The Northern Way is a route that follows the coast of the Cantabrian Sea, known for its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
As pilgrims advance through Galicia, they delve into a lush green region with mountains, forests, and small fishing villages. This route is less crowded than the French Way, offering a more peaceful and solitary experience.
The path is marked by beautiful coastal sections, often right next to the sea, which provide spectacular views. In addition, pilgrims following this route pass through towns that retain a traditional and authentic feel, such as ancient monasteries and medieval churches, which are an essential part of Galicia’s cultural heritage.
STAGES:
1️⃣ Ribadeo → Lourenzá (29 km)
The Northern Way enters Galicia through Ribadeo, a beautiful coastal town by the Eo estuary. The stage moves through rural landscapes, crossing meadows and forests. Along the way, pilgrims pass small villages with Romanesque churches and ancient bridges. Lourenzá is famous for its San Salvador monastery and its traditional “fabas de Lourenzá” (beans).
2️⃣ Lourenzá → Abadín (25 km)
A stage with gentle ascents and descents, passing through valleys and Galician mountains. The path goes through the historic town of Mondoñedo, famous for its Gothic cathedral and charming old quarter. From here, the route continues towards Abadín, crossing scenic rural landscapes.
3️⃣ Abadín → Vilalba (20 km)
A peaceful stage that passes through meadows, forests, and traditional villages. The route is relatively flat, making it an easier walk. Vilalba, known for its medieval tower and its famous San Simón da Costa cheese, is a perfect place to rest before continuing the journey.
4️⃣ Vilalba → Baamonde (18 km)
A well-marked section that crosses small Galician villages and farmland. Baamonde is a welcoming village with interesting cultural heritage, including the Church of Santiago and an ancient chestnut tree carved with intricate designs.
5️⃣ Baamonde → Sobrado dos Monxes (40 km)
One of the longest and most challenging stages of the Northern Way. The route alternates between secondary roads and forest paths, passing through several villages. The destination is the impressive monastery of Sobrado dos Monxes, a place of great spiritual significance and one of Galicia’s most important religious sites.
6️⃣ Sobrado dos Monxes → Arzúa (22 km)
The final stage of the Northern Way before merging with the French Way in Arzúa. The journey continues through forests and rural trails, passing small villages where pilgrims can enjoy the peace of the Galician countryside. Arzúa is famous for its denominated-origin cheese and its warm pilgrim atmosphere.
7️⃣ Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km)
This stage passes through a rural landscape with gentle hills, on a comfortable route that allows pilgrims to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. It passes through small villages such as Salceda and A Rúa before reaching O Pedrouzo, the last major urban center before arriving in Santiago.
8️⃣ O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela (20 km)
The final stage of the Northern Way in Galicia is full of excitement. As they advance, pilgrims pass through the Lavacolla Forest and climb Monte do Gozo, where they get their first view of the towers of Santiago Cathedral. The route ends in the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the walkers celebrate their arrival after days of effort and reflection.
