Walk stage 4 of the historic, UNESCO-protected Camino Frances, walking from Leon to Sarria, and traverse the beautiful regions of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. Before commencing, visit the exquisite 18th-century cathedral in the centre of the vibrant city of Leon. Soak up the nightlife in the plaza adjacent to the cathedral or simply enjoy wandering the streets. From Leon, follow the centuries-old route across the undulating northern Spain's landscape, spending each night in medieval towns and villages with a long tradition of welcoming Camino walkers.
Crossing into Galicia, the iconic scallop shell markers will guide you through fertile valleys and across rolling hills through a succession of typical Celtic stone villages and medieval monasteries. Each day, immerse yourself in Spanish culture, dining on typical dishes of Galician stew and fresh seafood platters.
During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations are usually used other than that listed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 10 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel, there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to individual towns or regions. From the jousting festival at Passo Honroso Puente through to the Rioja Wine festival in Logroño and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days.
We grade this 206km of the Camino walk as Moderate to Challenging. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day, you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
A moderate active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with many other walkers on the trail, it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.
The tour starts in Leon and finishes in Sarria. The best way to reach Leon is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport. See skyscanner.
From Madrid Airport train station, a 3 to 4-hour train journey connects through to Leon (changing once at Madrid Chamartin station). If travelling from Bilbao Airport there is a bus journey which is around 5 hours. See trainline
From Sarria is best to take a train back to Madrid ( 4 hours) or to Santiago de Compostela ( 2 hours), should you be flying out of Santiago de Compostela. See trainline
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
Walk stage 4 of the historic, UNESCO-protected Camino Frances, walking from Leon to Sarria, and traverse the beautiful regions of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. Before commencing, visit the exquisite 18th-century cathedral in the centre of the vibrant city of Leon. Soak up the nightlife in the plaza adjacent to the cathedral or simply enjoy wandering the streets. From Leon, follow the centuries-old route across the undulating northern Spain's landscape, spending each night in medieval towns and villages with a long tradition of welcoming Camino walkers.
Crossing into Galicia, the iconic scallop shell markers will guide you through fertile valleys and across rolling hills through a succession of typical Celtic stone villages and medieval monasteries. Each day, immerse yourself in Spanish culture, dining on typical dishes of Galician stew and fresh seafood platters.
During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations are usually used other than that listed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 10 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel, there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to individual towns or regions. From the jousting festival at Passo Honroso Puente through to the Rioja Wine festival in Logroño and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days.
We grade this 206km of the Camino walk as Moderate to Challenging. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day, you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
A moderate active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with many other walkers on the trail, it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.
The tour starts in Leon and finishes in Sarria. The best way to reach Leon is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport. See skyscanner.
From Madrid Airport train station, a 3 to 4-hour train journey connects through to Leon (changing once at Madrid Chamartin station). If travelling from Bilbao Airport there is a bus journey which is around 5 hours. See trainline
From Sarria is best to take a train back to Madrid ( 4 hours) or to Santiago de Compostela ( 2 hours), should you be flying out of Santiago de Compostela. See trainline
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?
Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.
Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?
Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.
Q: Can my children walk with me?
We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.
Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Q: Can we reduce the days walked?
We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.
Q: Can we extend the days walked?
Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.