RIGHT to Valcarlos / Luzaide = 11.5km
Total ascent = 529m, descent = -337m
LEFT to Honto / Hontto = 5.3km
Total ascent = 356m, descent = -32m

Pass

Between here and Roncesvalles there are two routes. The (lower) RIGHT route goes through Valcarlos, and the (higher) LEFT route goes through Orisson. If you're walking in winter it's important to ask in the Pilgrims Office about weather conditions. Both routes are difficult in snow or high winds and the LEFT route is OFFICIALLY CLOSED from the beginning of November until the end of March (ignoring this may lead to legal sanctions). Remember that in mountainous areas such as this, weather conditions can change very quickly.

Leaving Saint-Jean walk down rue de la Citadelle, under the arch of Porte d'Espagne and up rue d'Espagne, continuing straight under another arch and up a hill for about 100m until you reach a junction with a small sign on a lamppost indicating where the two routes divide.

Right route via Valcarlos. *** Total length 23.5km. *** Total ascent 1,530m, descent -758m.

At the junction turn right on to Chemin de Mayorga and continue straight until you come to the main road which you follow to the left. After about 600m turn right on to a small road, clearly signposted Valcarlos / Luzaide and Roncevaux (French for Roncesvalles).

8km to the Spanish border, marked by a gaudy shopping centre and petrol station. Walk towards the petrol station and continue straight.

1km to Arnéguy, shops, cafés and restaurants. The Camino crosses the river into France again and continues on a minor road through the village of Ondarrola where it crosses the river back into Spain.

To Roncesvalles / Roncevaux / Orreaga = 12.0km
Total ascent = 1001m, descent = -421m

Follow the main road for 2km until the Camino veers left on to a minor road and passes through the village of Gañecoleta before rejoining the main road after 2km. It then follows the main road for another 2km before veering left on to a lane. From here on it's wooded, mountainous terrain to Ibañeta, apart from one place where it briefly meets the road again. Off-road parts of this route may be difficult in snow, in which case it's advisable to stick to the road.

Left route via Orisson. *** Total length 24.7km. *** Total ascent 1,465m, descent -695m.

To Orisson = 2.4km
Total ascent = 309m, descent = -12m

To Borda = 0.7km
Total ascent = 75m, descent = -17m

To Roncesvalles / Roncevaux / Orreaga = 16.3km
Total ascent = 725m, descent = -634m

Welcome to Spain and Navarra!

There are two options when descending into Roncesvalles, the one to the left is quite a steep descent through the forest, while the one to the right is slightly longer, descending more gently along an unpaved road via the church at Puerto de Ibañeta.

Left and right route rejoin in...

To Espinal / Aurizberri = 6.3km
Total ascent = 58m, descent = -132m

3km to Burguete, cafés, bank, pharmacy - however, most things will be closed if you're passing through early in the morning. Several cafés on and near the Camino open for breakfast. One, in the village a little after where the Camino turns right, is also a bakery.

The Camino takes an abrupt right turn at the red Santander sign.

To Zubiri = 15.1km
Total ascent = 314m, descent = -656m

5km to Viskarret, new café before the village and the traditional Bar Juan on main square with its amazing tortillas. Shop on your left at the end of the village.

2km to Linzoain, after that 8km to Zubiri with a steep descent into the valley of the river Arre.

The Camino continues straight along the riverbank and doesn't go through Zubiri which is on the other side of the bridge.

To Ilarratz = 2.7km
Total ascent = 90m, descent = -77m

The Camino bypasses Larrasoaña. If you want to visit the village you'll have to cross the bridge.

To Zuriain = 3.8km
Total ascent = 95m, descent = -115m

To Zabaldika = 3.2km
Total ascent = 52m, descent = -58m

To Villava / Atarrabia = 3.5km
Total ascent = 85m, descent = -121m

To Pamplona / Iruña = 4.5km
Total ascent = 55m, descent = -32m

It's suburban streets from here to Pamplona. The Camino turns right shortly before a roundabout with a fountain in the middle and crosses a main road and turns right again. When you see a 'zig-zag' footbridge over the river, this is the quickest way to Casa Paderborn, otherwise continue straight along the riverbank to Puente de la Magdalena.

