Although containing no great obstacles, this section, running parallel to the large, central valley, is an undulating and fairly demanding one, passing as it does through valley after valley where the rivers which fill into the Tambre are formed.

This part of the route is a veritable labyrinth, particularly the La Coruña section. Once again, countless villages and hamlets appear between the eucalyptus plantations and the odd, small deciduous wood. It should also be added that although the route has been restored in recent years, you still have to cross from one side to the other of the N-547, Lugo to Santiago road, over and over again.

On reaching Monte del Gozo, the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago become visible, exciting a whole host of emotions in the pilgrim. The journey ends with the arrival at the ‘Puerta Santa’ (Holy Door) and the embracing of the Apostle.

When you’ve got your breath back, Santiago provides the pilgrim with ample compensation for all the energy expended since setting off from that small village in the foothills of the Pyrenees. It’s time to pick up the Compostela, the certificate proving that the pilgrim has completed the Way of St. James, and to sit back and contemplate the stunning and so-often-dreamt-about Obradoiro façade.