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Leaving FONCABADON
233.2km to Santiago de Compostela
26.9km to Ponferrada
Whilst the route is well marked and the first part follows the road quite closely, it is possible to have bad weather on this stage as we climb further to almost 5000ft. Snow and ice are possible in Spring and Autumn, and rain is always possible. Heat is an enemy in summer, so stay hydrated. Stormy weather will slow you down, so adjust your stage length as necessary. Check the forecast and take the advice of locals. That said, the views can be amazing, so do enjoy!
⬇︎2.3km (230.9km) Foncebadón to The Cruz de Ferro
As you leave Foncebadón behind, the path climbs steeply and parallels the road. You have just 2.3km to walk to The Cruz de Ferro or Iron Cross. Located in Castile and León, at 1,504 meters (4,934 feet) above sea level, the Cruz de Ferro marks one of the highest points along the Camino Francés. The site consists of a tall wooden pole topped with a metal cross and surrounded by a mound of stones. Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone at the base of the cross, symbolising a burden they wish to release or a prayer they want to offer. This ritual has been practised for centuries and adds a profound spiritual dimension to the pilgrimage experience. The Cruz de Ferro is a poignant reminder of the spiritual and physical journey that pilgrims undertake on the Camino de Santiago, and nothing quite prepares you for the feeling you will have when you arrive. There is a picnic area and a small Chapel.
⬇︎2.3km (228.6km) The Cruz de Ferro to Manjarín 🍽️
The path stays relatively close to the quiet mountain road as you gently descend towards the now-abandoned village of Manjarín. It gained some notoriety due to its association with the Knights Templar. Recently, a Refugio (pilgrim hostel) was run by Tomás, who claimed to be a modern-day Templar and referred to himself as "El Templario de Manjarín." He maintained the hostel in a rustic and spartan manner, offering assistance and shelter to pilgrims. Sadly, the hostel closed in 2022, but there is a food van for pilgrims who have started early. It is very welcome indeed.
⬇︎6.9km (221.7km) Manjarin to El Acebo de San Miguel 🍽️ 🛏️ 🛒
Leaving Manjarín, you begin a pretty steady climb to Alto de Cerezales, where, on a clear day, you can get your first view of El Acebo. The path down becomes steep and slippery, and if you have them, you will be grateful for walking poles. El Acebo is a typical mountain village. The overhanging balconies are said to protect those below from the worst winter snow.
- Albergue La Casa del Peregrino, Ctra. de Compludo, s/n, +34 987 057 793, http://www.alberguelacasadelperegrino.es
- Albergue Mesón El Acebo, C. Real, 16, +34 987 695 074, http://www.mesonelacebo.es
- Albergue Parroquial Santiago Apóstol,Pl. de la Iglesia, s/n
- Casa Rural La Rosa del Agua, C. Real, 52, +34 616 849 738, http://www.larosadelagua.com
- Casa Rural La Trucha del Arco Iris, C. la Cruz, 10, +34 987 695 548
- Hostal Rural La Casa del Peregrino, C. Real, 67-69, +34 987 057 875, http://www.lacasadelperegrino.es
⬇︎3.4km (218.3km) El Acebo de San Miguel to Riego de Ambrós 🍽️ 🛏️
The path down remains steep and stony, so care is needed. In the summer, the heat builds as you leave the relative cool of the higher mountains behind, so it is wise to stay well hydrated.
- Albergue de Peregrinos de Riego de Ambrós, C. Real, s/n, +34 669 413 491
- Pensión Riego de Ambrós, Ctra. de Astorga, 3, +34 987 695 188
⬇︎4.6km (213.7km) Riego de Ambrós to Molinaseca 🍽️ 🛏️ 🛒 ➕ 🚌 🏧
Molinaseca is a welcome sight for now-tired legs. Whilst Ponferrada is now just 7km away and a relatively flat roadside walk, for some, this will be too far after the rigours of the day! Molinaseca is known for its ancient stone bridge, the River Meruelo. This bridge dates back to the Roman era. The river is a popular bathing spot for locals and pilgrims alike. The village is characterised by its well-preserved historic architecture, including traditional stone houses with wooden balconies and narrow cobblestone streets. There are various services for pilgrims, including accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a popular stopping point for pilgrims.