To Cizur Menor = 5.0km
Total ascent = 69m, descent = -66m

If you get lost leaving Pamplona head for the Ciudadela fortress at the corner of Avenida del Ejército and Avenida del Pio XII. The path beside the park, with the fortress to your left, is the Camino. It's clearly marked. Several cafés around here are open early.

To Zariquiegui / Zarikiegi = 6.1km
Total ascent = 197m, descent = -35m

To Uterga = 5.9km
Total ascent = 146m, descent = -273m

Steep descent on loose gravel which must be tackled with care, to...

To Muruzábal = 2.7km
Total ascent = 11m, descent = -66m

To Obanos = 1.7km
Total ascent = 24m, descent = -48m

From Muruzábal you can make a short detour to visit the church in Eunate, it's signposted from the Camino. From Eunate you can rejoin the Camino in Obanos, adding approximately 3km to your Camino.

To Puente la Reina / Gares = 2.8km
Total ascent = 8m, descent = -76m

There are two routes to get to Puente la Reina. Leaving Obanos you'll come to steps leading down left on to a slightly meandering (ie. longer) path away from the road. Alternatively, if you choose to continue straight ahead you can follow a path parallel to the road passing Albergue Jakue.

To Mañeru = 5.0km
Total ascent = 167m, descent = -63m

Surprisingly steep 100m climb before arriving in...

To Cirauqui / Zirauki = 2.7km
Total ascent = 66m, descent = -27m

To Lorca / Lorka = 5.6km
Total ascent = 147m, descent = -175m

To Villatuerta / Bilatorta = 4.6km
Total ascent = 41m, descent = -84m

To Estella / Lizarra = 4.1km
Total ascent = 75m, descent = -73m

To Ayegui / Aiegi = 1.5km
Total ascent = 67m, descent = -2m

To leave Estella continue past the Municipal Albergue on Calle la Rua, then straight until you come to a roundabout where you continue to another roundabout where there is an Avia petrol station. Here the Camino continues uphill on a footpath. You can also continue walking along the road, Calle de Carlos VII, which rejoins the Camino after 500m, on this road is a small Decathlon (outdoor shop) and several large supermarkets.

RIGHT to Azqueta = 5.7km
Total ascent = 188m, descent = -96m
LEFT to Luquín = 8.1km
Total ascent = 328m, descent = -215m

There is a short "temporary" detour through Ayegui. It doesn't make much difference one way or the other.

The Camino splits shortly after Bodegas Irache. Distances are from Ayegui.

Right route 19km

To Villamayor de Monjardín = 1.8km
Total ascent = 112m, descent = -19m

To Los Arcos = 12.0km
Total ascent = 86m, descent = -308m

12km through open country with very little shade to Los Arcos

Left Route 19km

The left route passes through beautiful forested countryside and the village of Luquín.

To Los Arcos = 10.8km
Total ascent = 97m, descent = -246m

11km to Los Arcos, very little shade.

Right and left routes rejoin in open countryside

To Sansol = 7.0km
Total ascent = 92m, descent = -53m

To Torres del Río = 0.8km
Total ascent = 19m, descent = -46m

To Viana = 10.6km
Total ascent = 285m, descent = -278m

To Logroño = 9.5km
Total ascent = 94m, descent = -188m

Entering La Rioja (although if you stray a little to your right you can pass through a tiny corner of the Basque Country)

To Navarrete = 12.8km
Total ascent = 228m, descent = -96m

Supermarkets and fruit and veg market on the Camino on the way out of town (not open at the crack of dawn). Mostly concrete to Navarrete!

7km café La Parada del Peregrino. Watch out for squirrels begging for (and possibly stealing) food, and rabbits.

To Ventosa = 6.9km
Total ascent = 161m, descent = -38m

The Camino follows the road for a while before swinging away to the left shortly after the Ermita de Santa María de Jesús.

Sotés

4km to turnoff for Sotés which is about 2km off the Camino.

Private (8, 15€) Albergue San Martín, on Calle San Miguel, in Sotés. Kitchen, laundry facilities. Best to phone before making the detour. Tel 650 962 625 Open 12:00

A sign-posted alternative route allows you to bypass Ventosa.

