Ponferrada (15.2km / 561.9km)

We couldn’t stop taking photos on this walk. Starting with the sunrise behind the mountain and then the gorgeous landscape as we descended into the valley. The scenery helped keep our minds off the steep downhills! At times the path was very rocky and we had to walk quite slowly.
They were difficult walking conditions but we managed well and the new shoes continued to do well! Such long steep downhills have taken their toll on many walkers doing too much too fast so we were happy to be in good shape at the end.
The architecture in the villages was unique to the area with timber cantilever balconies into the stone walls. Amazing they have lasted so long.
We stopped at the bottom for a coffee and cake before heading into Ponferrada (Albergue Guiana). After showering and washing clothes we were starving so decided to get a series of Tapas for our main meal of the day including a yummy Salad, calamari, chorizo, spicy potato and red peppers!
We then visited the Medieval Templar Castle. Not castle ruins for a change but a complete castle. It was sooooo impressive and regarded as the finest in Spain. I’m sure it is the scene of many movies! Just thinking the Templars and the castle were purely there to protect the pilgrims is quite humbling.
We headed into the reasonably modern city for some necessary purchases before going to mass in the Basilica and then ending the day with Churros at last! The churros were average but the chocolate sauce was like a light mousse. James and Tammy joined us as we will be in different villages for the next week. The prices are really reasonable too! I can’t remember when I last paid euro 2.50 for a whisky or 1.80 for a glass of wine.
We are really enjoying the shorter distances now as we arrive at our destination at 1pm or so and still have energy to walk around the town.Read more