The high road via Pradela to Trabadelo

The high path by Pradela to Trabadelo. Colours and spectacular scenery.

Pieros to Villafranca

Wonderful Albergue in Pieros with vegetarian food. Peaceful luxury for a night, the best night's sleep so far.

Hombre

¿Donde esta el Corral OK?

Ponferrada

Templar castle with spectacular display of illuminated manuscripts

Riego

Path outside Riego de Ambras

Quietly crumbling village

Hazards

Some very dirty sheep along the way

Molinaseca

Welcome rest in the lovely village of Molinaseca

High mountain passes

Wonderful chilly scenery on way to Acebo and Riego

Cruz de Ferro

Leaving my stone (bit of Riverside brick) at highest point of Camino

Astorga to Rabanal

Rabanal and the wonderful Refugio Gaucelmo, which is staffed by volunteers from the London Confraternity of St James.  Gregorian chants in the little chapel in the evening made it a very special event.

On the way

Beautiful day for walking - so far.

Leaving Astorga

Gentle start at 08:00

Gaudi's palace

The Bishop's Palace designed by Gaudi which now houses the Museo de Los Caminos.

Blue skies and sunshine but snow in the mountains.

Astorga

Entering the ancient walled town of Astorga. Statue of a refugee from the civil war.

Madrid

Hostal Acapulco, so far so good. On quiet square just off Gran Via. Off to the Prado.

Packing

More systematic than it looks - honestly.

Dry Run

16 April, one week before departure, the final dry run (walk) went well. It was a pity to find part of the towpath at Drumbeg closed, with no indication of the next access point. The 20km from Lisburn station to Gt Victoria St, by way of Harlem for a late lunch, left plenty of time for comparing pack weights, packing lists, and final arrangements. Who'd have thought packing could be a competitive sport with a few grams making a difference.