8 Day Northern Way (Vilalba – Santiago de Compostela)

Running from the French border town of Irún to Santiago de Compostela, the Northern Way is a cracking alternative to the busier French Way route which can be found adjacent, yet, further inland. The Northern Way was the route taken by other European pilgrims during the first two centuries after discovering the tombstone of Santiago as the future French Way route was at this time in the frontier between the Christian and Muslim lands, making it very dangerous to walk through. This 8 day walking experience takes in just over 100km of ‘El Camino del Norte’ (its entire length is 825km) through the provinces of Lugo and A Corunna in Galicia.  This trail is ideal for those who would like to end the Camino in Santiago de Compostela and obtain the Compostela but would also like to avoid the busiest section of the French Way until the Northern Way merges with the French Way in the town of Arzua, two days before the end of the Camino. The dense forests and country lanes allow you to become completely absorbed in an atmosphere that inspires solitude as well as providing comfortable, homely, 2 or 3 star hotels or rural guesthouses in addition to luggage transfers from one hotel to the next. Having self guided notes, hand-picked accommodation and 24hr telephone assistance allows confidence to grow as you stroll with airport transfers also lessening the stress of attempting this trip with complete independence.