Northern Route

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

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.

Itinerary

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

Rates and Dates for Northern Route

Dates Note: * Please inquire about other tour dates

Other Info
Meeting: Santiago de Compostela
Airport: Santiago de Compostela
Transfer: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) or Railway station.

Climate:
                                    Santiago de Compostela area