3.Congosto to Santiago de Campostela

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Day 21: Congosto – Ponferrada (12.10.)

Although the official route leads north via Cabanas Raras, we decided to continue directly to Ponferrada and join the Camino Frances today. Namely, we could not get any confirmation of accommodation reservations on the northern route. So today was a shorter section, and this „break“ was more than welcome.

toward Ponferrada – leaving Congosto
toward Ponferrada
Ponferrada – Santo Tomás de las Ollas

Ponferrada was lovely as always.

Ponferrada – Castle
Ponferrada – Castle
Ponferrada – Restaurante Las Cuadras
Ponferrada – Nuestra Señora de la Encina

Day 22: Ponferrada – La Portela de Valcarce (13.10.)

Walking the Camino Frances compared to the Camino Olvidado looks a bit like walking on a catwalk. Refreshments, medical assistance, accommodation are available at every step… In addition, we walk along paths familiar to us from previous Caminos. Through vineyards, and at the entrance to Villafranca del Bierzo we stop at the church of Saint James, at the „door of forgiveness“.

toward La Portela de Valcarce
Villafranca del Bierzo – Iglesia de Santiago

Then we go to raise “La Olvidada” (certificate of walking the Camino). We continue to La Portela de Valcarce where we stay at the Hotel Valcarce.

Villafranca del Bierzo – Albergue
toward La Portela de Valcarce
toward La Portela de Valcarce
La Portela de Valcarce

Day 23: La Portela de Valcarce – Liñares (14.10.)

We start very early, walking with flashlights because we have the famous climb to O Cebreiro.

leaving La Portela de Valcarce
toward Liñares
toward Liñares
toward Liñares – bar Tito La Faba
toward Liñares
toward Liñares
toward Liñares
toward Liñares – entering Galicia

It is a beautiful sunny day and we gradually reach the top, which is now a tourist village.

climbing to O Cebreiro
toward Liñares – O Cebreiro – church
toward Liñares – O Cebreiro – Casa Anton
towrad Liñares – O Cebreiro – Hostal Venta Celta
Liñares – O Cebreiro

We continue to today’s destination Albergue Linar do Rei in Liñares. A beautiful hostel building that is unfortunately very poorly managed.

toward Liñares

Day 24: Liñares – Samos (15.10.)

A magical sunrise, beautiful shades of red playing with the clouds (reminds me of my Camino from 2013).

leaving Liñares
toward Samos – San Roque: monumento
toward Samos

Beautiful landscapes alternated, and at the first stop in Albergue Poio the best and strongest tortilla so far gives us the necessary energy to continue.

toward Samos – Albergue Poio: best tortilla

Descent to Tricastela along centuries-old chestnut trees and a beautiful walk along the river valley to Samos.

toward Samos
toward Samos
toward Samos
toward Samos
toward Samos – 800 years old chestnut
toward Samos
toward Samos

A place created around the monastery of the same name. Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Dos Gardas where we are welcomed by an exceptionally hardworking and hospitable Colombian girl.

Samos – Hotel Casa Dos Gardas
Samos – Albergue
Samos

Day 25: Samos – Morgade (16.10.)

Early departure, lots of walking and rest in Sarria.

toward Morgade
toward Morgade
toward Morgade
toward Morgade
toward Morgade
toward Morgade

Then a trip through the legendary Barbadelo to finally arrive at the „witch village“ of Morgade and stay at the lovely Casa Morgade.

toward Morgade – Sarria
toward Morgade
toward Morgade -Barbadelo
toward Morgade
Casa Morgade

Day 26: Morgade – Castromayor (17.10.)

Our continues through a landscape that is very similar to yesterday.

toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor: vending machine

As we begin to descend towards Portomarin, we enter more and more into the fog, which becomes thicker, but still plays with the sun’s rays that try to break through it.

toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor – Portomarin
toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor

Refreshment in Portomarin is welcome.

toward Castromayor – Portomarin
toward Castromayor – Portomarin

After more walking, we arrive at our destination and settle in at Pension Casa Maruja.

toward Castromayor
toward Castromayor
Castromayor – Bar O’Castro
Castromayor – Pension Casa Maruja

Day 27: Castromayor – Melide (18.10.)

Climbing with the sunrise behind a slightly cloudy eastern horizon. Still a nice and sunny day and a long walk.

toward Melide
toward Melide
toward Melide

Refreshment and a warm soup of Caldo Gallego in Casanova and the decision to trek all the way to Melida.

toward Melide – Casanova – Restaurant A Cantina: Caldo Gallego

Reaching finally Melide and finding good accommodation at Hotel Lux was well deserved!

Melide
Melide

Day 28: Melide – Salceda (19.10.)

The last two days to Santiago will be rainy and that will make walking a little more difficult.

leaving Melide
toward Salceda
toward Salceda

Now the eucalyptus forests are more common.

toward Salceda

Refreshment and a hot Caldo Gallego soup in Arzua.

toward Salceda
toward Salceda – Arzua – Cafe Bar Luis: Caldo Gallego

After a very wet walk we finally arrive at the Albergue Turistico Salceda.

toward Salceda – Bar Manuel: empanada
toward Salceda

Day 29: Salceda – Santiago de Campostela (20.10.)

We are leaving again in the dark because we have a lot of time ahead of us today.

toward Santiago de Campostela; mural
toward Santiago de Campostela

The rain falls intermittently and then stops. Getting close to Santiago…

toward Santiago de Campostela
toward Santiago de Campostela
toward Santiago de Campostela
entering Santiago de Campostela
Santiago de Campostela: the pole from Nestar made it to Santiago!
Santiago de Campostela

In the afternoon we arrive in front of our cathedral. Calm down and the emotions that have started to spill out…

Next: POST CAMINO