Spain

Camino de Santiago

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

£1,395 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This holiday is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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Join us on this self-guided cycling holiday in Spain where you trace the steps of ancient travellers and make your way along the legendary Camino de Santiago. Pedalling from the historic city of Ponferrada, you'll journey west over 200 Kms, through the Bierzo winelands, over the Sierra de Ancares and deep into lush, forested Galicia to the pilgrim's journey's end in the stunning granite city of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino is said to be the first great European tourist route. Travelled by pilgrims from around the world for over 1000 years to the site where it is said that St. James the Apostle’s relics are buried.
Pilgrims historically were driven by the belief that to complete the pilgrimage would halve your time in Purgatory….something to bear in mind if your calves start to ache! Today the pilgrimage is as popular as ever with a great sense of camaraderie among the modern day pilgrims. It’s no longer just the faithful who embark on this magnificent journey! The Camino received UNESCO’s accolade as a World Heritage Site because of the journey’s incalculable cultural, historical and artistic value. 
Your route follows the true Camino Frances as much as possible along forest tracks and country paths, quiet roads and farmers’ trails, crossing countless villages and towns. Staying in a range of good-quality, small hotels chosen for their location and warm welcome, you will be invited to try the specialities of the area in the inns and local restaurants giving you an authentic taste of this enchanting area. It’s hard to find a better way to enjoy Spain. Get your pilgrim's passport or credential stamped along the way and having cycled more than 200 Kms you'll qualify for a pilgrim's certificate, the Compostela - to testify that you have completed the Camino as a pilgrim. 
We also have a guided version of this holiday available if you prefer to cycle in a group with a little more support. 

Holiday Highlights

  • Experiencing the camaraderie amongst pilgrims on this historical route
  • Conquering the challenge of the climb to the mountain top village of O’Cebriero
  • Tasting fantastic, Galician seafood washed down with a crisp Albarino
  • Noticing the geography, culture and traditions change during your journey
  • Looking out for yellow Camino arrows as you wind your way through forests
  • Arriving in Santiago to claim your Compostela

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival: Santiago de Compostela / Ponferrada
Non Riding Day

Following your arrival into Santiago de Compostela airport (2.5 hour transfer), a local taxi will pick you up and transfer you to your first hotel. A member of the local team will meet you at your hotel, to conduct your welcome meeting and fit you to your bikes (if hiring). This is the perfect time to ask any questions that you may have about the week ahead.

Before heading out to dinner you have an important task to take care of, to pick up a Pilgrim’s credential or passport. This document attests that you are a pilgrim and holds your personal details and a fold-out section for stamps of the places that you will be going through. The main city square is a short stroll away from the hotel and is an ideal place to soak up some true Spanish culture. This old part of town is an array of local eateries and bars where the city’s folk take their Paseo (promenade) in an evening, before settling into one of the terraces for some sustenance or refreshment.

Day 2
Ponferrada to Vega de Valcarce
27 Miles / 43 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

This morning you’ll set off on the exciting journey with Santiago in your distant sight!

From Ponferrada you will take a fun ride along the Rio Sil before heading out of the city through through vast and seemingly-endless allotments and vines, soon arriving at the village of Columbrianos. From here you’ll take a picturesque route through vast vineyards and villages, with the dark menacing masses of the Las Ancares mountain range in the distance. Following a fast trail descent you will find yourself entering the beautiful town of Villafranca del Bierzo, an ideal place for lunch.

As you head into the Vega de Valcarce the valley widens, opening into a beautiful, glaciated valley of meadows and tiny hamlets and villages.

Day 3
Vega de Valcarce to Samos
25 Miles / 40 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

Today’s route can prove to be the toughest, yet one of the most beautiful on the road to Santiago. Firstly you’ll cruise deeper into the Valcarce valley passing Herrerias, a village related to the iron and steel industry, which has existed here since the Middle Ages and from where the main climb begins. The climb up to O‘Cebriero is on a well-surfaced lane with some steep sections and takes you past El Bierzo. Don’t worry though, the stunning views will take your mind off the climb!