- Albergue de Peregrinos San Roque, C. Fraga Iribarne, s/n, +34 692 886 721
- Albergue Santa Marina, C. Fraga Iribarne, s/n, +34 653 375 727 Albergue Compostela, C. La Iglesia, 39, +34 987 453 057
- Casa Morrosco, Calle Pisón, 6, +34 635 80 70 60
- Casa Rural La Torre De Babel, C. Real, 42,+34 987 453 064, http://www.latorredebabel.com
- Casa Rural María, C. la Iglesia, 25, +34 987 453 160, http://www.molinasecamaria.com
- El Capricho de Josana Molinaseca, Plaza del Santo Cristo, 1, +34 987 453 167, http://www.elcaprichodejosana.com/el-capricho-de-josana-en-molinaseca/
- Hostal El Horno, Calle el Rañadero, 3, +34 627 55 42 60, http://www.hostalelhorno.com
- Hostal El Palacio, C. El Palacio, 19, +34 987 453 094, http://www.casaelpalacio.com
- Hostal Rural San Nicolás, C/ La iglesia, 43, +34 645 562 008, http://www.hostalcasasannicolas.com
- Hotel de Floriana, Av. Fraga Iribarne, s/n, +34 987 453 146, http://www.defloriana.com
- Hotel Molina Real, C. Real, 27, +34 987 453 123, http://www.hotelmolinareal.com
- Hotel Rural La Casa del Reloj, Travesía Manuel Fraga, 6, +34 987 453 124
- The Way Hostel Molinaseca, C. Palacio, 10, +34 637 941 017 Casa Rural Pajarapinta, C. Real, 30, +34 987 453 040, http://www.casaruralpajarapinta.es
⬇︎7.4km (206.3km) Molinaseca to Ponferrada 🍽️ 🛏️ 🛒 ➕ 🚌 🏧 🏥🚆
For most of this section, you will walk on the road and pavement. The path turns left at Campo (about 4km out of Molinaseca) and takes a relatively quieter route through vineyards. Many, though, choose to stay by the road, which takes you more directly, albeit on a rather dull road through the outskirts to the Municipal Albergué and the town centre.
ABOUT PONFERRADA
ABOUT PONFERRADA
ABOUT PONFERRADA
PONFERRADA
Ponferrada is a city in the Bierzo region of the province of León, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. It is the capital of the El Bierzo comarca (a type of administrative division) and one of the largest cities in the province.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Ponferrada is the Castillo De Los Templarios (Templar Castle). This medieval fortress dates back to the 12th century and was built by the Knights Templar to protect the pilgrims travelling along the Camino de Santiago. The castle offers magnificent views of Ponferrada and the surrounding mountains. For pilgrims, there are discounted rates on the production of a credencial. As you might expect, it closes between 1400 and 1630 daily. For more information on the castle's history, we have written an article here.
The city's historic centre features charming cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and historic buildings. Plaza Mayor, the main square, is surrounded by beautiful facades and is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
Ponferrada boasts several museums and cultural institutions, including the Bierzo Museum (Museo del Bierzo), which showcases the region's history, art, and traditions. You can also visit The Railway Museum, "Luis del Olmo" Radio Museum and La Fábrica de Luz (Factory of Light Energy Museum)
PRACTICALITIES
1. Accommodation: Ponferrada offers a range of accommodation options, including albergues, hostels and hotels.
2. Transportation: Depending on your location, you can reach Ponferrada by train, bus, or car. Alsa Bus is a popular option with connections to Santiago de Compostela, Madrid Léon and other cities. The town has a train station served by Renfe, Spain's national railway company (book direct or through Trainline), with connections to major cities like León and Madrid.
3. Dining: Ponferrada offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Spanish cuisine to international fare. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialities such as:
- Botillo: Perhaps the most famous dish from the Bierzo region, botillo is a hearty pork sausage made from a mixture of meats (typically pork ribs, tail, and snout) seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices. It's often boiled and served with potatoes and cabbage. Botillo is a beloved traditional dish in Ponferrada and is usually enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.
- Empanadas: Empanadas are savoury pastries filled with various ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, or cheese. In Ponferrada and the Bierzo region, you might find empanadas filled with local ingredients like botillo, chorizo, or peppers.
