Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo

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Information

A comfortable stage, involving a journey through fabulous vineyards, and beautiful, tranquil locations benefited from being full of services. In Pieros, the pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago face with two options to access Villafranca. The Camino inevitably approaches Galicia. This is unquestionable and noticeable by the landscape, place names and of course the people.

The stage (20,9 kilómetres)

In Ponferrada, after the obligatory visit to the splendid Templar castle, which shadows over the enclave, leaving the city presents some complications. The Camino of Santiago takes a detour along wide avenues, although each and every one of the crossroads is well signposted. On arriving to Plaza Virgen de la Encina the pilgrims have to descend a slope on the left, now in search of Sil. On the other side of the riverbank the long streets begin. At number 46 Liberty Avenue the National Energy Museum is situated.   The National Energy Museum is located at an old power station. Inside, among other things, visitors are shown how electricity is produced by coal. Admission is free. Already in the neighbourhood of Compostilla, on arriving at a new roundabout the walkers should turn left, following the signs. They will come to a straight road marked by trees where they will find a Red Cross building. At the end of it there is a park in which Bar Lois is situated. They should continue to then pass through a tunnel in which the graffiti will guide the way.   It owes its name to Santiago of Compostela. The beautiful church, escorted by two wonderful plums trees, was built in the XX century to offset the loss of an old chapel destroyed by the French during the War of Independence.

The vast majority of houses in Compostilla, a neighbourhood of Ponferrada, were constructed by a company called Endesa to facilitate the settlement of workers to the ex power station.   A little further ahead is the Hotel Novo, which offers special rates to pilgrims. It has a bar and restaurant. Through an area of building work the walkers reach, by means of a tunnel that crosses the A-6, Columbrianos.   The first settlements in Columbrianos date back to the Bronze Age, the remains of this pre-Roman circular, fortified enclave are evidence of this. This hamlet of Ponferrada survives, predominantly on agriculture.   On a tarmac track walkers leave on the left hand side the cemetery before arriving at the Church of San Esteban, built in the second half of the XVIII century, although it was struck by lightning and consequently its belfry was recently restored. Now in descent on the asphalt the walkers come to a main road. At this point they should cross at the pedestrian crossing and enter the heart of the village. Columbrianos has a chemist, a health centre, a Red Cross station, a grocery store, a bakery, a rural tourism house (El Almendro de María), a drinking fountain, a drinks vending machine, a bar and a restaurant. Next to the bakery there is a sculpture by a local artist dedicated to the women who worked the agricultural fields of León. A little later, and now at the other side of the road, the Camino of Santiago passes in front of the chapel of San Blas and San Roque, decorated at the back with an illustration of the saint dressed as a pilgrim.

The grapevines of Camponaraya Soon, the Camino of Santiago returns to embrace the countryside. A narrow track transports pilgrims to Fuentes Nuevas, another small town in the municipality of Ponferrada, difficult to believe but even more rural than the last. On entering Fuentes Nuevas there is a picnic area at the foot of a cross. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to have breakfast, the bar la Ermita (the Chapel), right next door to the chapel of Santo Cristo, usually offers food early in the day. Another good choice is Taberna Mateo, with an inviting terrace. In the latter it is possible to purchase fruit. In Fuentes Nuevas pilgrims will also encounter the restaurant La Casona. At the exit of the village is the church of Our Lady, within its tower is there is a storks nest, birds in this area find ideal climatic conditions for their needs. For those who are thirsty, just inside the grounds there is a drinking tap on the right. A narrow straight path on asphalt leads the walkers through working fields to Camponaraya. Camponaraya Now at the exit of the centre the pilgrims come to a new roundabout. With caution, they should situate themselves on its left margin. From here they pass in front of a sculpture dedicated to wine, with Jacobean motifs at its base, owned by the vineyard Viñas del Bierzo.

This company has a site where visitors can taste the wines, the fruit of the land, accompanied by a tapa. The Camino passes a small picnic area with shade and a drinking fountain. After a small stretch in ascent the walkers cross the A-6 via a bridge before joining a path surrounded by vineyards. This section is dominated by descents, a comfortable stretch. In a shaded area before reaching Cacabelos walkers will usually encounter Pati, revitalizing pilgrims with freshly squeezed fruit juice. The majority of pilgrims give a donation in exchange. Pati, a father, is also a specialist in Reiki massage techniques. He explains in this VIDEO. With energy renewed, and again travelling along fields full of vines, they will cross a local road before stepping on asphalt, this road is not abandoned until arriving at a resting area which welcomes pilgrims to Cacabelos by offering a short rest before descending to the village. Cacabelos Continuing on the N-VI, the old road, which before the construction of the A-6 was the main artery that connected Galicia to the plateau, the pilgrims cross to the other side of the river Cúa, where they will find the Shrine of La Quinta Angustia. Continuing along the right side of this road the pilgrims will face a demanding climb to Pieros, a small village with a hostel, a fountain and at the other side of the road a cafe. In Pieros there is the Romanesque church of San Martín. Hikers retake the N-VI (LE-713) and at the exact moment of reaching the summit come to a junction with yellow arrows on the ground that indicate a turn to the right, towards Valtuille.

