Camino de Invierno - Ponferrada to Santiago

Ponferrada is the capital of the Bierzo region, located at the crossroads of the French Way (Camino Frances) and the Camino de Invierno routes to Santiago. It is here that pilgrims in winter veered south on their way to Santiago to avoid 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, and the Renaissance 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. Enjoy exploring its historic centre and perhaps a glass of the great local wine.

The buzz of pilgrims recedes as you cross the Sil river via the medieval Mascaron bridge. Today's walk is through the Bierzo region, passing vineyards, small towns with beautiful wooden balconies, a long-standing architectural tradition, such as Toral de Merayo, and up to Villavieja. The stage has moderate gradients. You have the option of taking a detour to visit Cornatel Castle (the site of a medieval music festival in the last weekend in August) which offers wonderful views over the Bierzo valley before descending to the village of Borrenes. Walking: 21km/13.2mi, approx +/-550m/1805ft

A superb walk today to discover a UNESCO World Heritage listed cultural site. Departing Borrenes we recommend taking the optional loop walk to Las Médulas, which was the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire. The detour is approx. 6km/3.8mi through La Cuevona and La Cueva de la Encantada, allowing you to explore the area. Searching for gold, the Romans developed hydraulic power techniques to tunnel into the mountainside. Abandoned after 200 years, the impact of the ancient technology is visible today, with exposed red clay eroded hillsides flanked by chestnut trees. It's fascinating, and taking in the view of the hills from Orellán is highly recommended. The Camino continues with a descent to Puente de Domingo Flórez. Walking: 15-19km/9-11.9mi, +350m/1150ft, -500m/1640ft

Today you leave Castile and Leon and enter Galicia, following the flow of the River Sil. Starting with an ascent past an old hydroelectric facility, the way is undulating along the valley and some short, steep climbs. Enjoy impressive countryside views and the rural Galician architecture of beautiful black slate roofs. Mediterranean vegetation alternates with vineyards of the DO Valdeorras, a characteristic wine that is aged in 'Covas' (caves). The town of Sobradelo is a perfect lunch spot before continuing on a level route to O Barco de Valdeorras and your hotel. Walking: 18km/11 mi, +340m/1115ft, -400m/1312ft

The trail continues along the Sil River Valley with impressive views, and wine will continue to be the star of this stage. Vilamartín de Valdeorras has a large number of underground wineries, easily identified by the chimneys that emerge from the surface. The terrain is flat along the river as you make your way to Rúa de Valdeorras, where evidence of Roman civilisation can be found including Cigarrosa Bridge which crosses the Sil river. The stretch from A Rúa de Valdeorras to Montefurado is undulating as you enter the Ribeira Sacra. Pass the charming village of Os Albaredos, with its beautiful stone houses, then descend to the river until you reach Montefurado, from where a transfer will take you to your accommodation in A Rúa. Walking: 24km/15mi, approx +/-360m/1180ft

This morning (8.30am) a transfer takes you back to Montefurado to continue walking, following the Sil river. Start the day ascending along paths with great views, including of the river and the Sierra del Caurel. From the Novaes Castle you will walk along the old Camino Real, on tracks left by carriages in the Middle Ages. After reaching the highest point of the stage (approx 450m) you will find the valley of Quiroga, where vineyards and olive groves abound. Descend to the village of Quiroga for overnight. Walking: 17km/10.5mi, approx +/-450m/1476ft

Continue on foot through rural landscapes with panoramic views. The first part follows the river Sil before leaving it and entering the mountains (highest point approx 600m) and valley of the Lor river, marked by intermediate ascents and descents. Continue between windmills, fields and meadows towards the Lemos valley and A Pobra do Brollon. In the afternoon, transfer to your accommodation in Salcedo. Walking: 22km/13.7mi, +/-450m/1476ft