Cycling Camino Frances: Leon to Santiago

Tour Type:

Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Activity Level & Terrain

This cycle is graded moderate with daily rides of up to 60km, over rollling terrain with some sustained climbs. The cycle is extremely well way-marked and you will also be supplied with turn by turn route notes and detailed maps so you will have no problem following the route each day.You will principally follow traffic free cycle paths, quiet country roads, dirt tracks and some busier roads as you enter and leave larger cities.

Navigation

The route is marked with yellow painted arrows but please take care at intersections. There will always be other cyclists/walkers around in case you are looking for help. A detailed information pack including route notes, local information and maps will be waiting for you at your first accommodation.

• 7 Nights in small family-run hotels and hostels
• 7 Breakfasts
• Baggage transfer
• Information pack and route notes with maps
• 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

• Travel to Leon / from Santiago de Compostela
• Bike hire (21 gear mountain bike)
• Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
• Entrance fees to museums and attractions
• Personal equipment
• Travel insurance (required)

• Additional nights along the route
• Bike hire (21 gear mountain bike)

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day from the beginning of April to the end of October. The trip does become particular busy during the peak summer months of June-August so we would suggest you book once your plans are finalised.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Oviedo is often the most convenient airport and is serviced by easyJet from London. There are 8 buses a day from Oviedo to Leon which takes 1hr30. Timetables and fares can be viewed at Alsa.

Alternatively, Madrid airport is serviced by the majority of major airlines which may be a more suitable option for international passengers. Or you can fly into Leon Airport itself, which is 6km by taxi from the city.

By Train: León can easily be reached by train from Madrid which takes 2hr45. Timetables and fares can be viewed at Renfe.

Getting from the End

By Air: Direct flights are available from Santiago de Compostela Airport to London Stansted and Gatwick airports. Alternatively connecting flights via Central European hubs such as Madrid and Barcelona is also a good option.

By Train: It is also possible to take the train from Santiago to Madrid (approx. 7-8hrs). Timetables and fares can be viewed at Renfe.

Luggage Transfer

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase.  Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person.  It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. The maximum weight of a piece of luggage is 20kg.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sun screen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good cycling shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months, lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Compostela/Pilgrims Passport

The pilgrim’s passport is issued by the church of St James, you can obtain one at the start of your cycle in the pilgrim’s office or the local church in town. You need to get the passport stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels along the way. At the end of the walk in Santiago you can obtain your Compostela Certificate (only if you have cycled the last 200km). For the other sections of the trail, the passport is used as a souvenir with all the colourful stamps you will receive.

Equipment

Giant Talon Mountain bikes (or similar) are available for hire.

All bicycles are 24-speed and included in your hire is a front bag, water bottle and holder, helmet, lock and a repair kit. For hygiene and health & safety reasons, we do suggest that you bring your own helmet. Please never ride without a helmet.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.