CF28 - Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro - 30 km
Itinerary
Following Calle del Agua, which goes through Villafranca del Bierzo from side to side, you will get to the bridge over river Burbia. From here you have two options that lead to Trabadelo (10 km away from Villafranca):
a) The route on the N-VI following the twisting valley of the river Valcarce. This is the old route of the Way, but walking on the road shoulder is uncomfortable and quite dangerous due to the traffic.
b) The alternative itinerary by Cerro del Real, more exhausting but surrounded by nature. On Barrio de Tejedores, you will start going up 3 km, between heathers and broom on the right, and pine trees, chestnut trees and oaks on the left.
Along this route you will enjoy splendid sights over the Valvarce Valley and the Teleno Mountain. Once you get to Cerro Real, you will keep going up the hill seeing the Pereje Valley on the distance. On the right, you will have Arroyo Real and Pradela in the background. After this, you will get to a stone wall, where de way forks: you will take the path on the left, which goes between chestnut trees. Soon after, you will get to a paved road that goes down to Trabadelo, where the way joins the option a).
From Trabadelo to Portela you can follow the trails, now for local use, of the old N-VI, to the 419,2 km of the new path, which leads to Ambasmestas, Vega de Valcarce (2 km after), Ruitelán (1,5 after Vega) and Herrería (2 km after Ruitelán).
You will leave Herrerías ascending on a road and turning left after 1 km, following a path that goes to the river Valcarce. You will cross the river though a small stone bridge and initiate a hard ascent on a road which is first paved with flagstones and, after 2 km in constant climb, leads to La Faba.
From here, the way ascends along 2 km, on a hillside full of heathers, towards Laguna de Castilla, the last village of León. Approximately 1 km after this, a milestone marks the division between Castilla y León and Galicia, and the distance to Santiago de Compostela (152 km). After ascending 1 km more, you will reach the top of Cebreiro.
External info sources about this route and recommended websites:
Federación Española de Asociaciones del Camino de Santiago
Very useful guide: Camino de Santiago. National Geographic
If you want to download any route in PDF format, you need to be registered. This is a very easy and free of charge process, and you will also enjoy other advantages.
To download a route in PDF format you must be registered , this is a simple and free process also enjoy other benefits.
Hostels
