Today swapped the industrial hellscape for eucalyptus forests. Clean air and cool shade.
There was talk around the dinner table last night that it was going to be a very hilly stage, but they weren’t that bad for a Basque Country battle hardened pilgrim.
After leaving San Martin, it was up into woodlands around Asturias airport. It was easy going until it passes forestry work. The vehicles had churned up the path causing deep ruts filled with mud. It took some careful route planning to navigate these obstacles.
After successfully traversing the mud bath relatively cleanly, I entered Soto del Barco where I stopped for second breakfast at the Parador (I don’t think it was the official chain).
From there it was down to the estuary, over a bridge with no room to walk between the crash barrier and railings, then up into Muros de Nalón, which is the stage end. – but a 17km day is too short for me.
Back into woodland took me up to El Pito and some little villages. I passed a few peregrinos, but I didn’t recognise any of them.
After dropping down to sea level, it was time to tackle the biggest ascent of the day, a mere 150m – nothing, although the sun was out in full force.
After tackling another forestry work puzzle I arrived into Soto de Luina, grabbing a bed at the municipal albergue, then relaxed at a bar. There is a Spanish holiday this weekend, so I’ve been told, so most places are closed.
Waiting at then only bar open, familiar faces arrived, Elliot, Yorst and Connie. I have caught up with those I had been walking with from the start!
Stu's Camino 