Herrerias to Fonfria on the Camino de Santiago

Our journey from Herrerías to Fonfría was a truly unique chapter on the Camino de Santiago, blending horseback riding with traditional walking to experience the landscape in different ways. We began the day riding horseback through the rolling hills just beyond Herrerías, tracing the route toward the border of Castilla y León and Galicia. The gentle clip-clop of hooves on the path, the crisp mountain air, and the stunning views of dense forests and distant peaks made this part of the journey feel almost timeless. Riding allowed us to cover the first stretch with ease, soaking in the quiet beauty of the region as we approached the Galician border—a symbolic crossing that felt like entering a new world on the Camino.

After reaching the border, we dismounted and continued on foot, fully embracing the traditional pilgrim’s pace. The trail grew steeper and more rugged as we ascended toward Fonfría, winding through shaded woodland paths carpeted with fallen leaves and wildflowers. The sound of birdsong and the rustle of the breeze through chestnut trees surrounded us, offering moments of peaceful solitude amid the physical challenge. Fonfría itself, perched high in the mountains, welcomed us with its small cluster of stone houses and the warmth of a cozy albergue. The experience of traveling partly by horseback and partly on foot gave us a deeper connection to the Camino’s varied terrain and the timeless spirit of this ancient pilgrimage route.