Northern Way from Vilalba

Stages

• day 1

  Arrival at Vilalba

  We leave Abadín heading towards Vilalba. We begin our march towards the place of As Paredes, which we will reach after crossing the Anllo River. Subsequently, after crossing the Arnela River, the path winds through charming landscapes along a traditional corredoira until we reach the place of Martiñán.

  In Martiñán, we must exercise caution when crossing the national road to continue towards A Ponte Vella, a beautiful bridge dating back to the 17th century. Next to it, there is a pleasant rest area, ideal for a technical stop before continuing.

  We continue our route towards the center of O Campo do Cristo, from where only 5 kilometers remain to the destination. The last landmarks before completing the stage will be the Vilalba pilgrim shelter and the path of Camporredondo, which leads us into the urban area.

  Things to consider

  During the 20 kilometers that separate Abadín from Vilalba, services are scarce in the intermediate areas. Therefore, it is advisable to set out well supplied with water and some food to complete the day without setbacks.

  Places of interest

  • Tower of Andrade (Current Parador de Turismo) – Vilalba
  • Church of Santa María – Vilalba
  • Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology – Vilalba

  Typical dishes

  • Capón de Vilalba (famous for its traditional fair)
  • Cheese from San Simón da Costa (smoked and pear-shaped)
  • Roscón and roscas from Vilalba
• day 2

  Stage 1. Vilalba - Baamonde (18.5 km)

  Today we say goodbye to Vilalba leaving from the Plaza de Santa María in the direction of Baamonde. In this first stretch we will cross two bridges, the first one over the river Madalena and the second one over the river Trimaz, the Ponte Rodriguez. From here we continue to San Xoán de Alba.

  Once we have passed San Xoán de Alba, watch out, a milestone indicates a crossroads on the national road that takes a small detour through a chapel. Our recommendation is to skip this detour, and continue straight on along the shoulder of the road until we enter a dirt road that will take us to Pedrouzos.

  From Pedrouzos, we will continue walking, passing through a beautiful wooded path. Our first point of reference in this section will be the Ponte de Saa, a beautiful medieval bridge that crosses the river Labrada. Progressively, we will overcome the places of Lamela, As Penas, Casasnovas, Casa Muiño and Castiñeira, to soon after arrive at Baamonde, the end of the stage.

  To consider

  In the 18 kilometres from Vilalba, we will gradually enter a quiet, natural and rural stretch of the route, with hardly any towns or services until Baamonde. The next stage will be dominated by tranquillity and contact with nature.

  Places of interest

  • Chapel of San Nicolás - A Torre (Vilalba)
  • Víctor Corral House Museum - Baamonde
  • Tower of Camarasa - Baamonde
  • Ancient Chestnut Tree - Baamonde

  Typical dishes

  • Sausages: sausages and androllas
  • Cheeses of San Simón
  • Lacón with turnip tops
  • Roxós and filloas
  • Broth
  • Empanadas
  • Threads
• day 3

  Stage 2. Baamonde - Miraz (15 km)

  We leave Baamonde following the route of the N-VI towards A Coruña until we reach a level crossing over the train tracks and, subsequently, a beautiful medieval bridge. After crossing the Parga River, we enter a charming carballeira (oak grove) that shelters the chapel of San Alberte, a place of great scenic and spiritual value.

  Shortly after passing the chapel, we will find a fork to continue the path towards Sobrado dos Monxes. We should choose the alternative that goes through Miraz, where we will spend the night. After taking this detour, we will cross the nuclei of Carballedo, Seixón, and A Lagoa before reaching our destination in Miraz.

  Things to consider

  Completing the stage from Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes involves a journey of more than 30 kilometers, which can be excessive for the body. Although some pilgrims choose to do it in one go, our recommendation is to divide the effort and spend the night in Miraz to better enjoy the surroundings.