To Nájera = 8.9km
Total ascent = 71m, descent = -199m

After passing under a main road don't miss the left turn towards Nájera (unless you actually want to visit Huércanos - not recommended).

To Azofra = 6.6km
Total ascent = 129m, descent = -83m

To Cirueña = 9.4km
Total ascent = 231m, descent = -43m

To Santo Domingo de la Calzada = 5.5km
Total ascent = 39m, descent = -137m

Extreme care is necessary when crossing the main roads in Santo Domingo!

To Grañón = 7.5km
Total ascent = 128m, descent = -43m

To Redecilla del Camino = 3.9km
Total ascent = 80m, descent = -64m

Entering Castilla y León. The border is marked by a 'megalith' which is rumoured to have appeared in the dead of night during a violent thunder storm. Local Albergue owners are rumoured to offer it a blood sacrifice every new year's day in the hope of plentiful big spending pilgrims and possibly a sequel to The Way.

The main road at Redecilla can be busy.

To Castildelgado = 1.7km
Total ascent = 29m, descent = 0m

To Viloria de la Rioja = 2.2km
Total ascent = 46m, descent = -17m

It is not advisable to walk along the side of the very busy main road.

To Villamayor del Río = 3.6km
Total ascent = 52m, descent = -61m

To Belorado = 4.9km
Total ascent = 35m, descent = -57m

To Tosantos = 4.7km
Total ascent = 66m, descent = -13m

To Villambistia = 2.0km
Total ascent = 45m, descent = -7m

To Espinosa del Camino = 1.6km
Total ascent = 45m, descent = -6m

To Villafranca Montes de Oca = 3.5km
Total ascent = 72m, descent = -26m

To San Juan de Ortega = 12.0km
Total ascent = 255m, descent = -195m

Ascent 200m over 3km

To Agés = 3.9km
Total ascent = 22m, descent = -59m

There are two routes from here to Burgos. The alternative one is waymarked but little-used and devoid of pilgrim accommodation. It passes through the following villages: Santovenia de Oca, Zalduendo, Ibeas de Juarros, Castrillo del Val, San Medel, Castañares and then to Burgos. Parts of it are along the side of a main road.

To Atapuerca = 2.5km
Total ascent = 6m, descent = -20m

To Cardeñuela Ríopico = 6.2km
Total ascent = 125m, descent = -155m

To Orbaneja Ríopico = 2.0km
Total ascent = 3m, descent = -16m

RIGHT to Burgos = 12.0km
Total ascent = 43m, descent = -86m
LEFT to Burgos = 12.2km
Total ascent = 71m, descent = -114m

There are two routes when entering Burgos. They divide after Orbaneja, shortly after crossing over a motorway where there are houses and recycling containers on the left. The right route has little shade and passes through Villafría (cafés) and an endless industrial zone. The left route follows the perimeter fence of the airport to a village called Castañares (cafés) and a major road which you can cross at the pedestrian crossing to your left. Continue straight through a small park with a children's playground to your left and a basketball court to your right, straight along a small road which crosses a stream and swings right at the entrance to a factory. Continue until you cross a footbridge over a river. Now turn right and follow the path between the river and a busy road, turning left to pass under the road. Now you can follow the river for a pleasant, shady walk all the way to the city. There's a beach where you can swim (although the water's freezing). This route passes through a little-frequented nature reserve and some people may feel uncomfortable on their own. Both routes are approximately the same length.

To Tardajos = 10.9km
Total ascent = 36m, descent = -77m

Finding your way out of Burgos can be a bit complicated. Exiting the municipal albergue turn right and continue past the cathedral along Calle Fernán de González for about 800m until you come to the city wall. Pass through the arch and turn left down the steps and straight on to Calle Emperador as far as Calle Villalon, where you turn left. This will bring you to the river which you cross on a footbridge (Puente Malotos) straight in front of you. After the footbridge you'll see a statue of Santo Domingo and the entrance to a park at the corner of Paseo de los Comendadores. You can either walk through the park or veer right on to Avenida de José Maria Vilacián Rebollo and then straight on to Calle de Villadiego, then veer right on to Calle de Benito Pérez Galdós (sign pointing to Los Guindales). From there follow the yellow arrows.

