Camino - Leon to Santiago

Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province bordered by Galicia, Asturias, Palencia and Zamora. There is evidence of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the knights of Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the middle Ages. Ensure you take the time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed in the 13th Century for a period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an impressive collection of early manuscripts. The Town Walls are of Roman and medieval construction. Overnight in Leon.

Leaving Leon, the route will take you right through town until you reach Virgen del Camino, where legend states that the Virgin appeared in front of a shepherd in 1506 and asked him to build a shrine. This section is quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert). You will pass through some small villages before arriving in the village of Villadangos del Paramo. This town of Roman origin was the site of a battle that took place between the Queen Dona Urraca of Leon and her husband, Alfonso I of Aragon in the year 1111. Take a quiet walk around the streets and visit the Parish Church which contains an image of the Apostle Santiago from the 18th Century. Continue to Villar de Mazrife for overnight. Note: you may choose to shorten the walk today by 9km by taking a bus from Plaza Santo Domingo to Virgen del Camino. Buses leave every 30minutes and the fare is around €2. Distance 22km/13.7m

A long and quite challenging day. The landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Moors, rivers and meadows run along the route until you reach the bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, which history remembers as "Passo Honroso", one of the most famous structures along the way. Pass the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and see Astorga in the distant valley. Astorga is at the crossroads of the Spanish Camino and the Roman Silver Road and is known for its medieval, walled Old Town. You can enjoy a late afternoon drink in the main square. Distance 30km/18.75mi

The walk today is a steady climb to Rabanal del Camino so we recommend that you start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Walk through the village and follow the tree lined pavements before passing a poplar grove and the River Jerga, arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo. Continue through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and on to El Ganso. The landscape changes to dense oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend “los Montes de Leon”, before reaching Rabanal del Camino (1200m), a charming mountain village. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Passing through broom, heather and other flora, continue your ascent via Foncebadon to the famous “Mount Irago”, surrounded by mountains, and reach the important landmark, the Cruz de Ferro, at nearly 1500m the highest point of the French Camino. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon Mountains. From here the trail descends across the rich Bierzo region, and you reach the beautiful town of Molinaseca with its slate roofs and wooden balconies. Distance 25km/15.5mi

A long day, although less demanding than yesterday and gentler slopes. The terrain is relatively easy as you continue across the valley to Ponferrada. You can admire the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. The region of Bierzo is low lying with an agreeable climate, allowing the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables. It is also known for its wine. Distance 30km/18.6mi

Today you can enjoy the sights of Villafranca and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.