  Places of interest

  • Chapel of San Alberte
  • Cruceiro and Renaissance fountain (Carballeira de San Alberte)
  • House of the Saavedra (Tower of Miraz)

  Typical dishes

  • Artisanal cheese from Abeleiras (Sobrado dos Monxes)
  • D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
  • Artisanal dulce de leche
  • Galician beef
  • Mountain-style trout
• day 4

  Stage 3. Miraz - Sobrado dos Monxes (24.9 km)

  The departure from Miraz to the place of A Braña is composed of a magical natural environment, which will be the dominant tone in our way to Sobrado dos Monxes. In this stretch, we will enjoy an unprecedented tranquility and connection with nature, traversing paths that were once traveled by the ancient Galician Celtic tribes.

  From A Braña, we continue walking uphill until we reach the Alto da Mámoa. Subsequently, we will pass through the place of A Roxica before entering the town of A Cabana. We proceed through the places of A Marcela and Corteporcos; it is here that we touch the peak of the Northern Way, reaching an altitude of 710 meters.

  Once we have arrived at O Mesón, we will be just 5 kilometers away from our final destination: Sobrado dos Monxes, famous for its impressive monastic heritage.

  Things to keep in mind

  Almost without realizing it, today we leave the province of Lugo after departing from Miraz to enter A Coruña just before arriving at Sobrado dos Monxes. On the next day, we will join our steps with the pilgrims of the French Way in Arzúa. The goal is very close!

  Places of interest

  • Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado (Gems of Galician Baroque)
  • Lagoa de Sobrado (Wetland of great ecological value)
  • Roman camp of Ciadella

  Typical dishes

  • Artisanal cheese from Abeleiras (Sobrado dos Monxes)
  • D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
  • Doce de Leite (Artisanal dulce de leche)
  • Galician Veal
  • Mountain-style Trout
• day 5

  Stage 4. Sobrado dos Monxes - Arzúa (22 km)

  We say goodbye to Sobrado dos Monxes, leaving the town from its monumental monastery, and follow the AC-934 road towards Arzúa. Afterwards, we will take a detour between wooded stretches and asphalted tracks, passing through the places of Vilarchao, O Castro, Madelos and As Corredoidas.

  From As Corredoiras we must be extremely careful when crossing the road to Betanzos in the direction of Boimil. After Boimil, we will reconnect with the AC-934 and continue walking to A Gándara (Boimorto), where we will have the opportunity to see an ancient Roman milestone, used to mark the roads.

  Once we have crossed A Gándara, we will continue towards Sendelle, where we can stop to visit its magnificent church of Santa María and make a stop on the way. Now we face the last part of the North road, culminating the stage in the town of Arzúa, famous for its cheeses.

  To consider

  Sobrado dos Monxes is the last start of the North Way stage, and from here, the route continues along the French Way itinerary, so when you get to Arzúa you will notice a greater influx of pilgrims.

  Places of interest

  • Chapel and Convent of the Magdalena - Arzúa
  • A Fonte Santa - Arzúa
  • Chapel of A Mota - Arzúa

  Typical dishes

  • Raxo
  • Zorza
  • Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese
• day 6

  Stage 5. Arzúa - O Pedrouzo (19 km)

  This stage is a pleasant walk on flat and comfortable terrain, with plenty of bars and restaurants that will encourage you to take it easy. You will alternate between villages and pine and eucalyptus forests. Small towns like Salceda mark the halfway point of the stage, a perfect stop to recharge your batteries before the last kilometres of the stage.
• day 7

  Stage 6. O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

  At last the last stage of your journey is here. As we said before, the sooner you start walking today the better, because the sooner you will get to Santiago de Compostela. Once you arrive at Monte do Gozo, you will discover that pleasant sensation when you first see the towers of the cathedral. A perfect panoramic view before savouring your last kilometres and making the triumphal entrance to the Plaza del Obradoiro.
• day 8

  End of the Camino

  After arriving... End of the Camino