Cistierna to Gradefes

Stage of the Vadiniense Route, a historical Jacobean route that starts in the ancient Vadinia (pre-Roman village) and crosses the north of León. The 25 km link Cistierna with Gradefes through the valley of the Esla, with undulating profile between cereal fields, oak groves and poplar groves. Gradefes is home to the Royal Monastery of Santa María, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1168 with a Romanesque church of great beauty. Transition stage prior to Mansilla de las Mulas to connect with the French Way.