Your journey on the last 300km of the Camino Frances to Santiago begins in the beautiful city of León. The magnificent Cathedral is the spiritual heart of the city packed with beautiful architecture. Oviedo (1h30 by bus) and Madrid (4h30 by train) are the most convenient airports.

The highlight of your walk today will be the Cathedral and architecture of León. The rest of the day is flat and follows a sometimes busy road.

Continuing across the plains of Leon you can look forward to reaching Astorga, a lively market town set atop a steep ridge.

Your walk from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino will take you towards the highest point of the entire route(which you will reach tomorrow), beware of the weather as it can change quickly and is unpredictable in this area.

Make sure you have enough layers as you won't be able to pick up any in Rabanal.

Climb up to the highest point of your walk, first reach the peak of Cruz de Ferro followed by Alto Altar which sits at 1515 metres. Be aware that you are at an altitude and therefore look after yourself, bring enough food, water and layers to make sure you are always comfortable along the way. After reaching the peak of Alto Altar you will descend down to Molinaseca to spend the night.

Follow the path guiding you through the busy city of Ponferrada, this stage involves some road walking as you make your way through the city. When walking through the city you will have plenty of chances to stop for a drink and some food, however, be extra vigilant when following the shells as there will be some 'recommended route' which have been created to take you past specific shops.

Once out of the city you have Villafranca del Bierzo to look forward to, as in its micro-climate vineyards have populated the area.

Today will be a strenuous day, there are three different routes which you can choose from which are all outlined in your book. The route you choose will largely depend on the experience you are looking for, all of the options will be a long days walk and therefore make sure you set off early.

This section has some of the steepest climbs along the full Camino making it a challenging day, you will stop at the foothills of the Herrerias de Valcarce, leaving the largest climb to O'Cebreiro to the next day. 

Welcome a short day, the steep climb through a mainly chestnut woodland on a rocky path up to the village of O’Cebreiro.

O'Cebreiro marks the beginning of the Galician culture and is a foretaste as to what awaits you!

Embark on a day of downhill walking today, take extra care to protect your knees whilst walking down. There several villages along the path where you can take a break and enjoy spectacular views.

Make a decision today if you would like to walk the southern detour route via Samos or the northern direct route via San Xil, both options are detailed in your book.

The shorter northern route has new woodland paths which have increased the natural paths by 60% and it takes you up a steep climb to alto do Riocabo, which has beautiful views.  The southern route takes you along the busy LU-633 and via the Benedictine monastery of Samos which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Spain.

Leaving Sarria you pass Sarria Castle, with its one remaining tower, the rest destroyed in the peasants’ uprising against the aristocracy in the 15th Century.

You will be walking along shady tree-lined roads and pathways this morning, passing through pretty small hamlets such as Cortinas and A Brea, before reaching the stone marker; a photo opportunity before taking the first step on the final 100km to Santiago.

The Camino ascends to a high point at Pena dos Corvos; at 660m you will enjoy panoramic views, before descending into the lush Rio Mino valley, to Mercadoiro and then Portomarin. Enjoy the Galician ambience as you stroll up the cobbled main street and end your day by relaxing in one of the cafés surrounding the square.

Cross the Minho river then follow the Camino route as it climbs steadily upwards, then pass through the settlement of Gonzar and Castromaior, where you’ll find the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria.

Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees. Upon reaching the high point of today’s Camino at Sierra de Ligonde (750 m), descend to the ancient hamlet of Ligonde. After passing Eirexe you cross the Alto Rosario, and descend into the village of Palas de Rei.

Leaving Palace de Rei, you will soon reach San Xulian do Camino, a classical Camino village with a tiny 12th Century church dedicated to Saint Julian. After crossing the provincial border you pass through the hamlet of O Coto and village of Leboreiro. Perhaps stopping for lunch at the town of Melide, famed for its octopus dishes ‘pulpo Galega’.

The shaded forests of oak and chestnut give way to eucalyptus and pine before you ascend to Arzúa.

Leave the old quarter of Arzúa as the Camino leads past oak tree forests, that give way to lush meadows. Visit the medieval shrine at Santa Irene, dedicated to a martyr saint from Portugal, and the Baroque fountain of healing waters.

Throughout the day you’ll be passing different villages: Brea, Calzada, Rua and A Calle; the meaning of which is synonymous with ‘Camino’.

Today you can look forward to a fabulous day walking to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino leads first to San Paio and Lavacolla, where it was traditional for pilgrims to wash in the river before reaching Santiago.

Tall eucalyptus trees sway in the wind as you make your way to the ‘Mount of Joy’ of Monte del Gozo (368 m). From here, catch sight of your goal - the impressive spires of Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. The final kilometres of your walk takes you through the beautiful streets of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.