Todays final journey is over 26 kms or nearly 13 miles. We ascend gradually towards the airport, down to Labacolla, where we cross the rio Labacolla, then ascend upto Monte Gozo, where pilgrims past have had their first glimpse of the spires of Santiago, onto San Marcos and finally, descend in triumph down to Santiago.

The first part of this last stage is through tall stands of the ubiquitous eucalyptus. As we get nearer the city asphalt and crowds begin to take over. We prepare ourselves for the long hike up to Monte Gozo, which, while still surrounded by eucalyptus, is all on asphalt road.

We note the numbers of pilgrims will be gathering. Many groups organise just this one-day in which to enter the city and so bus loads may join us on this last leg.

Leaving the albergue in Arca, we turn left up onto main road into the town and turn off to the sports stadium where we join the direct route in Arca and proceed into the dense eucalyptus forest and through the village of San Anton and head down into the rio Amenal valley into the village of Cruce.

Here we cross over the N-547 and head uphill through Cimadevila to thread our way through the ever-expanding road network around Santiago airport. A dedicated pilgrim track takes us down into a deep cutting at the end of the runway before crossing under the airport access road.

We now make our way through the ancient hamlet of San Paio to experience the last recognisable stretch of the medieval Royal Way Real Camino as we head uphill onto a natural path lined with remnants of the native deciduous woodland that once covered this land.

Lavacolla / Cruce recognised more for the name of the airport than the place where medieval pilgrims came to wash and purify themselves before entering the city.

Here the path continues around the side of the parish church to cross over the access road to the airport.

At last we reach the final destination of Santiago. The focal point is of course the magnificent Cathedral. There are also the many Plazas to explore, each one having been explored by pilgrims over the last hundreds of years.

Santiago has become a very popular destination, so we have to be patient. We mught have to queue, perhaps for hours to complete the traditional pilgrim routine on entering the Cathedral.

Some pilgrims find a quiet church or square in the city to offer their thanks for the safe arrival and then attend the pilgrim office and obtain the all-important Compostela. We can also meet with friends, have a drink and a celebration meal.

The next day at noon, we finally enter the Cathedral to attend the special pilgrims mass, said for Brother William and all the many other pilgrims who have successfully travelled this historic route.

WELL DONE, BROTHER WILLIAM !!