Northern Route on St James Way Galicia Spain The origins of the pilgrimage way to Santiago, which runs along the northern coasts of Galicia and Asturias date back to the period immediately following the discovery of the tomb of Saint James the Apostle around 820 AD. The routes from the old Kingdom of Asturias were the first to take the pilgrims to Santiago. The coastal route was as busy as other, older ways, long before the Spanish monarchs proclaimed the French Way (El camino Frances) to be the ideal route, and provided a link for the Christian kingdoms in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. This endorsement of the French Way did not, however, bring about the decline of the Asturian and Galician pilgrimage routes, indeed the stretch from Leon to Oviedo enjoyed even greater popularity from the late 11th century onwards. Among the thousands of pilgrims who travelled to Santiago via the Northern Way, one figure who stands out is Saint Francis of Assisi. Reports suggest that he made the pilgrimage to San Salvador in Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela in 1214. The Galician section of this route is currently signposted along its 170 kilometres, between Ríbadeo and Santiago, with stone milestones decorated with a ceramic scallop shell and valuable information for the pilgrim: the kilometer point. In addition to the famous yellow arrow, these landmarks help to identify the Way without difficulty, as they are located in strategic places, such as crossroads and detours. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Santiago de Compostela Airport: Santiago de Compostela Transfer: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) or Railway station. Riders: Min 4 riders Max 20 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

It might be possible to arrange trips from 4 riders

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfer is included from Santiago airport or train station for 4:00 pm on Day 1
Drop off at Santiago airport or train station after breakfast on the last day of your tour.

During the rides, breakfast is usually served around 8 am so that you can start riding at about 9 am. Along the way, you stop for a small break at 11 am. You then stop for lunch and siesta at about 2pm and start riding again around 4 pm, arriving at the accommodation for 6-6:30 pm.
Dinner is generaly served at 8:30 pm.

Sample Itinerary: Northern Route (AKA Camino del Norte or Coastal Route) - subject to changes

--This is only a guideline. the actual itinerary may vary depending on the time of year--

The scenery on this route is fantastic with fine coastal views. The terrain is quite hilly for much of the route, and you are often sent inland to reach a bridge over the numerous rivers.

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up from Santiago and transfer to Mondoñedo, where you will enjoy a nice welcome dinner.

Day 2: Mondoñedo to Abadín
Mondoñedo is one of the Galician dioceses with a large cultural tradition and one of the most unique historic villages of Galicia. In Mondoñedo, there are historic buildings such as churches, hospitals and palaces. The medieval route leads us through the valley of the river Valiñadares about Valina, and Pacios Lousada. Then we ride to Pé da Ponte, As Corgas and further on to Gontán and Pobecende - ending up in the village of Abadín.

Day 3: Abadín to Vilalba 
From Abadín the trail crosses through Terra Chá and through the parishes of Castromaior, and Goiriz Ponterroxal. Across a medieval bridge we cross the river and reach Arnela Castromaior. From here we cross the magnificent medieval bridge Ponte Vella, that leads us through uninhabited villages. The route goes to the tiny village of Frances O. From here, we ride on to Chozas and reach Vilalba, a beautiful city.

Day 4: Vilalba to Baamonde
Today's destination is Baamonde.

Day 5: Baamonde to Sobrado
To go out from Baamonde, we must take the N-VI highway, which runs parallel to the tram, to the river and Parga. The trail then goes on to Ponte Leijosa Miraz, and Marco Pedramaior the Pías. From here, we reach Esgueva in Sobrado dos Monx (A Coruña).
 
Day 6: Sobrado to Arzúa
Today's route goes through Carelle before ending in Arzúa, where the northern route is ultimately united with the French way.

Day 7: Arzúa to Santiago de Compostella
From Arzua, we cross through eucalyptus, oaks and beautiful meadows. We circle the little villages of Calzada, Salceda and A Rua. The pilgrim route reaches Lavacolla, near Monte do Gozo a little hill, offering for the very first time, the vision of the Santiago´s cathedral towers far away.

Day 8: Santiago de Compostella
Today, we will visit of course the city and its cathedral before we will accompany you to the airport or corresponding train station (departure around noon).

Note: The regular 8-day ride starts at Mondoñedo while the 9-day ride starts in Ribadeo or Vegadeo (170 km to Santiago).

Other options to ride the St James Way include:
French Route
Portuguese Route
Sea Route
Finisterre Route


-- click here for larger map

                                    Santiago de Compostela area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	53	55	59	62	66	73	77	77	74	66	58	54
Average Low Temperature (°F)	40	40	42	44	48	53	56	56	54	50	45	42
Average High Temperature (°C)	12	13	15	17	19	23	25	25	23	19	15	12
Average Low Temperature (°C)	4	5	6	7	9	12	13	14	12	10	7	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	15	13	13	13	12	7	4	5	7	13	14	14

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The climate of Galicia is classified as Atlantic, with mild temperatures throughout the year. The north-east of Spain has an average rain fall comparable with that found in the UK and France with four distinct seasons, although with what most would view as an extended summer.

