Quintanarraya to Clunia to Huerta de Rey

Some would fault us for taking another “tourist” day, but with the Roman ruins and amphitheater at Clunia just 4 kms off route, we couldn’t resist. We had briefly considered taking a detour there on our way into last night’s destination but that would have given us a 40+ km day. My body told me when I hit 70 that I’m past my time of 40 km days. So here we are with a short day under 20 and a detour off the camino.

Since Clunia doesn’t open till 10, and it’s only about 4 km from our albergue, there was no need to get moving early. We had been told that no bar or restaurant opens there before 10, (thanks @Bachibouzouk) , so we took our time.

On the way in, we decided to check out possible walking routes for going from the Roman ruins to today’s destination of Huerta de Rey, which is back on the Lana. We could go back to our albergue in Quintanarraya and proceed on the Lana from there. But it seemed like there would be an easy, direct route. We asked a few farmers, and had a good track for after our visit.

We spent two hours at the site. Watched a video and then took our time going from theater to baths to villas to the forum. Lots of good information, and I was happy to see that after many similar visits, I know the differences between frigadarium, tepidarium, and caldarium.

The town of Huerta de Rey isn’t exactly a glorious town, but we have a good room in the Hostal del Cid and have had a good lunch in Meson de las Herrerías.Read more