Are you ready to embark on a journey that will transform your body, mind, and spirit? Walk the historic Way of St. James from the vibrant city of León to the sacred Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Covering 190 miles over two weeks, you’ll average 13.5 miles a day, or join for the last 62 miles from Sarria if you prefer a shorter trek. This pilgrimage is open to people of all faiths—or no faith at all. It’s about the journey, the people, and the profound experiences along the way.
Embark on a Transformative Journey
Leon to Santiago de Compostela on the Way of St. James
Highlights of the Journey:
- Optional Day in Madrid: Before departure by train to León, join us for a day of sightseeing in Spain’s capital, Madrid, including a dinner/flamenco show.
- León: Begin in the historic town with its magnificent cathedral featuring medieval stained-glass windows.
- Cruz de Ferro: Hike over the highest point of the Camino Frances at 4935ft.
- Pilgrim Stamps & Compostela: Collect pilgrim stamps and receive your ‘Compostela’ upon arrival in Santiago.
- Community & Camaraderie: Share the path with fellow pilgrims, building lasting friendships and memories.
- Scenic Beauty: Experience the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic towns of Galicia.
- This is a guided walk. James and Angela Gehrke will walk with you on this journey as well as guide devotionals, activities, and discussions. However, you will have plenty of time to walk and meditate alone or in a group if you prefer.
- Pre-Camino reading: (Re)Discovering the Power of Pilgrimage Spirituality in a Modern/Secular World, by James Gehrke, MS, DMin.
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 0 (Sept. 24 & 25):
For those needing travel assistance from Marid, we will arrive in Madrid on Monday, September 23rd. Explore the city on the 24th including an optional flamenco show and dinner. Travel to Leon via train on September 25th.
Day 1 (Sept. 25):
Arrive in León – Our journey on the last 300km of the Camino Frances to Santiago begins in the beautiful city of León. The magnificent Cathedral is the spiritual heart of the city packed with beautiful architecture. Explore the city’s stunning architecture. Kick-off meeting to meet one another, share our thoughts, concerns, goals for the Camino and introduce the next day’s activity. Attend a pilgrim’s mass in León.
Day 2 (Sept 26):
León to Villar de Mazarife – 12.4 miles. Flat terrain with a scenic walk.
Day 3 (Sept 27):
Villar de Mazarife to Astorga – 17.4 miles. Reach the lively market town atop a steep ridge.
Day 4 (Sept 28):
Astorga to Rabanal del Camino – 12.4 miles. Prepare for tomorrow’s climb to the highest spot on the Camino de Santiago at 1,520 meters or 4,987 feet. Beware of the weather as it can change quickly and is unpredictable in this area.
Day 5 (Sept 29):
Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca – 14.9 miles. Climb to the peak of Cruz de Ferro, a spiritually significant spot on the Camino de Santiago, where pilgrims leave a stone brought from home at the foot of the cross. This ancient tradition symbolizes the release of personal burdens, sins, or aspects of past life, seeking spiritual renewal and new beginnings.
Day 6 (Sept 30):
Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo – 18.6 miles. Navigate through Ponferrada.
Day 7 (Oct 1):
Villafranca del Bierzo to Herrerías de Valcarce – 11.2 miles. Choose from three routes.
Day 8 (Oct 2):
Herrerías de Varcarce to O Cebreiro – 5.6 miles. A short but steep climb.
Day 9 (Oct 3):
O Cebreiro to Triacastela – 13.7 miles. Enjoy downhill walking and village views.
Day 10 (Oct 4):
Triacastela to Sarria – 11.2 miles. Choose between two scenic routes.
GROUP 2 OPTION – MEET US IN SARRIA FOR THE LAST 100 KM TO SANTIAGO
Day 11 (Oct 5):
Sarria to Portomarín – 14.9 miles. Walk through beautiful hamlets and forests.
Day 12 (Oct 6):
Portomarín to Palas de Rei – 14.9 miles. Ascend to Sierra de Ligonde.
Day 13 (Oct 7):
Palas de Rei to Arzúa – 17.4 miles. Cross provincial borders and taste local cuisine.
Day 14 (Oct 8):
Arzúa to A Rúa – 11.8 miles. Walk past medieval shrines and lush meadows.
Day 15 (Oct 9):
A Rúa to Santiago de Compostela – 14 miles. Reach the Mount of Joy and see the spires of the cathedral.
Day 16 (Oct 10):
Conclusion and Onward Travel – Receive the Compostela, a certificate awarded to pilgrims who complete at least the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the Camino. Attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, dedicated to all the pilgrims who arrived the day before. The mass is most famous for the Botafumeiro, a tradition that dates back to at least the 12th century. Its name comes from Galician, where “botar” means “to eject” and “fume” means “smoke.” Crafted from brass, bronze, and silver, the Botafumeiro weighs 80 kg and stands 1.60 m tall. It can reach speeds of about 60 km/h, creating thick clouds of incense during the Pilgrim’s Mass representing the collective hopes, prayers and dreams of pilgrims ascending to heaven. Our pilgrimage together will end with this awe-inspiring event.
Is This Journey for You?
This pilgrimage is designed for those seeking physical, mental, and spiritual growth. With moderate hiking each day, you’ll find a balance between challenge and reward. It is still suitable for solo travelers, groups, and families with teens (minimum age 12), this journey will allow you to connect deeply with yourself and others.
Accommodations and Meals
Stay in carefully selected rural hotels, hostels, and guest houses with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy the local hospitality and cuisine as you rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
A light continental breakfast is included each morning, which can sometimes just be coffee, bread, and juice. Lunch is not included so you are free to choose from the available options on the way each day. Most restaurants provide a pilgrim’s menu for about 10 Euros which includes 3 courses, wine, and water! Dinner is included (drinks are not). We will review learnings and review the next day’s activity over dinner each evening.