To Rabé de las Calzadas = 1.8km
Total ascent = 16m, descent = -12m

To Hornillos del Camino = 7.8km
Total ascent = 106m, descent = -112m

To San Bol = 5.8km
Total ascent = 128m, descent = -51m

To Hontanas = 5.0km
Total ascent = 41m, descent = -66m

To San Antón = 6.1km
Total ascent = 24m, descent = -95m

For several kilometres after Hontanas the Camino runs parallel to a quite country road. In bad weather walking the road is by far the better option.

To Castrojeriz = 3.4km
Total ascent = 37m, descent = -28m

To Itero del Castillo = 9.3km
Total ascent = 158m, descent = -205m

In case you were expecting the Meseta to be flat, there's a massive hill about 1km after Castrojeriz. Ermita de San Nicolás is in open country about 1km from the village of Itero del Castillo which is bypassed by the Camino.

To Itero de la Vega = 1.9km
Total ascent = 10m, descent = -5m

Entering the Province of Palencia

To Boadilla del Camino = 8.2km
Total ascent = 66m, descent = -55m

To Frómista = 5.7km
Total ascent = 24m, descent = -25m

To Población de Campos = 3.7km
Total ascent = 11m, descent = -11m

Just before Población on the left is the Romanesque Ermita de San Miguel with a nice shady wooded area.

RIGHT to Villalcázar de Sirga = 11.1km
Total ascent = 77m, descent = -57m
LEFT to Villarmentero de Campos = 5.7km
Total ascent = 22m, descent = -14m

After Población, just before crossing a small bridge, the Camino divides to rejoin in Villalcázar de Sirga.

Right route 10km

4km to Villovieco, café. After Villovieco the Camino crosses the río Ucieza and continues alongside it for 5km until a bridge with a large house over to the left, here you turn left and follow the paved road for 1km to Villalcázar. This route is a quieter and more pleasant option than the left route.

Left route 10km

This route goes along the side of a road.

4km Revenga de Campos. Café.

To Villalcázar de Sirga = 4.3km
Total ascent = 19m, descent = -7m

4km to Villalcázar de Sirga

Right and left routes rejoin in

To Carrión de los Condes = 5.6km
Total ascent = 54m, descent = -21m

To Calzadilla de la Cueza = 17.3km
Total ascent = 71m, descent = -48m

You should not leave Carrión without enough food and water for a long walk.

To Lédigos = 6.1km
Total ascent = 54m, descent = -36m

Take care crossing the main road here, traffic in infrequent but fast.

To Terradillos de Templarios = 3.0km
Total ascent = 15m, descent = -11m

The Camino goes through open country after Lédigos however there is an older route which goes along the side of the road and which has some shade.

To Moratinos = 3.2km
Total ascent = 21m, descent = -40m

To San Nicolás del Real Camino = 2.7km
Total ascent = 20m, descent = -35m

To Sahagún = 7.1km
Total ascent = 63m, descent = -73m

Entering the Province of León

RIGHT to Calzada del Coto = 5.1km
Total ascent = 32m, descent = -43m
LEFT to Bercianos del Real Camino = 10.0km
Total ascent = 59m, descent = -40m

The Camino de Madrid joins the Camino Francés in Sahagún.

4km after Sahagún, at a road junction near a motorway just before Calzada del Coto, the Camino divides and continues on two separate paths until Reliegos. Much overpainting of arrows at this junction. The right route was a Roman Road whereas the left route is the original Camino Francés.

Right route 31km to Reliegos

500m to...

To Calzadilla de los Hermanillos = 8.5km
Total ascent = 80m, descent = -11m

To Reliegos = 17.5km
Total ascent = 55m, descent = -122m

18km to Reliegos or 24km to Mansilla via an alternative route which branches right after 16km (signpost often vandalised). Don't set off without adequate supplies for a long day's walking. There is no possibility to stock up on the way. The route runs entirely through open countryside parallel to the León - Madrid railway line. It is possible to cross over to the left route in several places. You should not cross the railway line unless you want to join the other route.

Left route 31km to Reliegos.

For the left route continue straight at the road junction where the right route goes right, then veer right on to an unpaved road. Many parts of this route are gravel path along the side of a quiet road (So called Senda).

To El Burgo Ranero = 7.6km
Total ascent = 39m, descent = -12m

To Reliegos = 12.9km
Total ascent = 30m, descent = -78m

13km to Reliegos.