The Original Way continues for a few feet parallel to the road. This detour to valtuille has become more popular over the years. It presents more uneven ground and is a kilometre longer than the original route, but many pilgrims prefer it in order to abandon the road as soon as possible. It is a path surrounded by vineyards. In Valtuille walkers will find the café La Escuela (closed for part of the year) and the rural accommodation establishment La Osa Mayor, next to the latter there is a drinking fountain. At the exit of the village the hikers re-join the path surrounded by vineyards. A little before arriving in Villafranca they will usually find a man, with a stall who sells everything from fruit to soft drinks and walking sticks. Those opting for Villafranca, along the most historic Camino, on reaching the crossroads of Valtuille should continue at the side of the road. A few meters later, well sign posted, there is a turn off to the right on a trail, predominantly of gravel. Here they will encounter a few slopes as they progress among the vineyards. This route passes in front of the workshop of the sculptor Nogueira, his home in Villafranca is easily recognized by the peculiar pieces of work hanging from the facade of the building.  

By bike

The exit from Ponferrada is complicated. Due to its long and narrow avenues, which are shared with motor vehicles, although for a small stretch there is a cycle lane painted on the asphalt. Cross the road to enter the centre of Columbrianos via pedestrian crossing. In Camponaraya and the exit from Cacabelos the Camino is shared with motor vehicles. On arriving to Pieros, both routes are very similar.

Activity

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Recent activity
Sin avatar
Michelle Zayed Atallah 09/04/19 01:44:03
14
Hola estoy planeando mi camino y quisiera saber cuánto me toma más o menos terminarlo si empiezo en Ponferrada. No quisiera demorarme más de 10 días. Saludos!
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Michelle Zayed Atallah 05/05/2019 13:50:56
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Muchas gracias y en 8 días se podrá o es demasiado fuerte? Yo tengo buen estado físico.
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Ruben68 20/04/2019 22:15:12
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Hola.lo hice en septiembre .tarde seis días. La última etapa fue doble. Buen camino
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Guille Ristol Plasencia Fcb 06/10/18 12:51:18
07
Hola chicos! Estoy planeando hacer el camino de santiago con mi hermano, que no está muy en forma y pretendemos hacer unos 30 km al día, cómo lo veis? desde Ponferrada del 27 de octubre al 3 de noviembre en Santiago. Uniendo las dos últimas etapas de Arzúa a Santiago. Lo ves bien para alguien que no está acostumbrado a correr/caminar? Millones de gracias
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Gonzalo Sanchez Muñoz 09/10/2018 19:00:41
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la etapa de cebreiro es muy dura
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Gonzalo Sanchez Muñoz 09/10/2018 18:59:38
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yo haría una media de 20 km
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Ann Falla 27/05/18 00:58:25
02
hola, estoy pensando hacer 10 dias del camino .. Desde POnferrada en el mes de noviembre. Alquien puede darme consejos.. tips.. recomendaciones..muchas gracias
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Mar Gaitero 27/05/2018 16:11:45
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Llevate vaselina pura y cuando vayas a empezar la etapa, untate los pies y ya veras como no te salen ampollas
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Kibimar
Kibimar 27/05/2018 15:15:46
1
Desde ponferrada son 210 km con hacer 21 km por día te llega. Cuando llegues a ponferrada vete hasta el albergue San Nicolas que te dan la credencial y a caminar
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caminofernando 08/10/17 18:31:15
51
Recorrido de lamentable diseño, el 90% discurre al lado de la carretera, en numerosas ocasiones sin siquiera arcén. En Ponferrada merece la pena su espléndido castillo y su pequeño casco histórico. La salida de Ponferrada hasta Camponaraya es horrible, se atraviesan polígonos industriales y poblaciones de carretera sin ningún interés, y lo que es todavía peor, siempre al lado de la carretera. Pasado Camponaraya hay unos dos km por una pista de tierra entre viñas y choperas que resulta agradable antes de llegar a Cacabelos. El paso por las calles principales de esta villa nos devuelven la tranquilidad y las sensaciones de lo que debiera ser un camino patrimonio de la humanidad, pero desgraciadamente lo peor aún está por llegar.El tramo de Cacabelos a Villafranca, salvo los últimos dos km de aproximación a esta villa histórica, son demenciales. Literalmente te juegas la vida por una carretera sin arcén, a veces sin posibilidad siquiera de tirarte a la cuneta pues tienes que transitar por dentro de los quitamiedos. Es vergonzoso que puedan existir tramos así del camino, y casi milagroso que no ocurran desgracias diariamente. La variante por Valtuille no la he cogido, pero es imposible que sea peor que lo descrito, así que la recomiendo encarecidamente. Finalmente todo se verá recompensado con la llegada a la noble y vetusta Villafranca, que bien merece unas horas de visita.
1/5 estrellas
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Sin avatar
Javier Laureano Moreno Bernal 08/10/2017 23:00:27
1
Ya sabes coge un taxi y verás que estás cosas no pasan
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David Franco
David Franco 26/08/17 13:39:48
20
Voy empezar el camino el 8 de septiembre desde ponferrada. Si alguien se anima que avise.
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RubenCere
RubenCere 29/07/17 19:05:01
20
He empezado hoy desde ponferrada. Pasaré mi primera noche en villafranca. Si alguien recomienda un restaurante se lo agradecería ?
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Antonio J Moreno 17/07/17 23:37:20
02
Saludos!!! para la segunda semana de Septiembre, mi mujer y yo iniciamos el camino desde Ponferrada, somos de Andalucia, nos vemos.....
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Armando Santiago 28/04/2018 15:15:31
1
yo voy el 6 de septiembre y voy hacer esa misma ruta . mi primera ves veremo como me va tengo 55 anos y vivo en puerto rico .
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Sin avatar
Pocholo Martinez Gonzalez 18/07/2017 01:15:17
0
Yo tb,seguramente soy de BCN Rociero
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monikarb
monikarb 15/06/17 11:25:34
10
Hola! empiezo en Ponferrada el 8-9 de agosto hasta Santiago. Si alquine coincide en fechas y etapas y quiere que lo hagamos juntos.
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Vanessa Santos Rodriguez 24/05/17 00:05:57
12
Hola peregrinos, en una semana mi marido y yo comenzaremos el camino desde Ponferrada...podemos conseguir alli la credencial?
1 2
JaenApartment
JaenApartment 26/05/2017 19:34:25
0
Si desea reservar una noche en Ponferrada aqui estamos.

