Sometimes taking the longer route pays off, and it did today. Out of my walking pals, only two of us took the complimentary alternative way – 5 km more!
It was dry to start with, with a great sunrise as I made my way up the valley. Some of the best views since entering Galicia.
The way is on a very little used road, gently ascending along one side of the valley. Ahead the cloud level was getting closer and at the point it leaves the road on to a soft gravel path, the ascent quickly increases.
After passing what looks like a kiln, now over grown with vegetation, the path zigzags up to the head of the valley; into cloud.
The temperature dropped, prompting me to put my jumper on, but not wet enough for the poncho. A slow decline through farmland took me into Gontán. At the cafe, Samual and Karel were already there, and shortly after we were joined by the rest of the gang.
It was here I found they had taken the short cut, and followed the main route. Swapping stories, they had spent most of the walk in the cloud – they were looking a bit damp.
With 5km to go, we called into a Spar for snacks and made our way to the albergue. I walked the last bit with Samual, another Camino veteran.
The albergue has rustic vibe with communal meal. Very chilled out evening with good company, familiar faces and new.
Stu's Camino 