Right and left routes rejoin in...

To Mansilla de las Mulas = 6.1km
Total ascent = 11m, descent = -34m

To Puente Villarente = 6.0km
Total ascent = 16m, descent = -14m

It's no longer necessary to cross the road bridge over the river Porma before Puente de Villarente, the long-awaited footbridge is now in operation.

To Arcahueja = 4.5km
Total ascent = 53m, descent = -4m

To León = 8.2km
Total ascent = 101m, descent = -109m

It's mostly suburban from here to León.

To La Virgen del Camino = 7.3km
Total ascent = 97m, descent = -33m

The official Camino winds its crooked way around the tourist attractions of León. Don't worry if you end up lost! The easiest way to find your way out is to find the river and walk upstream until you come to the footbridge, Puente San Marcos, which is just beside the magnificent Hostal de San Marcos. Cross the river here and follow the yellow arrows out of town.

Several cafés do breakfast in Trobajo del Camino south of the river. There are also several supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and banks along the Camino (however they don't open until about 09:00).

RIGHT to Valverde de la Virgen = 4.2km
Total ascent = 47m, descent = -67m
LEFT to Oncina de la Valdoncina = 4.0km
Total ascent = 51m, descent = -85m

Cross the main road at the church and turn right. 100m further on the Camino divides. The right route runs along the side of a busy main road. The left route passes through open countryside. The two routes rejoin in Hospital de Órbigo. The right route follows the Roman road and is considered the original Camino.

There is a lot of confusing signposting at this junction.

Right route 26km

To Villadangos del Páramo = 9.5km
Total ascent = 39m, descent = -36m

2km to San Miguel del Camino, shop, cafés. Then 8km to...

To San Martín del Camino = 4.5km
Total ascent = 6m, descent = -30m

To Hospital de Órbigo = 8.3km
Total ascent = 10m, descent = -55m

7km to Hospital de Órbigo

Left route 27km

2km to Fresno del Camino, café.

To Villar de Mazarife = 10.0km
Total ascent = 59m, descent = -64m

7km to Chozas de Abajo, café about 200m off the Camino to the left. Then 4km to...

To Villavante = 9.5km
Total ascent = 2m, descent = -36m

Villavente can be bypassed by continuing straight on the road.

To Hospital de Órbigo = 7.1km
Total ascent = 9m, descent = -21m

4km to Hospital de Órbigo.

Right and left routes rejoin in...

To Villares de Órbigo = 2.5km
Total ascent = 10m, descent = -4m

Leaving the village the Camino divides. To the right it passes through the villages of Villares de Órbigo and Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias. The left route mostly follows the main road. These two paths join again before San Justo de la Vega.

Right route 16.8km to Astorga

To Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias = 2.5km
Total ascent = 49m, descent = -29m

To Astorga = 11.8km
Total ascent = 170m, descent = -147m

5km to David's refreshment stand, still operating, with or without its creator.

3km to San Justo de la Vega.

Left route 15.6km to Astorga

This route is slightly shorter however it follows a busy main road for most of its course.

Right and left routes rejoin just before...

San Justo de la Vega, cafés, bakery and further on on the right a shop and a pharmacy, all on the Camino. Café Bar Oasis is a friendly place and claims to have the best tortilla in the world (it just might be true!)

4km to Astorga.

To Valdeviejas = 2.4km
Total ascent = 12m, descent = -23m

Leaving town is a bit confusing so pay close attention to the waymarkings. Following the Camino through town, with the cathedral main façade to you right veer left down Calle Leopoldo Panero and then at the end turn right. Continue straight across a road junction on to Calle de San Pedro (past the unusual modern Iglesia de San Pedro) until you arrive at the main road called Avenida Madrid-Coruña, which you cross on the pedestrian crossing to the right before continuing on to Calle de los Mártires. Follow this and it's straight all the way out of town.

To Murias de Rechivaldo = 2.2km
Total ascent = 21m, descent = 0m

To Santa Catalina de Somoza = 4.6km
Total ascent = 103m, descent = 0m

Castrillo de los Polvazares is not on the 'official' Camino. To get there from Murias follow the road rather than the Camino. It's to the right of the road across a bridge at a place where there's a small carpark.

