Camino francés from León to O Cebreiro

We start this part of the Camino in León, an important Jacobean capital where a visit to the Cathedral, Gaudí’s Casa Botines and the San Marcos Hospital is a must. A walk through the old town and a stop in the Barrio del Húmedo is also highly recommended. Arrival in León on behalf of the client.

Accommodation in León.

Difficulty level: easy.

This is the variant of the Historical Way of St. James. It runs parallel to the national N-120 and is a practically continuous flat route that runs through the cities of San Miguel or Fresno, again between the grain fields characteristic of the area.

Accommodation in Villadangos.

Difficulty level: easy.

At this stage we will start to tackle some bumps in the terrain, which will get bigger the closer we get to Galicia. The flat landscape of the plateau then continues between Villadangos de Páramo and the Hospital de Órbigo, which we reach via a magnificent bridge over the river. It will be the last city in which we find only a slightly mountainous terrain. Our destination will be the small town of Astorga, which is full of remains from the Roman period and where the French Way and the Vía de la Plata (The Silver Way) meet and which is also the capital of the Maragatería region.

Accommodation in Astorga.

Difficulty level: medium.

We are now penetrating ever deeper into the Montes de León. In this phase we will find ever larger hills in the further course.

Accommodation in Foncebadón.

Difficulty level: medium to high.

At this point we leave the Maragatería region and hike to El Bierzo. This also means that we are returning to the bumps that are typical of mountain areas. The first climb takes us to a mythical place on the Camino de Santiago, the Cruz de Ferro on Mount Irago, the highest point of the French route, at 1,500 meters. From there we start a descent that leads us to the city of Ponferrada, the capital of the Bierzo region. This entire region is known for its rich gastronomy with typical dishes such as botillo and especially for its wines with its own designation of origin.

Accommodation in Ponferrada.

Difficulty level: medium.

In the middle of the Bierzo region, this stage leads over quite comfortable hiking trails. Again we encounter landscapes with fields and vineyards. In Villafranca del Bierzo we can visit the Church of Santiago, known for the Puerta del Perdón, which opened only in the Jacobean years, as well as the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago.

Accommodation in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Difficulty level: medium.

It’s a pretty flat stage, which we can use to start the next day in a good mood and relaxed. The route follows the old N-VI and runs down the Valcarce river for a final stretch of almost two kilometers.

Accommodation in Vega de Valcarce.

Difficulty level: high.

In this stage we face the mythical climb to O Cebreiro, the gateway to the French route to Galicia and the biggest climb in Spain. Many say that it is the most beautiful stage on the way, possibly the most exciting. The difference in altitude is almost 700 meters along the dreaded La Faba hill, but the arrival in the beautiful village of O Cebreiro of immense Jacobean tradition and great anthropological interest and the entry into the magical Ancares were worth it.

Accommodation in O Cebreiro.

¡Buen Camino! See you next time.