- Pimientos Asados del Bierzo: Roasted red peppers from the Bierzo region are a popular appetiser or side dish. The peppers are typically roasted until soft and sweet, then seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and sometimes vinegar.
- Cecina: Cecina is a type of cured meat made from thinly sliced, salted, and air-dried beef. It's often served as a snack or appetiser and pairs well with local cheeses and bread.
- Bierzo Wines: The Bierzo region is renowned for its wine production, particularly red wines from the Mencía grape variety. These wines are often described as fruity and aromatic, with flavours of red berries and a hint of spice. White wines from the region, made from grapes like Godello, are also highly regarded.
- Castañas en Almíbar: Chestnuts in syrup are a traditional dessert in Ponferrada and the Bierzo region. Chestnuts are cooked in a sugar syrup flavoured with cinnamon and other spices until they become tender and infused with a sweetness.
- Queimada: While not exclusive to Ponferrada or the Bierzo region, queimada is a traditional Galician alcoholic beverage made from aguardiente (a distilled spirit), sugar, coffee beans, lemon peel, and other spices. It's often prepared ceremonially, with the ingredients mixed in a particular container and set on fire before serving.
4. Facilities: In Ponferrada, you can access cash points, banks, medical facilities, pharmacies, supermarkets, and outdoor shops.
WHERE TO STAY
ABOUT PONFERRADA
ABOUT PONFERRADA
WHERE TO STAY
- AC Hotel Ponferrada, Av. de Astorga, 2, +34 987 409 973, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lenpo-ac-hotel-ponferrada/
- Albergue Alea, C. Teleno, 33, +34 987 404 133, http://www.alberguealea.com
- Albergue Guiana, Av. del Castillo, 112, +34 987 409 327, http://www.albergueguiana.com
- Albergue Parroquial San Nicolás de Flüe,C. de la Loma, s/n, +34 987 413 381, http://www.sannicolasdeflue.com
- Alda Centro Ponferrada, Av. La Puebla, 44, +34 987 620 054 http://aldacentroponferrada.es
- Aroi Bierzo Plaza, Plaza Ayuntamiento, 4, +34 987 40 90 01, http://www.aroihoteles.com/hoteles-ponferrada-bierzo/hotel-ponferrada/hotel-aroi-bierzo-plaza
- El Ancla, Av. Galicia, 57, +34 987 41 69 54, http://www.hotelrestauranteelancla.es
- Hostal Conde de Lemos, Av. Galicia, 85, +34 987 03 92 88
- Hostal Nirvana, C. Lago de Carucedo, 12, +34 987 410 761, http://www.hostalnirvana.com
- Hostal Rabel, Av. del Castillo, 84, +34 987 417 176, http://www.hostalrabel.com
- Hostal Río Selmo, C. Río Selmo, 22, +34 987 402 665, http://www.hostalrioselmo.com
- Hostal San Miguel, C. Juan de Lama, 14, +34 987 426 700, http://www.hostalsanmiguelponferrada.es
- Hostal Virgen de la Encina, C. Comendador, 4, +34 987 409 632, http://www.hostallaencina.net
- Hotel Alda Los Templarios Ponferrada, C. Flórez Osorio, +34 987 625 146, http://hotellostemplarios.esHotel
- Hotel Aroi Ponferrada, C. Marcelo Macías, 4, +34 987 409 427, http://www.aroihoteles.com/hoteles-ponferrada-bierzo/hotel-ponferrada/hotel-aroi-ponferrada
- Hotel Ciudad de Ponferrada, Avenida Ronda Norte, 5, +34 987 40 71 02, http://www.ciudaddeponferrada.es/
- Hotel El Castillo, Av. del Castillo, 115, +34 987 456 227, http://www.hotel-elcastillo.com
- Hotel Ponferrada Plaza, Av. de los Escritores, 6, +34 987 40 61 71, http://www.hotelponferradaplaza.es
- Hotel Temple Ponferrada,, Av. de Portugal, 2, +34 987 410 058, http://www.hoteltempleponferrada.com
- Jaen Apartment, C. Jaen, +34 717 11 33 38, http://www.jaenapartment.com
- Pensión Valcarce, Calle las Truchas, 9, +34 628 45 33 88