Castrillo de los Polvazares is 3km off the Camino.

Municipal (12, 5€, April to October) Albergue Municipal de Castrillo de los Polvazares, on Calle el Jardín in a tradition village house. Contact details on the door. Kitchen. Tel 691 221 058 Open 12:00

Castrillo has several popular restaurants and is a good place to try Cocido Maragato and other local specialities - although the restaurants, not being pilgrim establishments, keep normal hours.

Architecturally Castrillo de los Polvazares is considered the jewel among Maragato villages and is well worth a visit.

To El Ganso = 4.3km
Total ascent = 40m, descent = -8m

To Rabanal del Camino = 6.9km
Total ascent = 152m, descent = -14m

The climb to Cruz de Ferro begins in earnest after El Ganso, however, the ascent is mostly pretty gradual.

To Foncebadón = 5.6km
Total ascent = 286m, descent = -7m

To Manjarín = 4.3km
Total ascent = 83m, descent = -76m

If there's snow on the mountains you can walk on the road all the way to Molinaseca.

2km after Foncebadón you will come to the Cruz de Ferro.

To El Acebo = 7.0km
Total ascent = 106m, descent = -405m

After the highest point you will descend 856m between here and Molinaseca (14.8km). The path may be slippery in places, especially in winter. It is possible to follow the road all the way.

To Riego de Ambrós = 3.3km
Total ascent = 1m, descent = -215m

The Camino after El Acebo has recently been diverted to follow the road for most of its course.

To Molinaseca = 4.5km
Total ascent = 27m, descent = -369m

There is a long, steep and difficult descent into Molinaseca. An easier alternative if you don't like descents or in poor weather, is to walk along the (quiet) road.

To Ponferrada = 8.0km
Total ascent = 103m, descent = -170m

From here, unfortunately, you'll be walking on hard surfaces most of the way to Las Herrerías.

There are two options when entering Ponferrada. Either continue on the main road all the way (the right route) or follow the longer 'official' Camino to the left through a series of meanders to arrive at the municipal albergue crossing the river Boeza over a Roman bridge (the left route).

To Columbrianos = 4.4km
Total ascent = 45m, descent = -36m

Getting out of Ponferrada is a little complicated, follow the Camino to the castle and then turn right. The Camino leads you through the new part of town.

To Camponaraya = 4.7km
Total ascent = 9m, descent = -41m

To Cacabelos = 6.1km
Total ascent = 54m, descent = -64m

The Camino in Camponaraya runs along a busy road the length of the village and out the other end, then at the gates of a factory it veers up to the left beside a picnic area.

To Pieros = 2.3km
Total ascent = 64m, descent = -11m

To Villafranca del Bierzo = 7.0km
Total ascent = 118m, descent = -156m

Shortly after Pieros there are two options, either right through the village of Valtuille de Arriba, where there's a café, or left along the road (slightly shorter).

To Pereje = 4.8km
Total ascent = 120m, descent = -70m

Right route 11km

Shortly after crossing the bridge in Villafranca the Camino divides. The right route goes up a narrow, steep street by Peluquería Ana (Hairdresser). It may not be signposted due to vandalism. This route passes through beautiful mountainous countryside before rejoining the left route in Trabadelo. It has a steep ascent and descent and yellow arrows are scarce at times. Once at the top follow the unpaved road, at two points you will come to junctions where yellow arrows urge you to go right towards the village of Pradela which is a short distance off the Camino. If you don't want to go to the village just ignore them and veer left.

Descend towards Trabadelo on the road until, in a left-hand curve, there's a marked track branching right, follow this, it crosses the road twice before arriving in Trabadelo. It's a bit of an adventure but much more beautiful than the valley route and worth the slog (in good weather).

Pradela is about 500m off the Camino on the right route.

Private (10, 6€, March to November) Albergue Lamas, in the village of Pradela. Laundry facilities. Communal evening meal. Breakfast. Café / restaurant. Tel 677 569 764 Open 11:00

Pradela has a Café.

Left route 10km

The left route continues straight ahead after crossing the bridge in Villafranca and follows the road along the flat valley floor beside the Río Valcarce. Passing through Pereje.

