Ponferrada is a city on the cross roads of the French Way and the Invierno Camino routes to Santiago. It is here that pilgrims in winter veered south on their way to Santiago thereby avoiding 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. Another sight of interest is the Renaissance church, 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.

Meals:  Nil

The buzz of pilgrims recede as you cross the Sil river and head towards the Castillo de Cornatel which acts as a sentinel on your journey today. The chestnut lined route takes you to Villvieja before reaching the castle and descending to the small village of Borrenes. Distance 22km/14mi, +550m / 1750ft

Meals:  B

A superb walk today to experience an important Roman site with spectacular scenery. Departing Borrenes the route takes you to Las Médulas, an archaeological park where you can do a 6km loop to take in the highlights. In the 1st Century, Romans searching for gold used hydraulic power techniques to tunnel into the mountainside. It was abandoned after 200 years and the effect of the ancient technology used by the Romans is still visible today, with the landscape noticeably affected exposing red clay eroded hillsides flanked by chestnut trees. It's a fascinating site and taking in the view of the hills from Orellán is highly recommended. The Camino continues with a descent to Puente de Domingo Flórez. Distance 15-21km/9-13mi, +350m/1150 ft

Meals:  B

The route leaves Castile and Leon to enter Galicia in the province of Ourense, following the flow of the River Sil, starting with an ascent past an old hydroelectric facility. The way is undulating along the valley with impressive countryside views and an introduction to the slate mining traditions of the region. The town of Sobradelo is a perfect lunch spot before continuing on a level route to O Barco, where wine growing is important for the economy. Distance 18km/11 mi, +144m /475 ft

Meals:  B

The trail continues along the Sil River Valley with impressive views. You will pass by vineyards as you make your way to A Rúa, where evidence of Roman civilisation can be found including Cigarrosa Bridge, which crosses the Sil river. A gradual descent takes you to the town of Montefurado. From here you take a short transfer back to A Rúa for overnight accommodation. Distance 24km/15mi, +158m/520ft

Meals:  B

This morning (8.30am) you return to Montefurado to continue walking. The views continue to inspire as you pass by rustic hamlets and a ruined castle and ascend and descend quiet trails to Quiroga. This afternoon you transfer off the trail to a rural hotel full of charm. Distance 17km/10.5mi, +450m/1476ft

Meals:  B

In the morning return to Quiroga by vehicle to continue on foot through rural scenes following a route that ascends to take in panoramic views. On arrival in A Pobra do Brollon, transfer to a rural hotel a short distance from the town. Distance 21km/13mi, +450m/1476ft

Meals:  B

Transfer to continue walking from A Proba do Brollón along a mainly descending route to the city of Monforte de Lemos, gateway to the Ribeira Sacra (sacred riverside), an important wine growing region. However Monforte has a number of sights including a castle, compact historic quarter and plenty of reminders of ancient times. There is the option to upgrade your accommodation to stay in the Parador, a highly recommended experience. Optional excursion: You have the option to add a day to the trip and take a tour of the Ribeira Sacra including wine tasting lunch, cellar visit, catamaran journey on the river and vineyard experience. This is a full day excursion. Must be requested at time of booking and excursion supplement plus extra night Monforte apply.

Meals:  B

Today's walk is long and at times quite challenging but there is an option to shorten the stage with a morning transfer to Piñeiro (12km/ 15 minutes - supplement applies). If you choose this option, you will still qualify for your Compostela if you cover the last 100km on foot to Santiago. The route takes you through pretty countryside, then down through the woods to Belesar. It is around here that represents the marker for 100km from Santiago. After crossing the river, a fairly steep ascent takes you up to the town of Chantada. Distance 29 or 17km/18 or 10.5mi, +780m/2560ft

Meals:  B

A pleasant walk today through rural landcapes and forests to Rodeiro. From here a transfer takes you back to Chantada or a rural house for overnight accommodation. Distance 26km/16mi, +650m/2130ft

Meals:  B

This morning you return to Rodeiro and continue along the camino trail to Lalín where the route joins the Sanabrés Way and the Vía de la Plata, a route originating in Seville in southern Spain. Distance 22km/13.5mi, +190m/625ft

Meals:  B

More pilgrims may join you on your walk today as you approach the last few days to Santiago. You will come across the bridge Ponte Taboada built in 912 and surrounded by natural beauty. A mixture of dirt trails and some tarmac to follow before you arrive in Bendeira. Distance 23km/14mi

Meals:  B

Today's walk is quite varied, including numerous small ascents and descents and a particularly steep one before reaching another old bridge, Ponte Ulla. There will be some unavoidable tarmac walking today, but with hardly any traffic before you arrive in Galegos. Distance 17km/10.5mi, +180m/590ft

Meals:  B

Today's trail will lead you into Santiago de Compostela. It starts with a steep ascent to a charming chapel before leading along country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day is always a special one, as you continue downhill to the city. On arrival in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Distance 18km/11mi, +250m/820ft

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B