Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 4 – Marinhas to Viana do Castelo

The first inclines and rain of the pilgrimage arrived today as we moved from the coast to an inland section. It had lashed it down during the night giving the morning a refreshing air. I began walking with Anastasia from Russia until I caught up with my mum and brother. We called into a cafeContinue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 4 – Marinhas to Viana do Castelo”

Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 3 – Póvoa de Varzim to Marinhas

An Atlantic wind was our companion for today, as well as a few spattering of showers, keeping the walking comfortable. We were out dead on 7am, knowing we have one of the longer stages ahead. There was a very light shower to begin with, that kept coming and going for the first 30mins or so.Continue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 3 – Póvoa de Varzim to Marinhas”

Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 2 – Labruge to Póvoa de Varzim

This stage was a short easy one, with a cooling sea breeze and cloud cover keeping the sun off us; perfect walking weather. We had a lazy start, having breakfast at a pastelería near the albergue, taking our time. It was close to 9am when we started walking. Back on to the boardwalk along theContinue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 2 – Labruge to Póvoa de Varzim”

Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 1 – Porto to Labruge

It’s always a good feeling to return to the Camino, and to tread along a familiar path from 2022, was like slipping on your comfy shoes. Just after 8am we left the cathedral making our way to the river Douro. The banks teaming with runners, making the walking more like a slalom course. We passedContinue reading “Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 1 – Porto to Labruge”

Camino Sanabrés Day 13 – Santiago de Compostela

The plan was to arrive into Santiago on Saturday. I had to keep to the schedule to complete the Sanabrés within 14 days. I went ahead of my initial Camino companions at day 3 – perhaps I could have stuck with them? We had breakfast at 8am, hitting the road 30mins later. It was mostlyContinue reading “Camino Sanabrés Day 13 – Santiago de Compostela”

Camino Sanabrés Day 12 – Ponte Ulla

A totally chilled out day ambling long. It should have been a 22km day but ended up a 30km. The latest start for this Camino. Matthew, Luis and I agreed to meet at the restaurant in A Laxe for breakfast at 8am. The plan was to get to Donelas, a short 22km away. The privateContinue reading “Camino Sanabrés Day 12 – Ponte Ulla”

Camino Sanabrés Day 11 – A Laxe

Brucey bonus, I miscalculated. It was a 34km day! The route was an undulating mix of road and forest trails. I didn’t sleep so well last night, just couldn’t get comfortable. At 5.40am I decided to get up and go. I had done Most of my packing last night, so I could get away earlyContinue reading “Camino Sanabrés Day 11 – A Laxe”

Camino Sanabrés Day 10 – Cea

It is so good to be back in the countryside, and finally get off the tarmac. Out the traps at 7am. The hard pavement was very unwelcoming for my feet. As normal, trying to find my way out of a city is always challenging. I relied on Gronze Maps heavily. After 2km I came toContinue reading “Camino Sanabrés Day 10 – Cea”

Camino Sanabrés Day 9 – Ourense

Even though it was a short day, it felt like the toughest. I left just before 8am saying goodbye to Captain Pilgrim and getting a selfie with him. It was slightly misty, and the moisture in the air collected in my beard. The path started out on soft gravel but that soon turned to tarmac.Continue reading “Camino Sanabrés Day 9 – Ourense”

Camino Sanabrés Day 4 – Puebla de Sanabria

It was a tough day and had the first rain on this Camino. There was a headwind for most the day under brooding skies to add to the difficulty. I was the first to leave the albergue not waiting for the cafe to open at 8.30am. I knew I had a long trek ahead. IContinue reading “Camino Sanabrés Day 4 – Puebla de Sanabria”