for a pilgrim to apply for a Compostela; but that is not the purpose of this guidebook which seeks to off er alternatives to the busy routes through Sarria and Tui which account for over 80% of all pilgrims to Santiago; by contrast the Camino Invierno currently carries less than 1%. Camino Sanabres offers a link from the Via de le Plata. This guide offers the last 5 stages of that itinerary commencing in Ourense with its rich Roman heritage and extant thermal baths. Excellent rail and road links make the city highly accessible for pilgrims wishing to commence their journey from this point.