Public Transport from Madrid towards Leon and Santiago

[Rosina Lila]

Hi Brian,
If you only have seven days and it is your first time on the Camino perhaps
you should not attempt to walk the 200 kilometers from Ponferrada, which
would entail the daunting climb to O Cebreiro.  You might consider commencing
your walk in O Cebreiro and come down from there and walk the 150 or so
kilometers to Santiago.
 From Madrid you can take a bus/train/plane to Leon or Ponferrada and then a
taxi (they are very inexpensive) or bus to O Cebreiro.
I myself and a friend will be doing exactly that in August.
Fond regards,
Rosina