Finca Anduriñas
Camino Olvidado · The Forgotten WayThe Forgotten Way
Camino Olvidado
One of the oldest Jacobean routes: from Bilbao to Villafranca del Bierzo through the mountains. Widely walked between the 9th and 12th centuries, it faded into oblivion in favour of the French Way.
The Camino that
time forgot
Mountains, history and solitude, from the Cantabrian Sea to El Bierzo.
The Forgotten Way was one of the main routes to Santiago between the 9th and 12th centuries, when pilgrims avoided the plains exposed to Almanzor's raids and sought the shelter of the mountains. As the Reconquista advanced, the French Way grew in importance and this route fell into oblivion.
Its course, recovered from Bilbao to Villafranca del Bierzo, crosses the Cantabrian Mountains through northern Palencia and León. A demanding, solitary Camino, dotted with monasteries, hermitages, Roman roads and medieval bridges. At Villafranca del Bierzo it joins the French Way.
The stops
of the route
The starting point, in the heart of the Basque Country.
Las Encartaciones and the entry into the Cantabrian mountains.
Palencia and its rich Romanesque heritage.
The Palencia and León mountains, alongside the Vadiniense Route.
Crossing with the San Salvador Way, towards El Bierzo.
Junction with the French Way, on to Santiago.
Every Camino
leads to Santiago
Each route is different, but the goal is the same. Finca Anduriñas is a donation-based rest stop on the final stretch of the routes that pass through Anduriñas (Sanabrés, Via de la Plata, Winter Way and Mozarab), at Km 24.448 in A Estrada.
The Forgotten Way in brief
Why is it called the Forgotten Way?
Because it was a main route to Santiago between the 9th and 12th centuries and later fell into disuse in favour of the French Way, until it was almost forgotten. Its course has been recovered in recent decades.
Where does the Forgotten Way go?
From Bilbao to Villafranca del Bierzo, crossing the Cantabrian Mountains through northern Palencia and León. There it joins the French Way.
Is it a difficult Camino?
Yes, it is demanding and mountainous, with long stages and few services. In return it offers solitude, nature and enormous historic value.
Which Caminos does it connect with?
At Villafranca del Bierzo it joins the French Way. From El Bierzo you can also connect with the Winter Way at Ponferrada.
Does the Forgotten Way pass through A Estrada?
Not directly: it ends at Villafranca del Bierzo. But if from Ponferrada you continue on the Winter Way, you will pass Km 24.448 (Finca Anduriñas, A Estrada) on the way to Santiago.