Bike Tour: Way of Saint James: From León to Santiago - 10 days

Travel to León by public transport from the airport in Valladolid, Oviedo or Madrid. Take time to see the spectacular cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and sample the delicacies in El Humedo, the city's tasty tapas district. 

Adjust your freshly-delivered rental bike and try it out on a gentle 48-km ride to Astorga, a fortified town of Roman origin. The Camino crosses the Via de la Plata here and Gaudi’s fanciful archbishop’s palace provides a refreshing touch in Modernist style.

Challenge: 48 km, 465 m ascent

Villages along the way: S. Martín del Camino, Hospital de Órbigo

Test your bike AND legs today as you ascend from Astorga, elevation 880m. Traverse the hilly terrain of El Bierzo, known for its excellent produce, to reach the Cruz de Fierro situated at 1507m. Glide down to Molinaseca on a truly remote section of the Camino, though not without a few villages and small cafés. 

Challenge: 47 km, 840 m ascent 

Villages along the way: Cruz de Fierro

Relax on a 32-km ride to the town of Vilafranca del Bierzo. Pedal past another Roman settlement, Ponferrada, an ancient base for coal mining in the nearby hills. Gawk at the huge Castle of the Knights Templar, obstinately defying gravity since the 12th century, then continue cycling on rolling terrain to reach Villafranca del Bierzo, gateway to the region of Galicia. 

Challenge: 32 km, 455 m ascent

Villlages along the way: Ponferrada, Cacabelos

Brace yourself for the toughest climb of your Camino journey! Cycle into Galicia first on the old tarmac road then attack a steep 6-km section of dirt track going up to O Cebreiro. Or skip the unpaved ascent and take the road via Pedrafita Pass. Both options lead to your next accommodation, in a village full of legends and intriguing Camino stories, with a pretty 11th-century Romanesque church.

Challenge: 29 km, 1215 m ascent

Villages along the way: Vega de Valcárcel, Las Herrerías

Begin with a short burst in ascent then cruise along for 35km, mainly downhill, through dense woodlands and lush Galician pastures. Pause to visit the Monastery of Samos, founded in the 6th century and continuously renovated over time until the 18th century. 

Challenge: 47 km, 775 m ascent

Villages along the way: Fonfría, Triacastela

Get ready to tackle ever-changing landscapes marked by short climbs, though never more than 200 m in one go. Encounter plenty of enticing places to pause for break: villages, cafés and restaurants, where you can compare notes with fellow pilgrims. At the end, zoom off on a short detour from Palas de Rei to your accommodation, located just a few kilometres from the Camino. 

Challenge: 47 / 55 km, 1135 / 1240 m ascent

Villages along the way: Portomarín, Hospital da Cruz

Conquer another stage on up-and-down terrain, pedalling from one village to the next. Glide past local dairy farms and villages crammed with services for pilgrims. Rest and relax this evening in a quiet country setting and gear up for tomorrow’s final stage. 

Challenge: 29 km, 605 m ascent

Villages along the way: Melide, Ribadixo da Baixo

Revel in pure pilgrim glory today, as you cycle toward the 'Puerta del Perdón' at Santiago Cathedral. Take the standard route via Monte del Gozo and the airport, or opt for a slightly longer, scenic itinerary via Touro. This evening, savour a glass of Albariño wine to celebrate the week’s endeavours.  

Challenge: 39 km, 790 m ascent

Villages along the way: A Rua, Lavacolla

Your cycling tour comes to an end today after breakfast. Travel home from Galicia or, if you have booked extra nights, continue exploring Santiago.