We welcome solo travellers but we do not match people up to share. If you are a solo traveller you must book a single room.

Please note that you must book your flights with Aer Lingus for this trip. The transfers are booked according to Aer Lingus arrivals and departures. If you book another airline or airport you must arrange and pay for your own transfers.

12th - 19th September 2025

Bercianos to Ponferrada is the fourth stage of the French Way of the Camino. The first four days walking continue along the northernmost part of the Meseta, the large plain of central Spain. So the scenery is wide open spaces with wheat, barley and other crops.
On this stage, you will stay in Leon and Astorga. Both are rich in Roman heritage and history. Each has a vibrant cafe, bar and restaurant scene so there are plenty of places to eat and enjoy a drink while staying there.
After Astorga, the Camino leaves the Meseta and climbs towards Rabanal, over the hills and into Bierzo. The Templar Castle in Ponferrada is the highlight of any visit to this town. It is an impressive sight.

Location: Ponferrada - Ponferrada, León, Spain

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bilbao and transfer to Bercianos.
Day 2: Bercianos to Mansilla 26.7 km
Day 3: Mansilla to Leon 18.1 km
Day 4: Leon to Villadangos 21.3 km
Day 5: Villadangos to Astorga 28.5 km
Day 6: Astorga to Foncebadon 25.6 km (staying in Rabanal)
Day 7: Foncebadon to Ponferrada 26.5 km
Day 8: Transfer to Santiago airport. Time tbc

Pickup

The guides will meet the group at Dublin airport.

Things To Bring

CLOTHING & FOOD

This list is recommendations and only covers what you will need for the walking , obviously you will pack other clothes for the evenings.
Footwear, I recommend a light half boot, these can be got in all good outdoor stores. It is advisable to get a pair a half size or a full size bigger than you normally get. Your feet may swell when walking long distances. This will result in toes catching the inside of the boot.
We recommend keenfootwear.com for walking on the Camino. I use them myself. Most outdoor shops stock them or you can purchase them online.
Walking pants, they are lightweight and dry quickly. A pair with zip off legs are very handy.
Trainers or Sandals for wearing in the evening, giving your feet a rest from the boots
Light rain jacket and rain pants or a poncho.
Walking socks, I use Smartwool hiking socks and they work really well for me. Bridgedale are another good brand.
Light Fleece, always carry it in your day pack as it can get chilly when you stop for a coffee or lunch
Sun Hat, if the weather is hot and sunny you should always cover your head
Sunglasses, to protect your eyes in sunny weather
Sunscreen, this should be applied before breakfast and a few times during the day, even if the sun is not shining!!
Warm hat , for the sometimes chilly mornings and evenings
Base Layers, I always use a base layer when walking with a light shirt over it. It keeps the sweat off your back
30 litre day pack , get one with good waist straps so the weight of the bag is on your hips, this will reduce the pressure on your shoulders. It will make the long distances easier.
Water bottle/Platypus/Camelbak, the tap water is safe to drink and we encourage people to bring their own water bottles and refill them.
Toilet paper, for when you get caught short. We use a policy of 'Leave No Trace'. All toilet paper should be brought with you and disposed of at your hotel.Nappy bags are handy for this.
Snacks/Energy Bars, essential for walking on the Camino. If energy levels drop a small snack can make the difference. Available in shops over there but some people prefer ones they are used to.

FIRST AID

There will be an extensive first aid kit with your guides but it is good to carry a small first aid kit yourself.

Plasters
Paracetamol
Antihistamines
Antiseptic cream
Blister plasters
Foot powder or Vaseline for your toes to help prevent blisters.
Any medication you may be on.

Inclusions

- 7 nights B&B with continental breakfast

- Transfer from Bilbao airport to Bercianos/ Transfer from Ponferrada to Santiago airport

- Luggage transfers ( 1 piece per person)

- Guides x 2

- Bus from Mansilla to Leon

- Bus from Leon back to Mansilla

- Bus from Villadangos to Leon

- Bus from Leon back to Villadangos

Exclusions

- Flights

- Travel or medical insurance( we recommend you get both)

- Lunches/dinners/beverages.

- Any transport other than that listed above

Flights can be booked on aerlingus.com and we will be flying from Dublin to Bilbao and from Santiago de Compostela to Dublin.

What You Need To Know

Fitness

It is up to each individual to be fit enough to complete the walks each day. If a person cannot finish a walk, for whatever reason, they will have to pay for the transport themselves. This usually means calling for a taxi. Into the West Adventures will not be liable for the costs.

Food & Footwear

Recommendations will be given on where to eat.

The group will have breakfast at 7.30 am each morning and will depart at 8.30am. We encourage each person to walk at their own pace, it is not a race. That said the more training a person can do the more they will enjoy the trip.

Even though dinner is not included groups usually eat together at 7.30pm each evening. If people do not wish to join the group for dinner they must inform the guides.

If there are any problems please inform one of your guides.

We advise that your footwear be a half size to a full size bigger than normal. This is because your foot may swell when walking.

ELEVATION OVERVIEW: