Stage

Ponferrada - Las Médulas

27,2 km

The Winter Way starts in Ponferrada, in the neighbourhood of Puente Boeza. You leave the city surrounding Mount Pajariel, and the first 5 kilometres are over when you reach Toral de Merayo, a medieval bridge over the River Oza.

Then you continue on a mild climb towards the municipality of Priaranza del Bierzo, where you can see the Castillo de Cornatel, a castle formerly inhabited by the Knights Templar where pilgrims could seek shelter. There are spectacular views over the valley from there.

The route continues through Borrenes to Carucedo, where you may take a detour to the town to access different services. You continue towards the village of Las Médulas, an amazing archaeological Roman site. It is listed as a World Heritage Site and its reddish mountains show how gold was extracted by the Romans by circulating water through rocky canals dug inside the mountains. There are guided tours.

How to get to Ponferrada

The closest airport to Ponferrada is in León, with daily flights from Madrid and Barcelona. From there, you can take a taxi to the city (around 14 Euros) and then other means of transportation to Ponferrada.

There are buses from different Spanish cities and towns arriving at Ponferrada’s bus station daily. You can check the different routes and timetables calling +34 987 401 065. Other connections are available from León (+34 987 211 000).

From Madrid, there are two trains to Ponferrada departing from Chamartín station. They are the “Regional” and the “Atlántico”, you can check prices and timetables at Renfe (Ph: 902 240 202).

There are 114 kilometres from León to Ponferrada, it takes one hour and a quarter by car, driving on the A-6, then on the AP-71 and going past Astorga. From Madrid to Ponferrada there are 390 kilometres, you need 3 hours and 40 minutes on the A-6.

Tips from our postmen and women

What to do and see in Ponferrada?

Benito Lázaro Correos Ponferrada

“You should not miss a visit to the Templar Castle in Ponferrada. You have to check the opening times: it is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 to 14, while opening times in the afternoon vary depending on the time of the year.

Once you walk past Priaranza del Bierzo, you should stop to check the Japanese Cherry trees, planted by the Hispanic Society of Yokohama as a symbol of friendship between Spain and Japan.”.