Forgotten Way, Vadinian Route, Besaya Way, Liebanian Way

The Forgotten Way, the Vadinian Route, the Besaya Way and the Liebanian Way are four Jacobean routes that form part of the network of Northern Ways of Saint James, and all are characterized by the green, mountainous landscapes of the Cantabrian Mountains. The Forgotten Way is the longest and runs from east to west, whereas the Vadinian Route, the Besaya Way and the  Liebanian Way are shorter routes running from north to south, intersecting or sharing sections of their paths with the Forgotten Way. All four routes allow for connections between the Northern Way and the French Way at various points along their courses.

The Forgotten Way is one of the oldest recorded Jacobean routes, having been used shortly after the discovery of the Apostle James's tomb. As a variant of the Northern Way, it starts in Bilbao, traverses the provinces of Vizcaya, Burgos, Cantabria, Palencia and Leon, and joins the French Way at Villafranca del Bierzo. Notable features include the variant via La Pola de Gordon and its intersections with other routes in the Northern Ways of Saint James network.

The Vadinian Route is a Jacobean route that begins at the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, where the Liebanian Way ends, and heads south to link up with the French Way at Mansilla de las Mulas. It intersects with the Asturias Way at Las Salas and the Forgotten Way at Cistierna, crossing the provinces of Cantabria and Leon via the foothills of the Europa Peaks.

The Besaya Way, also known as the Blendian Road, is a Jacobean route that provides a transverse link between the Northern Way and the French Way, following ancient Roman roads along the Besaya River basin. It begins in Suances and ends in Carrion de los Condes, crossing the provinces of Cantabria and Palencia. It shares a section of its route with the Forgotten Way.

The Liebanian Way is a pilgrimage route that is, in itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It begins in San Vicente de la Barquera and ends at the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, traversing the entire province of Cantabria. As a Jacobean route, it connects with the Vadinian Route and also shares a section with the Northern Way.

The Metro Chart of the Forgotten Way, Vadinian Route, Besaya Way and Liebanian Way is designed to be printed as a 108x30 cm poster. Those interested may contact Cool Hispania via email at info@coolhispania.com.

Route and links

Forgotten Way

  • From Bilbao to Villafranca del Bierzo, 510 Km, 20 stages

Vadinian Route

  • From Santo Toribio de Liebana to Mansilla de las Mulas, 155 Km, 6 stages

Besaya Way

  • From Suances to Carrion de los Condes, 186 Km, 7 stages

Liebanian Way

  • From San Vicente de la Barquera to Santo Toribio de Liebana, 68 Km, 3 stages