The Winter Way of St. James

The Winter Way offers a route full of breathtaking scenery and moderate challenges. This alternative route crosses a variety of territories, from the reddish formations of Las Médulas in El Bierzo to the terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, where it skirts the spectacular canyons of the river Sil.

Along its 260 km, the route crosses the Sierra de O Courel, with dense forests and mountains reaching an altitude of 1200 metres, providing some challenging gradients but incredible views. As you descend into the Galician valleys, the landscape softens with fields and traditional villages until you reach Santiago de Compostela.

The Winter Way, which crosses northwestern Spain, offers a varied climate throughout its stages, with significant differences depending on the season and altitude of the areas it crosses. In general, the climate that can be expected on this route is as follows:

• Winter: In mountainous areas, such as the sierras of O Courel and El Bierzo, it is common to find low temperatures, snowfall and frost. Rain is also frequent, especially in Galicia, so it is advisable to be well equipped for the cold and damp.
• Spring and autumn: These are the best times to walk the Winter Way, with moderate temperatures and milder weather. However, in spring, rain can be frequent, especially in Galicia. During autumn, mornings and evenings can be cool, but days are usually pleasant.
• Summer: Low-lying areas and valleys may experience high temperatures during the summer, especially in the regions of El Bierzo and the stretches near Ourense. However, mountainous areas can offer cooler weather, although it is important to be prepared for the heat in the sunnier and drier stretches.

Given the changing climate and diversity of landscapes, it is essential to be prepared for both cold and warm conditions along the Camino de Invierno.

The Winter Way, a less travelled alternative to the French Way, is known for its beautiful scenery, and arises as an alternative to the passage of O Cebreiro. However, it presents some difficulties that pilgrims should be aware of:

• Mountainous terrain: The Winter Way crosses mountainous areas, such as the mountain ranges of O Courel and El Bierzo, with steep slopes that can be demanding, especially for pilgrims with little experience in mountain routes. The constant ascents and descents require good physical preparation.
• Changeable weather: Despite its name, this route can be walked all year round, but in winter the weather conditions can be more severe, with cold, snow and ice in the higher areas. During the summer, the heat can be intense in certain areas, especially in the valleys.
• Limited infrastructure: Unlike more popular routes such as the French Way, the Winter Way has fewer hostels and services along its route. It is essential to plan the stages well and book accommodation in advance, especially at peak times.
• Less signage: Although it has improved in recent years, the signage on some sections of the Camino de Invierno may not be as clear as on other busier routes. Pilgrims should be attentive to the markings and use maps or support applications.

The Winter Way is a route of about 260 km divided, generally, into 11 stages. Therefore, divided in this way, its duration is 11 days to complete the entire Camino on foot.

Each stage would be the distance you walk in one day, from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.

The total km of the Winter Way are about 260 km from Ponferrada, its beginning. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.