We welcome solo travellers but we do not match people to share. If you are a solo traveller you must book a single room.
Please note that you must book Aer Lingus flights into Santiago de Compostela for this trip. The transfers are booked according to Aer Lingus arrivals and departures. If you book another airline or airport you must arrange and pay for your own transfers.
This is the fifth stage of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. After leaving Ponferrada the first day walking the Camino goes through vineyards which for the most part grow the Mencia variety of grape.
The next two days follow a river valley into the hills, where on day three we cross into Galicia at O Cebreiro. O Cebreiro is an old Celtic settlement in the hills where there was once a major pass into Galicia.
Once in Galicia the countryside changes again to green fields and small farms. It is often compared with the West of Ireland because of how it looks and the friendly people who live there.
It takes five days to walk from Ponferrada to Sarria so we spend a half day touring Lugo`s fully intact Roman wall and Cathedral.
The itinerary allows for a final night in the wonderful city of Santiago de Compostela.
Day 1: Arrive at Santiago airport and transfer to Ponferrada
Day 2: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo 23.5 km
Day 3: Villafranca del Bierzo to Herrerias 21.9 km
Day 4: Herrerias to O Cebreiro 9.8 km
Day 5: O Cebreiro to Triacastela 20.7 km
Day 6: Triacastela to Sarria 18.7 km
Day 7: Tour of Lugo, staying in Santiago de Compostela
Day 8: Transfer to airport in the afternoon.
The guides will meet the group at Dublin airport.
CLOTHING & FOOD
- This list is recommendations and only covers what you will need for the walking , obviously you will pack other clothes for the evenings.
- Footwear, I recommend a light half boot, these can be got in all good outdoor stores. It is advisable to get a pair a half size or a full size bigger than you normally get. Your feet may swell when walking long distances. This will result in toes catching the inside of the boot.
- Walking pants, they are lightweight and dry quickly. A pair with zip off legs are very handy.
- Trainers or Sandals for wearing in the evening, giving your feet a rest from the boots
- Light rain jacket and rain pants or a poncho.
- Walking socks, I use Smartwool hiking socks and they work really well for me. Bridgedale are another good brand.
- Light Fleece, always carry it in your day pack as it can get chilly when you stop for a coffee or lunch
- Sun Hat, if the weather is hot and sunny you should always cover your head
- Sunglasses, to protect your eyes in sunny weather
- Sunscreen, this should be applied before breakfast and a few times during the day, even if the sun is not shining!!
- Warm hat , for the sometimes chilly mornings and evenings
- Base Layers, I always use a base layer when walking with a light shirt over it. It keeps the sweat off your back
- 30 litre day pack , get one with good waist straps so the weight of the bag is on your hips, this will reduce the pressure on your shoulders. It will make the long distances easier.
- Water bottle/Platypus/Camelbak, the tap water is safe to drink and we encourage people to bring their own water bottles and refill them.
- Toilet paper, for when you get caught short. We use a policy of 'Leave No Trace'. All toilet paper should be brought with you and disposed of at your hotel.Nappy bags are handy for this.
- Snacks/Energy Bars, essential for walking on the Camino. If energy levels drop a small snack can make the difference. Available in shops over there but some people prefer ones they are used to.
FIRST AID
There will be an extensive first aid kit with your guides but it is good to carry a small first aid kit yourself.
- Plasters
- Paracetamol
- Antihistamines
- Antiseptic cream
- Blister plasters
- Foot powder or Vaseline for your toes to help prevent blisters.
- Any medication you may be on.
- 7 nights B&B(continental breakfast)
- Transfer from Santiago airport to Ponferrada( over 200km)
- Luggage transfer, one piece per person
- Guides x 2
- Visit to Lugo to walk the Roman wall there, visit the Cathedral, visit the museum and the local indoor market
- Transfer from Sarria to Santiago ( 116 km)
- Transfer to/from Sarria/Triacastela
- Transfer to Santiago airport (11km)
- Irish issued Camino passport
- Flights
- Travel or medical insurance( we recommend you get both)
- Lunches/dinners/beverages.
Flights can be booked at aerlingus.com Dublin to Santiago de Compostela return.
Fitness
It is up to each individual to be fit enough to complete the walks each day. If a person cannot finish a walk, for whatever reason, they will have to pay for the transport themselves. This usually means calling for a taxi. Into the West Adventures will not be liable for the costs.
Food & Footwear
Recommendations will be given on where to eat.
The group will have breakfast at 7.30 am each morning and will depart at 8.30am. We encourage each person to walk at their own pace, it is not a race. That said the more training a person can do the more they will enjoy the trip.
Even though dinner is not included groups usually eat together at 7.30pm each evening. If people do not wish to join the group for dinner they must inform the guides.
If there are any problems please inform one of your guides.
We advise that your footwear be a half size to a full size bigger than normal. This is because your foot may swell when walking.
ELEVATION OVERVIEW:
Please check out our terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.