Ruitelan

Day 33 Ruitelan
Distance from Villafranca to Ruitelan
24kms

Walking parallel to the river and along a quiet country road with only a few cars in as many hours. We anticipated a steady climb but were surprised at how easy it was passing through small forgotten villages with few inhabitants and no amenities.
To our delight we came across a small goat farm on the edge of a village with a sign saying goat cheese for sale. Through the iron gate we went and were fortunate to see the goats being milked in a tiny shed whilst in the adjoining building the milk was being processed into cheese. We bought cheese rolled in herbs and were invited into the processing room. No English was spoken but we enjoyed the tour.
Through steep valleys we made our way up to the village of Ruitelan where it is said San Froilan lived as a hermit in a nearby cave in the 9th Century. We sat by the river soaked our feet ate goat cheese and tomato sandwiches and talked to fellow kiwi pilgrims.
A rest afternoon in readiness for one of the steepest climbs tomorrow.Læs mere