Camino de Santiago: St James Way (Madrid Route) – 2 Day Camina.

Multi-day caminos like this are truly immersive & grounding, and are a great way to lean into your wilder self and take a mini adventure with other nature loving women! 

Leave your work, worries and commitments behind – 2 days of your feet hitting the ground, surrounded by fields, pines, views, crisp air and wonderful company!

2 Day Camina: April 25th-26th (Saturday/Sunday)

This option is a great way to experience a short multi day walk along the Camino de Santiago Madrid Route. 

Yes, you read that right! You have all probably heard about the Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way, French Way or Northern Way, but maybe less of you know that there is also a wonderful 300km route that starts right here in Madrid, eventually joining the French Way at Sahagún.

The St James Way: 

Although less travelled this route still offers incredible natural beauty, from cattle fields and valleys, to imposing mountain ranges, historical and architectural sights and numerous notable towns and villages to pass through!

Starting at Tres Cantos and ultimately ending in the wonderful historical city of Segovia, this plan has it ALL!

Day 1 & 2: Tres Cantos – Manzanares el Real – Cercedilla: 

The Unseco Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Manzanares River Basin

DAY 1: Tres Cantos – Manzanares el Real: 

Expect about 23km of walking on this day. Mostly flat, slight elevation. 6.5-7 hours of walking.

Meeting in Tres Cantos, we’ll be leaving urban life of the municipality behind us, as we hit the trail. 

Leaving Tres Cantos, heading towards the dramatic landscape of the Sierra de Guadarrama, we’ll pass through meadows, pastures and streams, likely encountering cattle along the way.

The first stage of the trail takes us towards Colmenar Viejo as we enjoys views of the Sierra de Guadarrama ahead. Stopping briefly in Colmenar Viejo we’ll visit the impressive Basilica de la Asuncion de Nuestra Señora and rest briefly to refresh and recharge.

Continuing on, the trail takes us through the village before opening up once again to fields and scrubland. The land turns green and vibrant as we near the Rio Manzanares and Puente del Batán, where we will once again stop and recreate, taking time perhaps to soak our aching feel in the cool flowing waters!

The final stretch is a long path through open scrubland and grazing fields, before finally reaching Manzanares el Real. It’s a tiresome section, but the passing of its reservoir, and numerous points of interest such as Mendoza castle and the Church of Nuestros Señora de las Nieves are a nice reward!

Eventually of course, arriving at the beautiful unique village itself, where we will rest for the night. 

DAY 2: Manzanares el Real – Cercedilla

Expect about 20km of walking on this day. Mostly flat, some slight elevation. 5-6 hours of walking.

After a restful night in Manzanares el Real, we’ll be walking West to Cercedilla today. This route hugs the imposing granite mountain ranges of the Sierra de Guadarrama most of the way, following paths and meadow trails. 

Leaving the village, we pass the historic castle ruins of Castillo Viejo before walking alongside the magnificent La Pedriza National Park. Onwards we continue, passing the beautiful chapel of Erimta de san Isidro eventually stopping briefly at our secret gem of a terrace for a quiet coffee and mountain views, to quietly recharge.

From here we pass through mountain scrubland, still hugging the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, until finally reaching the beautiful village of Navacerrada and the nearby Natural Park of La Barranca.

The final stretch of the trail between Navacerrada and Cercedilla cuts through pine forests enjoying a mix of terrain and lovely shade from the canopy above.

From Cercedilla, we will take public transport back to Madrid (roughly 1 and 1/4 hours). 

Investment: 

2 Day Camino de Santiago St James Way : Tres Cantos – Manzanares el Real – Cercedilla (April 25-26th)

COST: €130pp (Early Bird Discount – €110pp – ends September 15th)

Inclusive of:

• 2 Day immersive multi-day Camino de Santiago walk,
• Personal Camina Host
• Daily Shinrin Yoku Immersion Experience
• 1 night Accommodation (bed only, room sharing)
• Dinner
• Drink refreshment ant an stop each day.
• Packed Lunch Day 2.

Not Included: Travel to and from Start (Tres Cantos Station) and end Destinations (Cercedilla Staton). Lunch on Day 1 – Bring a packed lunch for day 1 to eat on the trail. Day 2 – a packed lunch is provided from a nearby cafe, before heading out on the trail. As we pass through the village of Navacerrada mid-day, we will also be able to stop for amenities.

Interested but want more information – check out this mini video outlining a bit about me and what to expect on the Camina.