CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have made their way to Santiago and in 1987 it was declared the first European Culture Route. Also known as 'The Way of St James', it originated in the region of Galicia where the tomb of the Apostle James the Great was discovered in the 9th Century. It's the gothic cathedrals, mediaeval monasteries and miles of unspoiled rural scenery that make this section of the route so popular. Our ride begins in the charming city of Leon with a wealth to explore through its winding narrow streets. We then cross the Castillan plains gradually climbing to the highest point of the trip, the 'Iron Cross' (1505m), in the mountain range of Leon. Before entering the gastronomic region of Galicia we visit the beautiful village of Castillo de los Polvazares, where the strong orange coloured stone creates the fascinating local architecure. We ride through fertile valleys full of vineyards and rural country on our way to completing this ancient tradition at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.