Following your arrival into Santiago de Compostela airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your first hotel (an approx. 2 hour transfer). Named after the long-gone Puente de Ferro (iron bridge), erected to help pilgrims over the Rio Sil, Ponferrada is home to the impressive 12th century Castillo de los Templarios – a castle that oozes tales of ancient battles from its thick walls and lofty ramparts.

Before heading out to dinner we 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 we 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 boasts 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.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 611 Metres Approx.

This morning we’ll set off on the exciting journey with Santiago in the distant sight! From Ponferrada we will take a fun ride along the Rio Sil before heading out of the city through vast and seemingly-endless allotments and vines arriving at the village of Columbrianos. From here we take a picturesque route, meandering through vineyards and villages, with the dark menacing masses of the Las Ancares mountain range in the distance. Following a descent on a fast trail, we’ll find ourselves entering the beautiful town of Villafranca del Bierzo, an ideal place for lunch.

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

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1000 Metres Approx.

Today’s route can prove to be the toughest, yet one of the most beautiful on the road to Santiago. Firstly we’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 climb begins. The climb up to O‘Cebriero is on a well-surfaced lane with some steep sections and takes us past El Bierzo. Don’t worry, the stunning views will take your mind off the climb!

On reaching O’Cebriero we’ll take some time for congratulations on your achievement before beginning the 10km descent to the valley bottom. From here, we will follow the Rio Ouribio, through a valley wedged in by mountains, until one last swooping descent drops us to the bottom of a deep, steep valley where we 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!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 581 Metres Approx.

Today we 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 us chance to savour the region’s beauty. On reaching Sarria, the only sizeable settlement en route, we have to climb up to the hill town; in Galicia the Camino is well surfaced for cycling so we will enjoy the true route of this ancient journey.

Passing Barbadelo, and its beautifully simple 12th century Romanesque church, we’ll pick up a long Corredoira taking us 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! Our 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.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1000 Metres Approx.

After a well-deserved rest in Portomarin, we will head out for our 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 we follow the pretty Torres stream through glades of oak and pine, over softly-undulating countryside that is so typical of this part of Galicia. The atmosphere along the trail is fantastic, one of camaraderie and excitement as we close in on our goal, counting down the Km signs as they go past one by one.

Following a 11km stretch of lane we’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 us to the first village in the La Coruna province, Cornixa, from where we’ll follow a well-restored ancient medieval road. We‘re now nearly at our home for the night, Sedor, but not before a short steady climb through Melide.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 890 Metres Approx.

Our 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 us 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 we go out for dinner!

There is a quiet rest area in Santa Irene where we can stop and rest for lunch, refuelling for the final pedal to Santiago. After riding through Lavacolla we’ll take on the last climbs of the Camino as we 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. Our sights will be firmly 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!

• 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 (just a short 30 minute transfer).

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 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.