To Trabadelo = 4.5km
Total ascent = 85m, descent = -62m

5km to Trabadelo

Right and left routes rejoin in...

To La Portela de Valcarce = 4.1km
Total ascent = 92m, descent = -65m

To Ambasmestas = 1.3km
Total ascent = 27m, descent = -15m

To Vega de Valcarce = 1.5km
Total ascent = 39m, descent = -17m

To Ruitelán = 2.5km
Total ascent = 50m, descent = -22m

To Las Herrerías = 1.2km
Total ascent = 33m, descent = -23m

To La Faba = 3.5km
Total ascent = 272m, descent = -34m

The climb to O Cebreiro begins here. In the next 9km you'll climb 600m.

To Laguna de Castilla = 2.3km
Total ascent = 239m, descent = -5m

To O Cebreiro = 2.5km
Total ascent = 172m, descent = -26m

Welcome to Galicia, Province of Lugo

There are few municipal albergues in Galicia however, in their place are Xunta albergues. These are funded directly by the Government of Galicia (the Xunta). They always have kitchens but for reasons which will not be speculated upon here, their kitchens are rarely usable. ie. The cooker doesn't work, there are no utensils, etc. For this reason Xunta albergues which have unusable kitchens (which is most of them) are listed here as having no kitchen.

To Liñares = 2.1km
Total ascent = 1346m, descent = -1412m

Leaving O Cebreiro there are two options, you can either walk past the municipal albergue and through the forest, or walk down to the road before you come to the municipal albergue and follow it to the left (currently, for some inexplicable reason, being pushed as the 'recommended' route).

To Hospital da Condesa = 2.5km
Total ascent = 93m, descent = -73m

Shortly after Liñares you will come to Alto de San Roque with its famous statue of the pilgrim struggling forward against a headwind.

To Alto do Poio = 2.8km
Total ascent = 152m, descent = -60m

To Fonfría = 3.4km
Total ascent = 27m, descent = -73m

To Fillobal = 5.4km
Total ascent = 20m, descent = -347m

2km to Biduedo, café

To Triacastela = 3.6km
Total ascent = 9m, descent = -302m

RIGHT to A Balsa = 2.2km
Total ascent = 64m, descent = -17m
LEFT to San Cristovo do Real = 3.8km
Total ascent = 662m, descent = -730m

In Triacastela, at the end of the main street the Camino divides. The right route goes through Calvor and on to Sarria. The left route goes through Samos.

Right route 14km to Aguidada

To Calvor = 11.2km
Total ascent = 244m, descent = -444m

8km to Furela, café Bar Franco does good food, especially empanadas and Caldo Galego (see under O Cebreiro) although only in cold weather.

2km to Pintín, café

To Aguiada = 0.6km
Total ascent = 0m, descent = -21m

1km to Aguiada

Left route 20.1km to Aguidada

Follow the road for 4km as far as San Cristovo do Real where the Camino branches to the right.

To Samos = 6.1km
Total ascent = 196m, descent = -265m

2km to Renche, café.

To Aguiada = 8.8km
Total ascent = 751m, descent = -788m

10km to Aguiada. There are two routes from Samos to Sarria. Both begin by following the main road for about 2km until there is a signposted split. Go right to follow paths through open country to arrive in Aguiada after 8km. This route passes through beautiful countryside and the localities (you can hardly call them villages) of Pascais, Gorolfe, Veiga, Sivil and Perros. The left route follows the road all the way to Sarria.

Right and left routes rejoin in...

To Sarria = 4.5km
Total ascent = 35m, descent = -99m

Once in Sarria there's a temporary (for several years now) detour where a bridge over Río Sarria is being reconstructed.

To Vilei - Barbadelo = 4.4km
Total ascent = 179m, descent = -65m

To Molino de Marzán = 3.1km
Total ascent = 83m, descent = -36m

2km to Café Serra.

To Morgade = 4.7km
Total ascent = 114m, descent = -57m

2km to Peruscallo, café.

2km to A Brea, café.

To Ferreiros = 1.1km
Total ascent = 17m, descent = -13m

To Mercadoiro = 3.5km
Total ascent = 677m, descent = -788m

1km to 100km from Santiago waymarker. Shortly before A Pena.

