Camino Day 27: Foncebadón to Molinaseca

Total Distance: 21.9km
Step Count: 33.4k
Blisters to date: 2
Tortillas to date: 22
Injuries: shin splints

An early start paid off today as we caught the most beautiful sunrise leaving Foncebadón! Before setting off, we popped by the parroquial albergue to say farewell and thank you to Fernando, the hospitalero. He welcomed us with coffee and gifted me a small shell for my pack. I’d heard that you should never buy them for yourself but rather to gift so it felt special to receive one.

Shortly after leaving we arrived at the Cruz de Ferro, the highest point on the whole Camino. The tradition is to throw a stone, usually brought from the pilgrim's place of origin or picked up along the way. Placing it at the cross before entering Santiago symbolises a release of burdens. 🪨

The rest of the day would see us passing a few very beautiful villages on the mountain and an endless downhill to Molinaseca, where we enjoyed an epic swimming spot under a beautiful bridge!

We stayed at the Albergue Santa Marina, a highlight of my journey! The albergue was so spacious, with a beautiful lounge, garden and dorms. The hospitalero was so lovely too! We ended up talking for a couple hours about the Camino, it’s history, Spain and life in general. Even got a free beer and another beautiful token for my pack! 🍻

Szab and Ben also stayed here and we met more beautiful people around the dinner table. Communal dinners are one of my favourite things on the Camino! 🍽️Read more