Day 50: To Triacastela

Triacastela ( pop 121; elevation 669 m) gets its name from three castles that used to be here. Now primarily a place serving pilgrims with albergues and restaurants. In medieval times pilgrims would carry stones from this area to help in the building of Santiago cathedral. Left Fonfría around 8 am and walked on a gravel path that soon descended steeply and after just under 3 km arrived at tiny hamlet of O Biduedo (pop 31) and stopped for breakfast of café con leche and a banana. It was also a good opportunity to make a call home. Returning again to the path and more steep descents, first on gravel then on broken and jagged rock before turning into a shady and cool walk under oak and chestnut trees. Just before Triacastela, in the tiny hamlet of Ramil, is an old chestnut tree reputedly up to 800 years old and the flowering part a hundred years old. Staying in a large albergue €12 and have the only single bed in the room with four bunk beds. Their restaurant has a pilgrim's menu for €13 which includes grilled salmon and hopefully that will be available this evening. Have avoided doing washing as rain is forecast later though the morning was bright and sunny but not too hot making it very pleasant walking conditions.Read more