RIGHT to = 0km
Total ascent = 64m, descent = -17m
LEFT to = 0km
Total ascent = 662m, descent = -730m

Shortly after A Pena, As Rozas, café in a farm yard.

To Vilacha = 3.2km
Total ascent = 22m, descent = -143m

2km to A Parrocha, café

To Portomarín = 2.0km
Total ascent = 7m, descent = -84m

After Vilacha there are two possible routes. The 'official' Camino follows a busy road for some time until it veers on to a narrow path between high stone walls. This path is steep and can be slippy, especially after rain. The old route (pre 2015), which branches right and follows a quiet country road, is still signposted.

If you're not stopping in Portomarín and you don't feel like climbing all those steps you can turn left just after the bridge, walk along the road and rejoin the Camino where it crosses a bridge to the left.

To Gonzar = 8.2km
Total ascent = 257m, descent = -54m

To Castromaior = 1.7km
Total ascent = 50m, descent = 0m

To Hospital da Cruz = 0.8km
Total ascent = 707m, descent = -627m

The Camino route has recently been redirected away from the road for a short distance after Castromaior.

1km, café.

To Vendas de Narón = 1.7km
Total ascent = 33m, descent = -8m

To Ligonde = 3.3km
Total ascent = 22m, descent = -98m

2km, café.

To Airexe de Ligonde = 0.9km
Total ascent = 22m, descent = -25m

To Portos = 2.2km
Total ascent = 28m, descent = -70m

To Palas de Rei = 5.4km
Total ascent = 85m, descent = -102m

1km to Lestedo, café.

3km, café.

To San Xulián do Camiño = 3.7km
Total ascent = 42m, descent = -144m

To Mato = 1.0km
Total ascent = 0m, descent = -45m

To Casanova = 1.3km
Total ascent = 68m, descent = -2m

To Melide = 8.9km
Total ascent = 151m, descent = -181m

2km café.

1km cafés.

2km café.

To Boente = 6.0km
Total ascent = 83m, descent = -142m

This is the point where the Camino Primitivo (which starts in Oviedo) joins the Camino Francés. The junction is at the church.

2km left turn for detour via Penas, there's very little to chose between the two routes except that the right route has a nice stone bridge.

2km / 30hr, café.

To Castañeda = 2.3km
Total ascent = 75m, descent = -59m

To Ribadiso = 3.1km
Total ascent = 52m, descent = -158m

To Arzúa = 2.1km
Total ascent = 419m, descent = -329m

To Bebedeiro = 4.9km
Total ascent = 118m, descent = -129m

Arzúa is where the Camino del Norte joins the Camino Francés.

To As Quintas = 0.6km
Total ascent = 18m, descent = 0m

To Outeiro = 3.2km
Total ascent = 27m, descent = -87m

To Salceda = 3.5km
Total ascent = 406m, descent = -380m

To A Brea = 2.2km
Total ascent = 47m, descent = -38m

You'll need to cross the main road several times between here and O Pedrouzo. Extreme caution is advised, this road can be very busy at times!

To Santa Irene = 2.7km
Total ascent = 61m, descent = -62m

2km to O Empalme, cafés.

To A Rúa = 1.8km
Total ascent = 8m, descent = -100m

To O Pedrouzo / Arca do Pino = 1.5km
Total ascent = 23m, descent = -25m

The official Camino passes through the outskirts of the town of O Pedrouzo, to get to the town centre where the albergues and most business are turn left on to the main road at a place where the Camino crosses it just after A Rúa. WARNING: lots of people miss this junction!

To A Esquipa / Lavacolla = 9.6km
Total ascent = 218m, descent = -203m

To get back to the Camino continue along the main road and turn right at the Casa do Concello.

There are cafés every couple of kilometres from here on.

To Monte do Gozo = 6.3km
Total ascent = 116m, descent = -109m

Frequent cafés from here on. Café de Amancio in Vilamaior is nice.

To San Lázaro = 1.8km
Total ascent = 23m, descent = -39m

It's urban walking from here on. Lots of cafés, etc.

To Santiago de Compostela = 2.5km
Total ascent = 30m, descent = -59m

Although treated as a separate place here, San Lázaro is really just a suburb of Santiago.

It's surprisingly easy to get lost on the way into Santiago. If in doubt aim for the cathedral.