French Way (Camino Francés) ‧ Stage 29
French Way
On foot
33 stages
Information
About this stage
The first stage is relatively easy – not excessively long and not too complicated, orographically speaking. The only note to keep in mind is that while it is fairly easy, there are certain segments that can be a bit steep, so pace yourself and slow down or rest a bit when necessary.
Recommendation Pilgrim
This is an easy stage and also a short stage. You have to maintain a constant rhythm because the change of pavement could be tiring.
There is no problems or dangerous parts for people with reduced mobility, but they should be careful when it comes to cross the bridges especially in rainy seasons because the footbridge could be slippery.
Distance and elevation
Stage profile
Route
Itinerary
Km 0 ‧ Sarria
We begin our Camino by ascending through the main street, turning right at the marker found when passing the Hermitage of San Salvador. From there we begin the descent to the town of Barbadelo. On our way, we will pass the Magdalena monastery on the right as well as the pilgrim’s lodge before crossing the medieval bridge of Ponte Áspera. From there, we begin the small climb and pass through the imposing and majestic grove.
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Km 5,1 ‧ Rente
After leaving Vilei (where the church of Barbadelo is located) and O Mosteiro, we trek toward Rente, five kilometers away. From Rente, we continue along the same pathway until we reach the town of A Serra, where we will cross the road and proceed straight to Molino de Marzán. At this point, we will make a right turn onto a dirt track that is very well signed and will lead us through the centers of A Pena (Belante) and Peruscallo, which we must pass through while staying on course.
Km 10 ‧ Cortiñas
You´re almost halfway there! At kilometer 10, we´ll arrive at Cortiñas and then continue on without deviating from the path. As we pass through and leave behind A Brea and Morgade, you´ll see the 100 Kilometer marker, the distance left until the Cathedral of Santiago. At this point we´ll descend through the parish of Ferreiros to Mirallos and turn off to the left of the regional road, but still advance parallel to it. As we push forward, we will pass through A Pena and As Rozas, taking the dirt road that will steer us to the right of the regional road.
Km 17 ‧ Mercadoiro
We arrive at Mercadoiro following the yellow arrows and will continue following these arrows, this time along a dirt road. We will continue until a new arrow indicates a left turn, where we begin the descent to A Parrocha. As we leave A Parrocha, we´ll take the road marked on the right-hand side, continuing and arriving at Vilachá. Here we must cross the local road and make a left turn to cross the bridge over the Belesar reservoir, arriving to Portomarín and the end of today´s stage.
Congrats, but we´re not finished just yet, though! The imposing stairs of the old medieval bridge greet us, inviting us for one last climb to enter the town and park our backpacks for the day.
Km 22,2 ‧ Portomarín
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