The origin of the Northern Way of Saint James from the Asturian-Galician coast to Santiago de Compostela dates back to the time after the discovery of the tomb of Santiago el Mayor (around 820). Ribadeo, an important tourist town and municipal capital, is considered the starting point of the Northern Route in Galicia - this is also where the randonnée équestre begins. Ribadeo is also considered the link between the sanctuaries of Oviedo and Santiago.

The distance from Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela is about 170 kilometres. The route is signposted with kilometre stones decorated with a ceramic scallop shell, which show the pilgrim the way. Every day you will cover about 30-35 km on horseback and spend 6-7 hours in the saddle.

Itinerary

Route from Ribadeo:

After leaving Ribadeo, turn towards Obe and continue towards the Santa Cruz mountain, where you will come across the beautiful Santa Cruz hermitage. Continue through Vilela and Cedofeita to Lourenzá, Cubelas, Vilamartín, Gondán and Curveiro. You will pass the chapel of San Nicolás and small picturesque villages embedded in the landscape. After Vilanova de Lourenzá, the old Northern Way of St. James continues in this section along the medieval "brea" path: this path has its origins in Asturias.
The riding days usually end with a short break in the late morning, before stopping for lunch in a good restaurant (rarely is there a picnic in the open air). In the afternoon you will continue your ride, maybe there will be another break before you reach your destination. Today would be the Mondoñedo, which you reach via the medieval bridge of Pasa Tempo.
The town of Mondoñedo is one of the Galician episcopal seats with the greatest cultural tradition and one of the most unique historical villages in Galicia. In Mondoñedo there are many historical buildings such as churches, hospitals or palaces that give the streets and squares of the city their charm.

In the surroundings of the town is the monastery of San Martiño de Vilalourente, also called Os Picos (from the 18th century), which you will pass on the medieval road from Mondoñedo to Villalba. You will also pass by the small villages of San Caetano, Valiñadares and Mariz and cross an idyllic river valley.

Afterwards you continue to Pé da Ponte, As Corgas, Gontán and Pobecende until you reach the village of Abadín. Cross the Arnela River over a medieval bridge and reach Castromaior. Then you cross another magnificent medieval bridge of Pontevella. After crossing beautiful countryside you will finally reach Villalba, where you will stay in a nice accommodation.

The next day the Northern Route will take you to Baamonde.
The path then continues via Ponte Leijosa to Santiago de Miraz, Pedramaior and Marco das Pías, already in the province of Lugo. You will spend the night in an inviting hotel in Sobrado.

The Northern Way today merges with the French Way in Arzúa. From Arzúa, the path continues through meadows and oak and eucalyptus forests, and circles small villages such as Calzada, Salceda, Brea and Ría. In Salceda you will find accommodation in an idyllically situated pousada.

In the municipality of Santiago de Compostela, from Monte de Gozo you can see the towers of the cathedral of Santiago for the first time.
After a night in a 4-star hotel with a view of Santiago, you will pick up your pilgrim´s pass, the Compostelana, in the city the next morning. At noon you will attend the big mass in the cathedral before you are taken to the nearby airport, train or bus station.

Subject to change due to unforseeable incidents.

Accomodation
You will stay in the best hotels, country houses, pazos and paradores.

Saddle & Tack: Spanish saddles and bridles (English, Brazilian or Western saddles are also available on request).

Experience: The pace on the riding tours is moderate. However, due to the sometimes challenging terrain and occasional gallops, you should have sufficient riding experience and be confident in all gaits.

Horses: Andalusian and Spanish mixes with good character, enduring and sure-footed.