Camino 2022 – 18th September to 25th September 2022
Our Camino is a specially customised Travels and Pilgrimages Camino based on the time constraints of the participants, so we’ve spliced a bit of the Camino de Invierno and the Camino Finisterre walking through Santiago de Compostela in the middle!
Traditionally the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way) was the route taken by pilgrims to Santiago in the Wintertime to avoid the snowy months in the mountains of O’ Cebreiro. This is a truly spectacular Camino route, full of history and breath-taking landscapes; perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten track Camino experience. Despite its name, this route is best discovered in Spring, when green lush vines create wonderful vistas or in Autumn to make the most of the magical colours of the forests and vineyards. The stages we have selected are also the final stages of the Via de la Plata which is the route pilgrims would have taken from Africa, so an apt selection!
Day 1 - Lalin to Silleda – 16 kms
For the first day of your Camino adventure, we couldn’t have chosen a better start! This stage is pleasant and short, taking you across undulating hills, peaceful woods, farmland and small hamlets on your way to Silleda, famous for its cattle and country fairs.
Day 2 - Silleda to Ponte Ulla – 20 kms
Starting with an easy stroll towards Bandeira, a town famous for its empanadas (Galician pastry pies), your Camino journey continues through farmlands and hamlets. Just before descending to Ponte Ulla, the old castle is worth a visit for its 360-degree panoramic views. In Ponte Ulla, take a closer at the Igrexa de Santa Maria da Magdalena and its impressive Romanesque facade.
Day 3 - Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela – 21 kms
Leaving Ponte Ulla, you will first climb up towards Pico Sacro where you can enjoy breath-taking views. The last couple of kilometres to Santiago are still quite rural and it is difficult to believe you are so close to the city. Finally, you reach Santiago a UNESCO World Heritage site with its world-famous cathedral.
Day 5 – Santiago de Compostela to Negreira – 22 kms
One of the beautiful, mystical stages of the Camino, walking through forests and medieval towns. Along today’s section of the Camino you will walk past small villages and cross ancient Roman bridges. Your destination for today is the medieval town of Negreira
Day 6 – Negreira to Olveiroa – 33 kms
A long and strenuous day with two significant climbs. But well worth it with many open and high views of the Galician countryside, more enchanted forests and lovely stone buildings.
Day 7 – Olveiroa to Cee – 22 kms
On this stage you’ll get your first view of the estuary and of the cape of Finisterre! The route is easy and undulating initially, until reaching the Sanctuary das Neves, after which there is a fairly lengthy ascent followed by a steep descent until reaching Cee and the beautiful coastline of the Costa da Morte (The dead coast), along which, abrupt rock formations alternate with enviable sandy stretches.
Day 8 – Cee to Finisterre – 16 kms
The initial climb from Cee is a short but demanding stretch, until the beach of Langosteira. The Camino goes back inland, but you can ignore it and walk along the beach. Once reaching the actual village of Fisterra you need to continue three more kilometres towards the Lighthouse (Faro) of Fisterra. You need to climb a bit, but it is a mild stretch leading to the best view over the Atlantic you can dream of (with a champagne bar in the lighthouse!), with the sun setting on the horizon. You’ve now reached the site where for centuries land was supposed to end!
Please email us for costing: shelleybritten@gmail.com
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