Winter Way by bike
The route that avoids O Cebreiro by following the Sil valley: from Ponferrada to Santiago through Las Médulas and the Ribeira Sacra. Around 263 km that are spectacular and very lightly travelled.
Route: Ponferrada (León) → Santiago de Compostela
About this route
The Winter Way was born in the Middle Ages as an alternative to the French Way to dodge the snowfalls of O Cebreiro: instead of climbing the mountain, it follows the Sil valley at a lower altitude. From Ponferrada to Santiago it adds up to around 263 km and is the only Camino that crosses all four Galician provinces. It passes through Las Médulas (a World Heritage Site), the terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra and the monumental Monforte de Lemos, before joining the Camino Sanabrés in Lalín.
Do not trust the name: it is leg-breaking
Although it was designed to avoid the snow, it is not an easy Camino: the terrain is clearly leg-breaking, with short but very intense climbs. The Sierra de O Courel exceeds 1,200 metres. You need to arrive in good physical shape.
In addition, the network of hostels is more limited than on the French Way and the distances between services are greater, so it is wise to plan each end of stage carefully.
Which bike to use
An MTB is recommended. It is cyclable for the most part, but it has technical sections. The descent down the Codos de Belesar, in the Ribeira Sacra, is impassable by bike because of its irregular cobblestones and steep gradient: there cyclists divert onto the local road.
How many days and the Compostela
By bike it is completed in about 5 to 7 days. From Ponferrada it is 263 km, well above the minimum 200 km required by bike, so it entitles you to the Compostela.
Best time to go
As it runs at a lower altitude than the O Cebreiro section, it can be done almost all year round, which was its original purpose. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of climate and scenery, with the Ribeira Sacra especially beautiful.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Winter Way?
Around 263 km from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela.
Why is it called the Winter Way?
Because it was born as an alternative to the French Way to avoid the snowfalls of O Cebreiro, following the Sil valley at a lower altitude.
How many days does it take by bike?
Between 5 and 7 days. The terrain is leg-breaking, so the pace is set more by the elevation than by the distance.
Which bike is best?
An MTB. It is mostly cyclable, but with technical sections such as the Codos de Belesar, which are best avoided by road.
Does it count for the Compostela by bike?
Yes. From Ponferrada it is 263 km, above the minimum 200 km required by bike.
What is the best time to go?
It can be done almost all year round because of its low altitude. Spring and autumn are ideal, with the Ribeira Sacra at its best.