Santiago de Compostela, the capital city, has an average of 129 rainy days and 1,362 millimeters (53.6 in) per year (with just 16 rainy days in the three summer months) and 2,101 sunlight hours per year, with just 6 days with frosts per year. But the colder city of Lugo, to the east, has an average of 1,759 sunlight hours per year, 117 days with precipitations (> 1 mm) totaling 901.54 millimeters (35.5 in), and 40 days with frosts per year.

The more mountainous parts of the provinces of Ourense and Lugo receive significant snowfall during the winter months.

This list is only a basic guideline for you...

TRAVEL
Travel documents and Trip Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR
English or Western riding attire - whatever you are most comfortable riding long distances in!
Comfortable and worn-in riding boots
A hard hat is not required, but always recommended for safety
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Rain proof coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Light summer jacket
Trekking boots /comfortable shoes
Swimsuit
Bandana
 
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for the emergency)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for any electric appliances
Camera and enough extras (films, batteries, memory cards etc)
Belt pack
Sun glasses with strap
Sun tan lotion and lip balm
Small bar of soap
Flashlight

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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodations will be in small hotels, guesthouses and rural inns along the way - most will have private bathroom facilities.
Free Wi-Fi internet and laundry facilities are available in almost all accommodations on the trail.

North Route Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Mondoñedo
Night 2: Hotel in Abadín
Night 3: Hotel in Vilalba
Night 4: Hotel in Friol (horses stay in Baamonde)
Night 5: Hotel in Friol (horses stay in Sobrado dos Monxes)
Night 6: Hotel in Arzua 
Nights 7 & 8: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela

Hotel in Ribadeo
This elegant hotel has 42 guestrooms with a simple décor and modern facilities such as flat-screen TV, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The hotel also has a small garden, a patio and a lounge.

Hotel in Mondoñedo
This small rural hotel has 17 bedrooms each with a unique décor. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, heating and ensuite bathrooms. There is a small garden with nice views over the surrounding mountains as well as a lounge where guests can relax.

Guesthouse in Abadín
This small guesthouse offers comfortable bedrooms fitted with a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. There is also a lounge where guests can meet and chat.

Hotel in Villaba
This hotel offers accommodation in a historic Galician tower and a stone building annex. The rooms are decorated to remind guest of the medieval origins of the complex but all feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, private bathroom, free internet connection and flat-screen TVs. The hotel amenities include a small garden, a wellness center and laundry facilities (extra charge).

Hotel in Friol
This country hotel is set in a building that was built over 200 years ago and that almost completely disappeared until the actual owner decided to save it and transform it into a charming accommodation. Simple natural materials such as wood and stones were used in order to keep the original rustic charm. In total, there are 9 tastefully decorated bedrooms that all come equipped with private facilities, free Wi-Fi access and a TV. Visitors are welcome to relax in the small garden or in the cozy lounges.

Hotel in Arzúa
This small hotel offers 26 elegant bedrooms that all come fitted with a TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access and full private bathroom. It has a small outdoor patio with nice views.


We use one of the following hotels in Santiago de Compostella:
- Option 1: This beautiful hotel is ideally located on a hillside, offering great views over the city. It has a big garden with an outdoor swimming pool and even a small chapel. The rooms are elegantly decorated and all feature air conditioning/heating, a safe, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and an ensuite bathroom.
- Option 2: This modern hotel is offering comfortable and well-designed accommodations, all with air-conditioning, private facilities, a safe box, cable TV, and free WiFi. In addition, the hotel has a small garden with an outdoor swimming pool and a small gym.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip and you will have the opportunity to try traditional Galician dishes in local restaurants.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English, Western can be arranged
Horses:		Andalusian, Spanish and Arab/Spanish mix
Pace:		Moderate with some difficult terrain along the way. Some trots and canters. Approx. 6 to 7 riding hours per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 245 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 20 riders

Horses
We mostly use pure Spanish horses as well as Arabian crosses. All horses have been trained to be quiet and easy-going.

Pace
We typically cover 25-35km in a day (approximately 6-7 hours in the saddle). The hours are broken up by one break in the morning and another for lunch, however we can stop again if necessary. The ride is set at a slow pace, giving you the opportunity to experience the pilgrimage as it first took place in the Middle Ages. There are some opportunities for trotting and cantering.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.