On reaching O’Cebriero make sure you take some time to congratulate yourself on your achievement before beginning your 10km descent to the valley bottom. From here, you’ll follow the Rio Ouribio, through a valley wedged in by mountains, until one last swooping descent drops you to the bottom of a deep, steep valley where you enter the village of Samos, home to the great monastery of Los Santos Julian y Basilisa de Samos. On hot days the river at Samos is an ideal place for a refreshing end of ride dip!

Day 4
Samos to Portomarin
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

Today you will cycle deep into mysterious Galicia, rich with legends and stories of Brujeria (witchcraft) and mythology. The route is intricate, winding through tiny, granite hamlets and farmsteads, and as it’s short it gives you chance to savour the region’s beauty. On reaching Sarria, the only sizeable settlement en route, there’s a climb up to the hill town; in Galicia the Camino is well surfaced for cycling so you can enjoy the true route of this ancient journey.

Passing Barbadelo, and its beautifully-simple, 12th-century, Romanesque church, you’ll pick up a long Corredoira taking you past the 100km post (100km left to reach Santiago) at Mogarde. Here you’ll notice the Camino tends to get a little busier, as 100km is the minimum distance which pilgrims on foot need to travel to receive a Compostela! Your destination, Portomarin, sits high on the right-hand bank of the river, where the most important monuments of the town were moved stone by stone.

Day 5
Portomarin to Sedor
30 Miles / 49 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

After a well-deserved rest in Portomarin, you will head out for your first obstacle of the day, the climb up and past Monte de San Antonio, to the villages of Gonzar and Castromaior. The cycling is beautiful as you follow the pretty Torres stream through glades of oak and pine, over softly-undulating countryside that is very typical of this part of Galicia. The atmosphere along the trail is fantastic, one of camaraderie and excitement as you close in on your goal, counting down the Km signs as they go past one by one.

Following a 11km stretch of lane you’ll climb gently through the lush Sierra de Ligonde, passing many a village offering inviting hostelries to refresh the many jovial pilgrims. The trail continues through oak woods and eucalyptus plantations bringing you to the first village in the La Coruna province, Cornixa, from where you’ll follow a well-restored, medieval road. You‘re now nearly at your home for the night, Sedor, but not before a short steady climb through Melide.

Day 6
Sedor to Santiago de Compostela
29 Miles / 46 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,000 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,000 Metres Approx.

Your final day on the journey to Santiago is full of fun, with a party atmosphere filling the trail! It will be a memorable day, with just 48km to go! A steady climb brings you to the artisan’s town of Arzua, where, according to legend, a local woman who denied a tired, hungry pilgrim a piece of bread had her bread turned to stone! So please be in a sharing mood when you go out for dinner!

There is a quiet rest area in Santa Irene where you can stop and rest for your lunch, refuelling for the final pedal to Santiago. After riding through Lavacolla you’ll take on the last climbs of the Camino as you head up on paved roads and along to Monte del Gozo (Mount Joy), so called as the long awaited sight of Santiago comes into view for the first time. From here, it’s downhill all the way to a place declared a World Heritage Site in its entirety by UNESCO, Santiago de Compostela. Your sights will be set on the Plaza de Obradoiro, Santiago’s impressive cathedral square, which houses its greatest treasures. It’s a special moment, signifying the end of a truly memorable cycle ride and a memory which will last a lifetime!

At the end of your riding, we ask that you return your hire bikes to the bike shop in Santiago (approx. 10 minutes walking distance from your hotel).

Day 7
Departure: Santiago de Compostela
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

After a relaxing breakfast it’s time to pack those bags one last time, as we’ll be transferring you to Santiago de Compostela airport for your flight home.

