Self-guided walking
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
The famous Camino de Santiago, also known as St James' Way and the French Way, is a wonderful 500-mile trail which has been walked by pilgrims for over 1000 years. For most pilgrims, the Camino de Santiago ends at the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - reputedly the final resting place of St. James the Apostle, although a further few days of walking takes the pilgrim to 'the end of the earth' at Finisterre with its downward pointing scallop shell signifying the actual ending, and where pilgrims once burned their boots.
Without doubt this journey is about more than the usual joys of walking! The Camino may be walked for religious or non-religious reasons or perhaps just the desire to hop out of the fast lane to reflect on life and refresh the soul. For whatever reason, a very special atmosphere arises from the comradeship quickly established between pilgrims of many nationalities - each walking for their own personal reasons.
In the province of Castilla y Leon, this is the land which named the Spanish language of Castillian dating back to the Muslim Invasion. Inhabitants are swarthy and the food robust. Villages are timeless combinations of ancient adobe houses, hillside 'hobbit' like storage cellars and imposing, lonely churches. Castrojeriz and Mansilla de las Mulas provide cultural stops amongst the plains. Arriving in Leon is breathtaking as a Gothic Cathedral of majestic proportions dominates the skyline. Within the Cathedral, a riot of colour reflecting from its magnificent stained-glass windows dances off the cool stone walls providing you with a perfect place to reflect on your journey across the Meseta.
This trip does not include luggage transfers in the price, but they are available on request at an extra cost.
Today you arrive in Burgos and enjoy some time exploring the city and relaxing before your Camino starts in earnest tomorrow! One of the city's most famous landmarks is its stunning cathedral, constructed in the Gothic style. Burgos is also one of the larger cities on the route of the Camino de Santiago and is an excellent place to pick up your Pilgrims passport and start your journey.
You stay at Selected hotels.
Hotels along the Camino, Burgos to Leon
10 nights accommodation in a variety of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts.
The Camino soon leaves the city and passes through attractive rolling farmland. Cross a few rivers and climb a few hills before reaching the pretty village of Hornillos. As no accommodation here, transfer to Burgos for overnight and opportunity to explore more of the city.
A day of remoteness crossing typical ‘paramo’ landscapes of bleak moorland. Folds in the gentle hills hide picturesque villages – some of the most beautiful along the Camino.
Depart the beautiful castellated village of Castrojeriz by crossing a Roman walkway and bridge over the river before a short, sharp climb to Alto de Mostelares brings the reward of magnificent views. Descending across rolling hills of many shades to walk alongside a canal to Fromista with its fine examples of Romanesque architecture.
Two route options are available today as the Camino splits between a quiet but longer path with a distinct mediaeval feel to it, or a shorter faster roadside route. Both converge at the beautiful village of Villacalzar de Sirga. Overnight in the mediaeval town of Carrion de los Condes.
An easy day with much of the route following a Roman Road, if skies are clear, you will see the Cordillera Cantabrica in the far distance – stunning if snowcapped.
Endless flatness, endless views and a birdwatchers’ paradise.
A choice of routes again, either follow the road or detour through the isolated village of Calzadilla de los Hermanillos with its fine examples of adobe houses. A few small hills, groves of trees and flowing streams signify a change in the landscape as you approach El Burgo Ranero. Transfer back to Sahagun.
The sweeping, open countryside gives constant views of the horizon and the Cordillera Cantabrica ahead. The complete absence of settlements and trees creates an almost desert like landscape with the land becoming more fertile as you draw closer to the walled town of Mansilla.
Hills and mountains now fill the horizon as you continue on to Leon. At the end of this stage, there are magnificent views as you descend into the city.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £248.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