What’s Included?
From Leon:
- Selected Hotels: 1 x Single Room (1 Bed, 1 Pax)
- Guided experience
- Luggage Transfers (You only need to carry a day pack)!
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Dinners,
- $2,500 per person
- $2,225 per person if booking two or more together (double or more occupancy per room)
- Options:
- Hotel and Flamenco dinner show in Madrid ($175)
- Train from Madrid ($50)
From Sarria:
- Selected Hotels: 1 x Single Room (1 Bed, 1 Pax)
- Guided experience
- Luggage Transfers (You only need to carry a day pack)!
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Dinners
- $1,375 per person
- $1,175 per person if booking two together (double occupancy for rooms)
- Options:
You must arrange to travel to the starting point in Sarria. Options include:- By Train:
- From Madrid: Take a direct train from Madrid’s Chamartín station to Sarria. The journey takes approximately six hours.
- From Santiago: Renfe offers two daily trains to Sarria, with journey times of two hours and almost 4 hours.
- By Air:
- Fly to Santiago de Compostela, then take a train to Sarria (see above).
- By Train:
Join Us for a Life-Changing Experience
This pilgrimage is more than just a hike—it's a journey of enlightenment, self-discovery, community, and spiritual exploration. Walk the Way of St. James with us and find out why thousands of pilgrims are drawn to this ancient path each year.
Contact Us to Learn More and Book Your Spot
Begin Your Journey on the Way of St. James: Leon to Santiago de Compostela. Feel free to contact us with your questions at jgehrke@caminoforgood.com
Deposit $500 to Reserve Your PlaceEnlightened Journeys by Camino for Good
2024 Camino Contract
Your Pilgrim Guides
James Gehrke, DMin (Doctor of Ministry in Pilgrimage Spirituality), sees life as a pilgrimage, a journey of discovery and growth. He is a passionate pilgrim of the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena, and other sacred paths, finding profound meaning and spiritual connection in these journeys.
Magnifying the potential of individuals is James’ mission and passion. As the founder of a leadership effectiveness development organization, he has crafted training solutions for organizations worldwide, addressing a myriad of topics. James has worked in 55+ countries on five continents, striving to amplify the potential of every individual, team, and organization he encounters.
James believes in helping others find their core values, anchoring them in life, and providing the vision and perseverance to complete their life pilgrimage with passion and purpose. As a “pilgrimage guide,” his goal is to inspire and empower individuals, teams, and organizations to reach their full potential.
With an undergraduate degree in Organizational Communications and Spanish Language and Culture, and a Masters in Management and Leadership, and a doctorate in Pilgrimage Spirituality, James has a solid foundation for his work, reflecting his deep commitment to spiritual exploration and growth.
James’s interests include history, nature, Spanish language and culture, religion/spirituality, and of course, long, reflective pilgrimages of enlightenment. His extensive international experience, including over nine years living and working in Spain and Puerto Rico, has enriched his perspective and deepened his understanding of diverse cultures and spiritual practices.
James has walked or rode the Camino del Norte, Frances, Portugues, and the Via Francigena six times. This experience and his expertise in pilgrimage spirituality makes him the perfect Camino guide for those looking to find enlightenment through their efforts.
Your Pilgrim Guides
Angela Marie Gehrke, a Clinical Social Work/Therapist, practices in Payson, UT and Springville, UT. She embraces the saying, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Life can indeed be challenging and unfair, and Angela believes that we are all doing the best we’ve learned how.
Trauma, abuse, and divorce are profound life experiences that can deeply impact an individual’s well-being and sense of self. They can leave lasting emotional wounds that affect how a person relates to themselves and others. Angela understands the complexities of these experiences and the courage it takes to seek support and begin the journey of healing.
Her compassionate and hopeful approach helps clients process their experiences and develop adaptive coping strategies. Angela specializes in assisting individuals in healing from past attachment wounds that negatively impact their current relationships.
As the owner of Arise Counseling, Angela focuses on helping people arise out of trauma or life after divorce. She guides her clients through this journey, helping them to not only survive but to thrive in the aftermath of these experiences.
If you or someone you know is seeking support, Angela Gehrke may be a valuable resource. Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous step toward growth and well-being.
Angela has walked or rode the Camino Frances, Portugues, and the Via Francigena three times. This experience and his expertise as a therapist make her the perfect Camino guide for those looking to find enlightenment through their efforts.
What's in it for me?
- Physical motivation: Push yourself every day to reach Santiago. Is yours a 3, 6 or 12 month challenge?
- Visual beauty: Access to over 3,000 original photos of the Camino de Santiago
- Google street view: Explore the landscapes and streetscapes of Spain
- Spiritual inspiration: Listen to audio stories from real pilgrims that have completed their own Spanish Camino
- Connection to community: Create private groups with your friends
- Neck Gaiter and Patch Available for Purchase: Wear the gaiter, iron on the patch to show support
- Achievement certificate: On completion – frame it and hang it with pride
If you cannot join us or if you would like to prepare for your actual pilgrimage,
Sign up for the Camino for Good App.
Proceed to Sign UpWhether you are hiking on the Camino or virtually on our app, enlighten your walks with our companion walking guides.
Our StoreA look inside the Virtual Camino App
The dashboard tracks your progress all the way to Santiago
Log your distance manually or with a fitness tracker
Unlock 200+ towns featuring over 3,000 photos along the way
See your friends and yourself on the interactive map
Explore Spain through Google Street View!
Gather stamps for each town you visit

You must be logged in to post a comment.