Headquarters
French Way: Last Stage
Description of Walk
Itinerary
Day 1:
SARRIA – PORTOMARIN:
Distance: 22,4 Km
Difficulty: medium – high
Time: 5/6 h
Along its 22Kms the walk is covered by paved roads, paths, strong down hills, mild uphills…Also, this way crosses the railways, good Romanesque examples, medieval and rustic bridges, great landscapes, bridges over the amazing Belesar dam and countless hamlets of the Concello de Sarria, Paradela and Portomarin.
It is on this part of the route where you will find the landmark indicating 100 Kms left to arrive at Santiago de Compostela.
Day 2:
PORTOMARIN – PALAS DE REI
Distance: 25 Km
Difficulty: medium
Time: 6 hours
This part of the way crosses the Ligonde Mountain range that separates the Miño and Ulla rivers. It has a nice start ascending Mt. San Antonio and walking through pine trees and meadows. After that, most of this way runs along paved roads. Along the way, we will find interesting churches to visit and also, we will have the opportunity to deviate to Vilar de Donas, where we can visit the Church of San Salvador, some pilgrim Hospitals and the Crucero of Lameiros.
Day 3:
PALAS DE REI – ARZUA
Distance: 28,8 Km
Difficulty: medium/high
Time: 7 Hours
Even though it is a 29Km journey, it’s equivalent to a 40 Km hike on flat ground. There are many up and downhills that make it very difficult to keep up.
This itinerary is the longest of the last stage of the Camino the Santiago. It crosses the border in between the province of Lugo and La Coruña, goes through Leboreiro and the “Pulpera” of Melide, where it links with the primitive Road, and continues through many beautiful scenaries such as the Catasol River. The end destination of the day is Arzua, that connects with the Camino of the North. Along the way we will be walking through some eucalyptus and oak trees forests, very traditional Galician hamlets where you will see many farm animals such as: Cows, Ducks, Chickens…
Because Melide and Arzua connect with the Primitive and North Caminos, the number of pilgrims on the way will be higher from this point.
Day 4:
ARZUA – O PEDROUZO
Distance: 19,20 km
Difficulty: Medium – Low
Time: 5 hours
One more time we will be walking among meadows, Oaks and Eucalyptus. Also, we will be passing through small and traditional hamlets. Most of this walk is along dirt roads, with some sections walking beside the road. The walk is easy with some uphills and many flat sections. You will find bars in every hamlet where you can get something to drink or to eat. This journey will be so much easier than the previous ones. It is probably a good way to get ready for the big moment of entering Santiago de Compostela the next day!
Some people prefer to walk straight to Santiago from Arzua.
Day 5:
O PEDROUZO – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Distance: 19.98Kms
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 5 hours
Painting from F.M.Marrouch, last steps before entering the “Plaza del Obradoiro”.
All the previous meadows, sheeps, cows, shades, mud, conversation, self-knowledge, mysticism, religion, wine, Indo-European languages, blisters, stones, bandages, boots, up-hills, down-hills, sacrifices and efforts will disapear soon. Once we get to Santiago, the slabs of its ground will cool-down our suffering feet. Then we will be able to admire the Portico de la gloria, the hug of the saint, the saint door and the botafumeiros in the Cathedral of Santiago.
From Lavacolla the way loses its charm. There will be 14 Kms walking through roundabouts, roads, townhouses, industrial areas untill we get to the Monte do Gozo, where we will have the first sight of the city of Santiago de Compostela.
From this point we will be walking through streets until we will arrive at the “plaza del Obradoiro”.
Day 6:Free time
Day 7:Departure
Prices include
Our price of €495 is based on 2 people sharing and includes
- 7 nights accommodation in private hotels / pensions with breakfast included
- Daily baggage transfers
- Walking Notes
- Pilgrim Passport
- Emergency support in the event of a problem
Accommodation
We have chosen popular family run hotels / pensions along the route. Accommodation is simple and follows the character of the area.
Enquire about the Last stage of French Way
LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY OF WALKS
Our Walking tours are prorated with general levels of difficulty, however there are always individual daily stages which require either more or less in terms of fitness levels. please find the exact information in the detailed route description of your chosen Walking tour.
MODERATE WALKING
For people new to Walking tours and especially for people who look for relaxation as well as Walking amidst stunning scenery, we recommend our moderate walking tours. The Walks are on Well-maintained Walking paths and with a good basic fitness level the daily tours with Walking times of 3 to 4.5 hours will be a pleasure for anyone.
WALKING
At This level you can expect moderate Walks on well-maintained walking paths without the need for any technical requirements. Daily Walks of up to 5 hours (sometimes a little bit longer depending on your pace) with slight alterations in altitude. To be able to fully enjoy these tours good health and a good basic fitness level are required
MOUNTAIN HIKING
The change in altitude and/or distances increases somewhat in this category. Walks are mainly on trails which require surefootedness and in some sections a head for heights. Expect daily Walking times from 4 up to 6.5 hours, including small summit ascents. Hence a good fitness level is necessary in order to enjoy the high altitude paths.
TREKKING
Depending on the tour you will Walk on Alpine mountain paths, rocky and from time to time exposed trails on an altitude from 1500m to 2500m. Surefootedness, a head for heights and a good fitness level are essential requirements for tours of up to 7 hours daily walking time.