12-day Camino del Norte Walking Holiday (Part 5)

When you arrive in Ribadeo, the first thing that envelops you is the tranquil atmosphere of the town. The port, with its colourful boats and the salty sea breeze, creates an atmosphere of total calm. It is the perfect place to recharge your batteries before starting your adventure on the Camino de Santiago.

In this stage you will enter Galicia, leaving the coast behind to begin your journey inland, heading towards Santiago de Compostela. The landscape changes from coastal paths to a mountain route that will take you through a rural and sparsely populated area. The most notable climb of the day will be when you leave A Ponte de Arante: a climb of 260 metres over 5 kilometres, before you reach Gondán.

From Gondán, a taxi will take you to Mondoñedo, where you can rest, as the area is very sparsely populated and has no accommodation options.

Challenge: 21 km / 13mill I Ascent 600 m / Descent 450 m

A taxi will take you back to Gondan, where today's route begins. It is a relatively straightforward route, with only a couple of steep climbs and many spectacular views. On the way, you will pass through Vilanova de Lourenzá, where the old monastery church is a must-see. Your journey will end in Mondoñedo, a town steeped in history, which has been the capital of the region of A Mariña Central and the episcopal see since the Middle Ages. The cathedral of Mondoñedo and its old town, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, are the cultural gems that await you on this stage.

Challenge: 16 km / 10 mill  I Ascent 450m / Descent 510m

This route is very interesting, as it leaves behind the region of A Mariña to Terra Chá, the inland plateau of Lugo, ascending from 140 to 560 metres above sea level. The route takes you through rolling hills and agricultural landscapes, crossing the valleys of Valiñadares and Lousada, giving you a real glimpse of the rural beauty of the region. After passing through Lousada, where you can explore its old lime kilns, you will continue through A Xesta and then through Gontán, heading for Abadín.

Challenge: 17 km / 10.5 mill I Ascent 630m / Descent 250m.

It is a very pleasant route, with interesting landscapes and little gradient. You will walk along comfortable dirt or tarmac tracks between green meadows and forests of native trees in the region of A Terra Chá, which covers several municipalities in the province of Lugo. This area, together with the upper reaches of the Miño river, was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2003. Its terrain is rugged and livestock farming is the main activity. As you progress on your pilgrimage, you will reach Vilalba, a town known for its medieval heritage.

Challenge: 21 km / 13 mill I Ascent 250m / Descent 290m.

Today's route is a short but very varied one: tracks, dirt roads, paths and even muddy corredoiras (tractor tracks). All of this in a charming rural setting, very pleasant and with hardly any gradients. The route will take you to Baamonde, a small and pretty village surrounded by lush vegetation. This landscape is ideal to enjoy a quiet and relaxing pilgrimage.

Challenge: 19km / 12 mill I Ascent 210m / Descent 270m.

Today you have the option of choosing between two routes, depending on the distance you would like to cover. Both options will take you along dirt or tarmac tracks through a rural and peaceful landscape, where family livestock predominates.

No matter which route you choose, we will have a transport service available to take you back to your hotel in Regüelas.

Challenge: 19,2km / 11,9 mill   Ascent 400m / Descent 200m I  20,2km / 12,5 mill I Ascent 600m / Descent 400m

Today, the hotel where you are staying will organise transport to take you to the start of the new stage. You can choose between two suggested starting points to reach Sobrado dos Monxes. On this day, which has a fairly steep profile, you will climb gradually until you reach the highest point of the entire Northern Way.

Challenge: 23.8 km / 14,8 mill I Ascent 400m / Descent 200m  I  15.6 km / 9,6 mill I Ascent 600m / Descent 400m.

In contrast to previous routes, which took you along dirt tracks between villages, today the landscape becomes more urban as you approach Santiago. The route ends in Arzúa, the starting point of all activity on the French Way.

Challenge: 22km / 13.5mill I Ascent 220m / Descent 340m.

At first sight, this stage may seem a little monotonous due to its proximity to the main road. However, it turns out to be one of the most exciting days of the week. You will find yourself surrounded by a hustle and bustle of enthusiastic pilgrims, excited to reach the finish line. Also, as it is a relatively short day, you will have time to relax at the hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Challenge: 18 km / 11 mill I Ascent 200m / Descent 230m.

You return to modern life as you speed past the regional airport and cross the motorway, the railway and the ring road, all the while heading towards a huge and irresistible magnet: the Plaza del Obradoiro. The urban bustle will not distract you. Historically, pilgrims used to stop at Monte do Gozo to have a look at the city and then make a last stop at the Lavacolla fountain to cool their faces and feet before meeting their beloved saint.

Challenge: 21km / 13 mill I Ascent 350m / Descend 370m.

Tu viaje llega a su fin por la mañana después del desayuno. Si te apetece, puedes optar por quedarte una noche más en Santiago de Compostela.