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11 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua. This walk starts from just inside Galicia, the region of Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The quieter trails offers a great alternative to the more popular French route.
Embarking on the Camino del Norte from Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela marks the continuation of a remarkable pilgrimage, weaving through the verdant landscapes and cultural heritage of the northern regions of Spain. This segment of the ancient Camino route traverses the picturesque landscapes of Galicia, with rolling hills, charming villages, and historic landmarks. From Ribadeo, enter the heart of Galicia, where the trail winds through lush forests, rural farmlands, and tranquil hamlets. This leg of the Camino promises not only the physical challenges of the journey but also the spiritual rewards that come from a profound connection with the centuries-old pilgrimage tradition. Pilgrims will traverse medieval towns, pass by centuries-old churches, and ultimately approach the revered destination of Santiago de Compostela, where the journey culminates at the sacred Cathedral, the final destination of this transformative pilgrimage.
Spain
Ribadeo
Santiago de Compostela
13kg of CO2-e PP per day
(126kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Ribadeo
Arrive in Ribadeo in Spain's Galicia region. The town is known for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course! After check in at your hotel, take some time to look around the compact centre.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk to Villamartin Grande, transfer to Ribadeo (5.5hrs)
The route today takes you through dense and fragrant eucalyptus groves. Villages along the way are often quite small. It's a gradual ascent for most of the day, with one steep section from A Ponte to Vilamartin Grande. From here, a taxi transfer (at 3pm) will take you back to Ribadeo where you stay overnight again. Distance: 18km/11.2mi, highest point approx 400m
Meals: B
Day 3
Transfer back to Villamartin Grande, on foot to Mondonedo (5.5hrs)
This morning (8.30am) transfer back to Villamartin Grande to continue walking from where you left off yesterday. A visit to Lourenzá and its impressive Baroque monastery is one of the day's highlights. From Lourenza the path leads into the rolling hills, where fantastic views make the climbs worthwhile. Continue to Mondonedo, once a capital of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia. Its historic quarter has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest. Wander the picturesque streets or visit the Os Muiños neighbourhood with its traditional architecture and canal structure. Distance: 18km/11.3mi, highest point approx 250m
Day 4
Walk to Abadin (4.5hrs)
Today's stage leads you from Mondoñedo, gently ascending through the Valiñadares Valley to the plateau of Terra Chá. There are paved and unpaved sections, offering splendid views and a gradual ascent towards Abadín. Enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage along the way. Distance: 17km/10.6mi, highest point approx 600m
Day 5
Continue to Vilalba (5.5hrs)
From Abadin you follow paths that wind through rural landscapes and native forests. The route runs parallel to a national road as you make your way to Vilalba. This medieval town had a cultural boom in the 20th century, emerging as a town with rich journalistic and literary activity. San Simón da Costa cheese (D.O.P.) and Vilalba's roscón (cake) stand out. Distance: 21km/13.1mi, highest point approx 540m
Day 6
To Seixón de Abaixo, transfer to accommodation (7-8hrs)
Continue walking through rural Galicia, along rural paths and past small villages en route to Seixón de Abaixo. At 4pm a transfer takes you to your accommodation in Friol. Distance: 31km/19.4mi, highest point approx 500m
Day 7
Transfer to Seixón or Miraz, walk to Sobrado dos Monxes, (8hrs)
At 8.30am a transfer takes you back to Seixón to continue walking. There is an option to shorten the long and quite challenging walk by extending the transfer to Miraz (just let the driver know where you would like to be dropped off). The trail today brings you to Sobrado dos Monxes for your overnight accommodation. The town is home to an impressive 10th century monastery. Distance walk: 28km/17.5mi (or 23km/14.3mi), highest point approx 680m
Day 8
Last stage on the Norte as you walk to Arzua on the Camino Frances (5.5hrs)
The terrain is easier today as you walk the last part of the Camino Norte and join the Camino Frances. You can stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos, continuing to Arzúa in the province of La Coruña. Overnight in Arzua. Distance: 22km/13.8mi, highest point approx 500m
Day 9
On to Rua (6hrs)
Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walking is lovely, with gentle slopes leading past green fields and rural landscapes, gradually becoming more urban. Distance 18km/11.1mi, highest point approx 400m
Day 10
Final stage to Santiago (5hrs)
The last day on the trail is always special. 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 landscapes. At Monte do Gozo take a small detour for spectacular views of Santiago then continue downhill to the city. Arriving in fabled 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 21km/13mi, highest point approx 360m
Day 11
Trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - The walking is graded moderate but there are some challenging and long stages. Daily walks are between 17 and 31km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. 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
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.
self guided walk
hotel, pension
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
hotel, guesthouse
Moderate
self-guided walking
hotel, manor house
11Days