La credencial es mejor ya tenerla de su ciudad de origen. Aqui lo que tenemos es el sello para sellar la credencial.

Saludo i suerte

Jaen Apartmentwww.jaenapartment.com
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Javier Sanchez Varela
Javier Sanchez Varela 24/05/2017 10:14:58
0
Buenos días, si, hace dos años comence alli el camino, desde el albergue, nosotros ya la teniamos pero en el albergue nos la ofrecieron. Buen camino
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Sandra Nemer
Sandra Nemer 09/03/17 14:43:10
06
Hola buenos dias a todos Peregrinos. Quisiera saber si es de facil obtencion la credencial en Ponferrada ya que tengo idea de comenzar el camino alli. Muchas gracias!
Buen camino
0 6
Fer de Argentina
Fer de Argentina 29/03/2017 16:08:55
0
Maria de los Reyes, las guías tradicionales del Camino te dan este itinerario Ponferrada>Villafranca del Bierzo>O Cebreiro>Triacastela>Sarria>Portomarin>Palas do Rei>Arzúa>Pedrouzo>Santiago. Como verás, son nueve etapas, de aproximadamente 25 km promedio por día: un día caminarás 18 km y otros 28, pero llegarás, ya verás que llegarás! BUEN CAMINO!
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Maria de Los Reyes
Maria de Los Reyes 29/03/2017 06:08:03
0
Hola Fer quiero empezar el camino en Ponferrada pero solo tengo 9 días tú cree q lo logre? Dame porfavor más información , llegare a Santiago en vuelo y de ahí tendré q trasladarme a ponferrada
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Sin avatar
Ponferradino 02/12/16 18:04:43
10
Acabamos de crear un grupo dedicado enteramente a Ponferrada y al Bierzo.

Animaros a pasaros y contar vuestras historias!
https://vivecamino.com/grupos/el-bierzo ... el-camino/
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Sin avatar
Palito696 06/09/16 12:47:59
01
Con mi Sra. comenzaremos, si todo sale bien, el 13 o el 14/9 desde Ponferrada.
Es nuestra 1re vez y esperamos tener una excelente peregrinación. Un cordial saludo.
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Pepe AM
Pepe AM 06/09/2016 14:36:59
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Mucha suerte. Para empezar es una ruta bastante apropiada y sencilla.
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Angel Sotomayor Rodríguez 18/07/16 08:10:12
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Por séptimo año comenzamos en Ponferrada el 30/07/16 el grupo de un gallego y dos toledanos.
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Fer de Argentina
Fer de Argentina 04/10/2016 20:03:13
0
Hola Daniel Plaza, a unos 25 km de promedio, desde Ponferrada son nueve (9) días.
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Sin avatar
Daniel Plaza 04/08/2016 21:04:42
1
hola buen dia, estoy pensando comenzar en este punto, cuantos dias creen tadarse hasta santiago?
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Sin avatar
Virginia 17/05/16 12:30:06
11
Empiezo el día 4/07 desde Ponferrada!!
1 1
Fernandomdq
Fernandomdq 17/05/2016 19:31:47
0
Éxitos , yo comienzo e 18 de septiembre
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