Vía de la Plata: Puebla De Sanabria to A Gudina
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
Puebla de Sanabria to A Gudina
Puebla de Sanabria is the starting point for this eighth section of the Via de la Plata, also known as the Silver Way. As the route veers west, it enters Galicia and runs through low mountains and green hills. That makes for challenging walking, with good views all day.
Markings are present but not consistent along the whole section, so keep the provided notes and map with you and use the mobile app's navigation feature. Carry enough to stay well hydrated and keep your energy up between places with services.
Along the way to Lubian
For an overview of the town's history, the Castillo de los Condes de Benavente is recommended. The castle dates back to the Middle Ages and sits high up, which gives it a very fine view. Restaurante El Tejo Sanabria is suggested for dinner afterwards.
On the way to Lubian you can visit a free-standing building that was once a church. If you go up to the roof, you can look out over the houses on the outskirts and get a panoramic view of the village. Around Lubian you'll also find hundreds of sculpted stones, made by a local artisan, marking the Via de la Plata as it passes through.
Arriving in A Gudina
A Gudina is in the province of Ourense, and it is the first place where pilgrims stop in this province on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The village doesn't have many attractions, so it's a good place to rest and recharge at the end of the walk. Cervecería A Rella and El Churrasco de Oro are both recommended for a meal.
What's included
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 aren't part of 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 in Spain. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
