Winter Way | Easy

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The Winter Way at your own speed

Traditionally, the Winter Way was the route chosen by medieval pilgrims during the coldest months (as its name suggests). It emerged as an alternative to the French Way, although today it is a route that involves certain difficulties, and is recommended in periods of the year with milder temperatures.

We recommend this route to experienced pilgrims, since the terrain is rough at certain points, the stages are long, and the services along the way are rather scarce. But without effort there is no reward, and the truth is that it is one of the most spectacular options when it comes to landscapes.

In addition, there is the possibility of dividing some of its longest stages into two, in this way it will be possible to enjoy a more bearable path.

If you are not ready to face walking days of more than 30 kilometres, the adapted version of the Winter Way is the perfect choice for you. Walking among vineyards, canyons, and the wildest nature of Galicia region, are more than enough reason to choose this special itinerary.

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Arrival in Ponferrada, starting point of the Winter Way.

Ponferrada – Las Médulas (27 km)

The Winter Way begins in Ponferrada, which is also an emblematic stop on the French Way. The stage will take us through the region of Las Médulas.

Las Médulas – O Barco de Valdeorras (27 km)

We will cross an old path of Roman origin on our stage to O Barco de Valdeorras. The region is well known for its wines.

O Barco de Valdeorras – A Rua de Valdeorras (14 km)

The stage from O Barco to A Rúa de Valdeorras is shorter than the previous ones. You can enjoy the landscapes and visit some of its chapels along the way.

A Rua de Valdeorras – Quiroga (26 km)

The stage offers spectacular views of the Sil River and its well-known canyons. This area, known as the Ribeira Sacra, is well known for its wine and terraced vineyards.

Quiroga – Barxa de Lor (14 km)

Originally this stage would be the longest, reaching from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos (almost 34 km!). But it is possible to divide it into two, spending the night in Barxa de Lor, or in Pobra de Brollón.

Barxa de Lor - Monforte de Lemos (19 km)

With the division of the great stage Quiroga – Monforte de Lemos in two, this walking day is easier. The path passes through the heart of the Ribeira Sacra region.

Monforte de Lemos - Vilariño (14 km)

Let’s divide the second great stage of the Winter Way in two, which originally goes from Monforte de Lemos to Chantada (about 30 km). Pilgrims who complete this stage will enjoy the views of the River Miño and its terraces.

Vilariño - Chantada (15 km)

Peaceful day, still in the land of the Ribeira Sacra, only 15 km.

Chantada - Rodeiro (26 km)

Chantada is a stop with a great medieval heritage that is worth a visit. The most difficult part of the day? The ascent to Monte Faro.

Rodeiro - Lalín (22 km)

This is the last stage of the Winter Way itself, since from Lalín the route joins the Vía de la Plata.

Lalín - Silleda (15 km)

Starting from Lalín, you may see more pilgrims on the route than in the previous days (those who arrive from the Vía de la Plata). The stage from Lalín to Silleda runs through rural areas, quiet roads and small forests.

Silleda - Ponte Ulla (20 km)

Silleda – Ponte Ulla (20 km)

Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela (25 km)

Last stage of the Winter Way and the Vía de la Plata, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela. The path begins with a steep climb towards the Pico Sacro, and continues through small rural areas until reaching the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. What to do once in Santiago? You can attend the Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral, visit the Pilgrim’s Office to request your Compostela, or even continue your adventure to Finisterre, the End of the World.

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Check out Santiago de Compostela

TE RECOMENDAMOS ESTA RUTA SI...

Recommended for every pilgrim who wants a quiet and less crowded route, walking at their own pace, whitout any hurry.

Cómo llegar

Desde Santiago de Compostela Airport

Car or cab: 207km with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Train: Take the bus (LINE 6A) from Santiago de Compostela airport to the station stop. Frequency every 15′, and an approximate duration of 20′. Another option is to take a cab to the station, with an estimated duration of 15′. At the station take a train (RENFE) to Ourense, a 40′ journey. In Ourense transfer to the train to Ponferrada, a 2h and 40 minutes journey. For schedules and more information visit: https://tussa.org/ and www.renfe.com
Bus: Once in Santiago station take a bus (ALSA) to Ponferrada, a 4h and 30 minutes journey. For schedules and more information visit: https://tussa.org/ and www.alsa.es

Desde Madrid Airport

Car or cab: 400km with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Bus: From T4 take the bus to South station (15′ trip). There take the bus (ALSA) to Ponferrada, 5h trip. For schedules and more information visit: www.alsa.es
Train: From T4 take the suburban train (LÍNEA C1) towards Chamartín – Clara Campoamor (17′ trip). Once there, take a train (RENFE) to Ponferrada, a 4-hour journey. To check timetables and more information visit: www.renfe.com

Desde Asturias Airport

Car or cab: 225km with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Bus: At the airport take the bus (ALSA) to Oviedo, 45 minutes. At the station transfer to the bus to Ponferrada, journey time 3h and 15 minutes. For schedules and more information visit:www.alsa.es

IMPORTANT

Do not forget that our itineraries are flexible, if you have a different idea in mind (you want to add or remove nights, services, etc.), do not hesitate to contact us.

TripAdvisor

mariaelena1964
25/02/23 - TripAdvisor
Un Camino Maravilloso Muy buena experiencia buenísimos alojamiento abundante comida un 10 mucha limpieza teléfono de emergencia operativo se preocupan por el peregrino cumplen con todo la información escrita sin duda los mejores repetiremos
rociofastias9
16/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Repetir es la mejor reseña No hay mejor opinión que repetir la experiencia. Mi primera experiencia con ellos fue en marzo y ahora en septiembre repetí y volveré a hacerlo. Atentos, cumplen todo, modifican lo que les pidas a capricho
Saminunez
04/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy recomendable Todo perfectamente organizado. Los alojamientos acordes y muy limpios. La comunicaciòn y gestiòn con Galiwonders estupenda. Recomiendo totalmente
miriamaE4821GN
26/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy buena La experiencia está siendo muy buena, en general los alojamientos están muy bien a excepción de alguno que cambiaríamos. Muy recomendable.
estrella19642
11/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Equipo profesional y eficaz Ha sido mi primer camino con mi pareja y no será el último; una experiencia irrepetible. La organización de Galiwonders ha sido perfecta. La elección de los alojamientos muy acertada y ha superado nuestras espectativas. Volveremos el año que viene a hacer otro camino con Galiwonders ¡¡seguro!!
Pablo_Arc
03/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Perfecta para tener un Buen Camino Muy buena experiencia, nos organizaron el camino francés desde Sarria tal y como les pedimos saliendo todo perfecto y según lo esperado.

Destacar que fuimos con un bebé y en todo alojamiento contamos con cuna tal y como habíamos pedido.

Sin duda, para repetir experiencia.
B3784JBnicolas
23/07/22 - TripAdvisor
Profesionales y flexibles Lo que se busca de una agencia de viajes: profesionalidad y flexibilidad. Muchas gracias por todo el trabajo.
miguelvL6639MT
14/06/22 - TripAdvisor
experiencia muy positiva Hice el camino frances desde sarria, todo muy bien organizado, a media pension,
tanto hoteles y pensiones bastante correctas.
algunos de ellos tenian restaurante, y desde luego es una ventaja, ya que al termino de la etapa del dia podias comer alli,
y sino te hacen un vale para comer muy cerca del alojamiento.
desde luego muy recomendable.
789claudion
11/06/22 - TripAdvisor
Espectacular Excelente 100% recomendable realizá la experiencia y solo preocúpate por caminar y disfrutar, el resto se ocupa Galiwonders