Walking Holidays in Spain - Frontier Holidays

Type: Camino de Santiago - Self Guided Walking
Price: From £495 per week

Grade - Mediano

Via de la Plata in Spain.

For a quieter experience of the Camino de Santiago, we recommend the approach from the south.

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THE GRADE
Mediano

THE AREA
Overloaded with history and under visited by walkers.  This is the quiet Camino de Santiago, also an important trade and military route brought up to spec by the Romans.

Nowadays a few Roman milestones stand guard over the 'Main Way' (from the arabic 'Balatta') which also takes in monasteries, Templar castles and hot spring fed baths.  Starting from the medieval city of Orense, the path winds through oak woodlands, vineyards and rolling farmlands right up to the back door of Santiago.

Make sure you take time at the end of the walk to savour the medieval flavour of Santiago de Compostela, a city now nominated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

THE ITINERARY                                 
Day 1
Transfer to Orense (pop. 96,000) the biggest centre on your route.  Deriving from the Roman Aquae Urientes, the hot water still runs and we can bathe at the open air public spa.  The old town is small but a real delight, and there is an abundance of small inns and bars, the speciality being the tapas or pinxos as they are known in Galicia; small mouth watering snacks to accompany your refreshment.  Amongst its many monuments are the 12th C Romanesque Cathedral with its outstanding  doorway and the arched Praza Maior.

Situated on the River Minho, Orense and the surrounding valleys enjoy a local climate perfect for producing Ribeiro wines, as yet largely unknown to the outside world. 

Day 2        A short but steep ascent out of the Minho valley to the overnight stop at the superbly converted Pazo San Damian.  11.5 kms

Day 3        Onto the Monasterio de Oseira via Cea, famous for its bread, still baked in wood fired ovens.   The Cistercian Monastery at Oseira, the largest and grandest in Galicia is a curious mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.  The buildings date from the 12th C though a fire in 1552 left only the church standing.  Rebuilt stylishly it is sometimes referred to as the “Escorial of the North”.  Guided visits are available.  There is also an interesting ethnological museum displaying many traditional agricultural tools and household implements, but can you spot the mole splatter?  21 kms

A short taxi ride takes you to the charming country house of Casarellos set in beautiful wooded grounds and with its own swimming pool, which will be our base for two nights.

Day 4      Starting back at Oseira, climb gently uphill to the Pass of Santo Domingo, one of the highest  of the walk at 819 metres, passing the scenic hamlets of Outeiro and Viduero. 11.5 kms       Overnight back at Casa Casarellos
      

Day 5     A  slow descent through mixed woodland of oak, pine and chestnut, takes you to Bendoiro and its stately mansion or pazo.  20 kms

Day 6    To Bandeira through rolling countryside filled with hamlets and quiet lanes. 15.5 kms

Day 7    Ponte Ulla is your next stop after a day of gentle undulations, the river marking the border between Pontevedra and Coruña provinces.  Near the end of the walk, you have the option to make a detour to the summit of the Pico Sacro.  The peak has links to the legend of St. James.  From here, pilgrims had their first sight of Santiago de Compostela and a wonderful panoramic view of the countryside. Continue by descending to our farmhouse at Casa Casal.  19 kms

Day  8   The final leg to Santiago approaches the city from one of the quietest directions; no busy motorways or modern housing estates.  Before you know it you pass your last cruceiro and descend on a cobbled track through the only remaining medieval gate into the heart of Santiago’s old town and on to the tomb of St James, housed in the stunning cathedral .  11.5 kms
 
We are only too happy to book you extra nights in Santiago  It is a busy, vibrant town with a daily market and a large student population. Most people find more than enough to fill a couple of days at the end of this suberb route.

Day to Day Itinerary Total 110 kms



THE ACCOMMODATION
A mix of two and three star hotels as well as family run farmhouses and historic homes.  All rooms have en suite facilities.

Hits: 901

When to go: All year.
Transfer Options: Santiago Compostela Airport
Grade of Difficulty: Medium - Rolling hills
What's included.: 8 nights accommodation in hotels, stately homes, and farmhouse B&B's all en suite rooms. All luggage transfers. Maps and route notes.
Linear - multi based: A stunning mix of Family run Hotels,Traditional farmhouses, Stately homes.