montefurado, from where a transfer will take you to your accommodation in A Rúa. Walking: 24km/15mi, approx +/-360m/1180ft
Day 6
Transfer to Montefurado, continue on foot to Quiroga (5hrs)
This morning (8.30am) a transfer takes you back to Montefurado to continue walking, following the Sil river. Start the day ascending along paths with great views, including of the river and the Sierra del Caurel. From the Novaes Castle you will walk along the old Camino Real, on tracks left by carriages in the Middle Ages. After reaching the highest point of the stage (approx 450m) you will find the valley of Quiroga, where vineyards and olive groves abound. Descend to the village of Quiroga for overnight. Walking: 17km/10.5mi, approx +/-450m/1476ft
Day 7
Walk from Quiroga to A Pobra do Brollon, transfer to Salcedo (6hrs)
Continue on foot through rural landscapes with panoramic views. The first part follows the river Sil before leaving it and entering the mountains (highest point approx 600m) and valley of the Lor river, marked by intermediate ascents and descents. Continue between windmills, fields and meadows towards the Lemos valley and A Pobra do Brollon. In the afternoon, transfer to your accommodation in Salcedo. Walking: 22km/13.7mi, +/-450m/1476ft
Day 8
Return to A Proba do Brollón and walk to Monforte de Lemos (4hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to continue walking from A Proba do Brollón. This stage has moderate gradients through the valley of the Cabe river. Your destination is Monforte de Lemos, capital of Ribeira Sacra, an important wine growing region, and Tierra de Lemos. It has a number of sights including a castle, a compact historic quarter and plenty of reminders of ancient times. Walking: 13km/8.2mi, +110m/360ft, -200m/656ft Optional accommodation upgrade available: stay in the Parador. Optional full day excursion available: Ribeira Sacra experience includes cellar visit and wine tasting, lunch and boat trip on the river Sil. Note extra night Monforte and return transfers are required. Options must be requested at time of booking - extra costs apply.
Day 9
Continue walking via Piñeiro to Chantada (9hrs or 5.5hrs with optional transfer)
The walk from Monforte is long and at times challenging due to continuous hilly terrain, plus there's a major descent at the Miño River and steep climb out. It's possible to shorten the walking (by 11-13km) by taking an optional transfer to Piñeiro or O Camino Grande - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies. Today's walk takes you through the heart of the Ribeira Sacra wine region, with its steep terraced vineyards and dramatic river canyon views. The area has a high concentration of Romanesque art including the church of San Paio de Diomondi. The walking is mostly on paved paths through pretty countryside then leads down to Belesar, where the vineyards grow on almost vertical terraces on the banks of the Miño river. The descent to the river is on a paved path with a 300m drop. It is around here that marks 100km from Santiago. You can explore the surroundings by boat or simply enjoy the views before heading up (300m) to Chantada along the Codos de Belesar, an ancient Roman road that ran from Braga in Portugal to Astorga in the province of León. Walking: 30 or 17-19km/18.7 or 10.6-11.9mi, +700m/2296ft, -580m/1903ft
Day 10
Walk to Rodeiro, transfer to Chantada (8hrs)
Today is marked by a steep climb to Monte Faro (at 1187m), the highest point on the Camino de Invierno. The ascent is gradual and quite pleasant. At the summit is the Ermita Nosa Señora do Faro, a seventeenth-century hermitage built on top of the remains of older temples, and from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the four Galician provinces (weather permitting). The last stretch is downhill with fantastic views of a mountain landscape as you approach the province of Pontevedra. The town of Rodeiro / A Feira (River) is the end of today's walk. From here an afternoon transfer will take you back to Chantada for overnight. Walking: 25km/15.6mi, +650m/2130ft, -550m/1804ft
Day 11
Return to Rodeiro and continue on foot to Lalín (6-7hrs)
In the morning, transfer back to Rodeiro to continue your walk. Today is characterised by beautiful landscapes and moderate gradients. Walking between small rural villages, meadows and abundant native vegetation you will cross the Arnego River several times over medieval bridges including Ponte de Pedroso. The last few kilometres are a slight descent to Lalín, capital of a region renowned for its gastronomy and where Galician stew reigns supreme. Walking: 21km/13.1mi, +/-290m/625ft
Day 12
Walk to Bandeira (7hrs)
Today's stage has moderate gradients and runs through small villages and large rural areas. Departing Lalin you walk through the Paseo Fluvial del Rio Pontinas (riverside walk) towards A Laxe, where the Invierno Camino converges with the Vía de la Plata. The trail usually becomes busier as you approach Santiago. Follow small rural paths or "corredoiras" past country houses, old manor houses and medieval bridges including Ponte Taboada, built in 912. You can make a small detour along the way to see the Fervenza do Toxa, a river waterfall, one of Galicia's highest. Continue to Bandeira and your accommodation. Walking: 23km/14mi, +225m/738ft, -320m/1050ft
Day 13
Walk to Ponte Ulla/Vedra (3-4hrs)
Today you will walk on well-walked tracks on an undulating route between crops, landscapes with thick vegetation and meadows towards the Ull River. Finally there's a steep descent on a paved path to the Ulla River Valley. Along the way you will see the Santuario de la Virgen de Gundián in the distance, in a truly beautiful setting, with the 'Puente de Gundián' bridge in the background - a lovely spot to take a short break on the Camino. Your day ends at Vedra/Ponte Ulla. Walking: 13km/8.2mi, +150m/492ft, -450m/1476ft
Day 14
The final stage to Santiago (5.5hrs)
The last day of the walk is always special. Today's undulating stage starts with a steep ascent to a charming chapel before leading along country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. On reaching the Sar road you will soon have your first sighting of the cathedral towers, to welcome you to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. On arrival in Santiago there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Walking: 20km/12.5mi, +350m/1148ft, -250m/820ft
Day 15
Trip concludes in Santiago
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you’d like to add an extra night, please ask our office for details. It is also possible to add a day trip to Fisterra on the Atlantic coast.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will stay in a collection of hand picked accommodation ranging from quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses. Location is one of the key factors, with clean mainly spacious rooms, ensuite facilities, helpful staff and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 15 and 30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Walking from Monforte is a long and challenging walk and can be shortened by pre-booking a transfer (additional cost applies). This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
The closest airport is Santiago de Compostela, from the airport you need to take a bus to Sarria (with one change). Some people prefer not to fly into Santiago de Compostela and instead choose to fly into Madrid. From Madrid you can take the train to Sarria, the journey takes approximately 6 hours.
We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.
This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.
The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.
The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. This trip starts in Sarria which is 110km from Santiago, so you will be able to receive your Compostela at the end of the walk. To show that you have walked the last 100km you will need to have at least 2 stamps per day in your Pilgrim's Passport.
The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.
It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
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