Vía de la Plata: Ourense to Santiago De Compostela
About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
Ourense to Santiago
This walk follows the final stretch of the Via de la Plata. It starts in Ourense and finishes in the city of Santiago de Compostela. The route crosses farmland and the green low mountains of Galicia. As you get closer to the end of the Way of Saint James, you can feel the buzz the Camino has built up over the centuries. You'll pass chapels, crosses and statues linked to the pilgrimage every day. Facilities are plentiful along the route, but drink plenty of water and keep your energy up between stops.
Stops along the way
Restaurant A Estacion, in the small town of Estacion de Lalin, is a good place for an authentic Spanish lunch on the way. Estacion de Lalin is one of the main railway stations in the Pontevedra region. Your last overnight before Santiago is Ponte Ulla, a small town in the A Coruña province. The original stage ends in Outeiro, but Outeiro has few services, so the recommended stop is Ponte Ulla. Its best-known sight is the railway bridge of Gundián, one of Galicia's most famous bungee-jumping spots.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela
There is plenty to see in Santiago de Compostela. For pilgrims from all over the world, the Cathedral matters most, and it is where the emotion of the long walk finally comes out. The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria La Real de Sar, at the entrance to the city, is also worth a visit for its archways.
What's included
The holiday includes bed and breakfast in hand-picked accommodation, a holiday or pilgrim pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before you leave. Luggage transfers between hotels are an optional extra and are not in the starting price.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