Santiago Extension

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city to explore at your own pace and it is well recommended if you wish to stay for longer. The cathedral never fails to impress and delight, especially the impressive, incense-bearing Botafumerio as it swings from the rafters. Other sights of particular interest include the Convento de San Paio de Antelares, which houses the Museo de Arte Sacro, the Praza de la Azabacheria and Museo do Pobo Galego. The Hospital Real (now a luxury hotel) is worth a visit, even if it’s for a quick drink in the bar. Or why not take a few moments to relax and reflect on the trip and watch the world drift by in a plaza – a fantastic place to end the trip, relax and unwind.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The route follows the Camino Frances as closely as possible. You’ll be riding on different surfaces including back roads, forest tracks and footpaths. More often than not the terrain is forgiving, following well-surfaced tracks and paths.

There are various sections along the true Camino that are loose and rocky, which you can either ride, or hop onto the road for some fast kms.

The trail can sometimes be narrow and once in Galicia you will encounter corredoiras, beautiful ancient cobbled lanes that can’t be missed, although they are a little rough at times.

Although much of the Camino is leisurely, there are a few substantial (and some quite steep) climbs throughout the week, with frequent ups and downs along the way. With this in mind, we do have electric bikes available to rent, which we’d recommend opting for if you’d like a little boost up some of those hills! Given the sometimes rough terrain however, we’d recommend being comfortable handling an e-bike (or whichever bike you opt for) on varying, sometimes loose, terrain.

If you are interested in riding an electric bike on this holiday please click here for more information.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 4: Active

Distances generally between 30 and 50 miles per day / 48 and 80 kms per day

For those who cycle frequently

Will include some long and / or steep climbs

Includes varying terrain (some sections may see you cycling over uneven, unpaved or loose ground)

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

You ride quite frequently at home and perhaps enjoy cycling as one of your forms of exercise. Weekends will occasionally see you spending the day in the saddle exploring routes which take in some steep climbs. These tours may also see you riding over varying terrain and so it’s preferable if you have some experience of riding on uneven / unpaved ground. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 4 holiday to be fit and healthy, and ready to take on an achievable challenge.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2025 01 Apr – 30 Sep

Season 1 – £1425 01 – 11 Apr and 05 – 31 May

Season 2 – £1555 12 – 17 Apr, 21 – 30 Apr and 01 Jun – 30 Sep

Alternatively for a great value holiday choose one of our scheduled departures below.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
01/06/2025
Return Date
07/06/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,395.00
Start Date
06/07/2025
Return Date
12/07/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,395.00
Start Date
31/08/2025
Return Date
06/09/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,395.00
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,425.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 2* and 3* hotels and guesthouses

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) English-speaking local representative (with welcome meeting)

D) Access to an app for holiday information and navigation

E) Luggage transfers

F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days from and to Santiago de Compostela airport (SCQ)

G) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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The Essentials

Travel Options

This tour starts in Ponferrada and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. Airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. We ask that you fly into and back from Santiago de Compostela airport (SCQ).

For those flying from the UK, Ryanair offer direct flights from/to London Stansted (STN) and easyJet have flights from/to London Gatwick (LGW). Other airlines, non-direct, and regional options may be available, please chat to our team.

If you are joining one of our scheduled departures please contact us to check specific flight schedules for your chosen date as your arrival and departure will be co-ordinated with the group transfer schedule.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements to ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule, and to avoid any additional charges

Accommodation

Accommodation (shared twin or double rooms) will usually be en suite in mid-range hotels and guesthouses. Family run, personable, charming, comfortable and homely are boxes we tick when looking for places to stay. A million miles away from chain style hotels all with unique touches.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent. These will be mountain bikes with front suspension, disc brakes and good-quality components. We also have electric bikes available, if required (dependent on availability).

Rental bikes will come with a phone mount, a repair kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a pump, a water bottle and water bottle holder. Please note, some e-bikes are tubeless, and so spare inner tubes won’t be provided with them. It’s possible for us to provide panniers and helmets on request; please let us know if you would like to hire these at the time of booking.

It’s possible to bring along your own pedals and/or saddle on this tour, but please let us know in advance.

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