Monterrubio de la Serena to Castuera

Leaving Astorga, this stage marks the beginning of the ascent to the León Mountains, a drastic change in landscape and a new challenge for the pilgrim. The path enters the Maragatería region, famous for its stone villages and traditional architecture. The route is a continuous but generally gentle ascent, passing through towns such as Murias de Rechivaldo and Santa Catalina de Somoza. The destination is Rabanal del Camino, an important Jacobean enclave with great hospitality tradition, ideal for resting before the big climb to the Iron Cross.