![]() The terrain is pretty hilly in certain sections and you’ll have to cross two mountain ranges (more on this later). Keep in mind that to ride 800 km in 14 days, you’ll need to average about 57 km (35 mi) a day. I recommend 13 to 14 days if you want to have enough time to make well-deserved stops at local cafes and explore nearby attractions. It all depends on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend doing other things besides riding your bike. Most avid cyclists can complete the 800 km (500 mi) ride in about 11 to 14 days. ![]() Preparationįinishing the French Way on a bike is not easy and you should prepare accordingly. These recommendations/tips are based on my experience, other people might live a completely different experience, and that’s OK. In this post, I’ll try to give you as much information as possible to help you plan your cycling trip to complete the Camino de Santiago. When I was planning my own trip, I couldn’t find a whole lot of information for travelers wanting to complete the Camino on a bike, the vast majority of information on the internet and travel guides are targeted to folks who want to walk the Camino. The path crosses Spain close to its northern coast covering roughly 800 km (500 mi) and it includes all types of terrain you can think of: dirt paths, paved roads, rocky descents, and cow pastures, just to name a few. Most travelers complete the Camino walking, but biking is increasing in popularity.īiking the French Way is certainly a challenge. The Camino started as a religious enterprise centuries ago but in recent years it has also become popular with travelers looking for an adventure or a break from their busy lives. The inn is well appointed and the restaurant serves local fare (at one point, it was a Michelin recommended restaurant) looking over a tranquil field.Camino de Santiago Trail close to Portomarín Paraiso del Bierzo is actually located a km before the small hamlet of Las Herrerias.The easier of the two comes one km past Villa Franca and will add 1.2 km and 450 m gain / 370 m loss. As you will stop near Las Herrerias, before the major climb to O'Cebreiro, they become more feasible for the confident walker. ![]() If you are up for the challenge, there are two higher route options that will increase the hike time and difficulty of this stage.It has a number of sites worthy of your time including the "Church of Santiago", "Castillo Palacio de los Marqueses" and "Monasterio de San Francisco". If you start early, you'll have enough time to explore the town. In about 8 km, you will reach Villafranca del Bierzo.Take a few breaks and when you finally arrive in Molinaseca, the winding river that is frequented by pilgrims lazing by the side of it will be a sight for sore eyes. A good 1,000 meters downhill on rocky terrain will test your knees. The descent is the real killer of the day.Take time to look at a few and take in the power that the Camino has over people's lives. Many pilgrims choose to memorialize loved ones with pictures, notes, poems and letters. Hopefully you have remembered a stone for back home to place on the ever growing pile. But for previous pilgrims, the 10 meters of elevation difference was not something to worry about. The high point actually comes a few km later, as you can see with the elevation profile. Cruz de Ferro is often erroneously considered the high point of the Camino Frances. ![]() You may get another perspective on life and purpose! Some may say it is hippy, but go inside, have a coffee and strike up a conversation. The local albergue is staffed partly by pilgrims who have left their previous life to live on the camino. You'll quickly reach Foncebadon, a crumbling village that is a real jewel of the camino. Although you are reach the high point of the camino on this stage, it's not a particularly difficult ascent.You'll sleep out under the stars so make sure to pick a night with good weather. He will also put up pilgrims at his makeshift Albergue. He provides food, water and juice to pilgrims passing by free of charge (although he does accept donations). One of the many characters on the Camino, David left a life in the city years ago to live simpler life on the Camino. Shortly before reaching the cross viewpoint, you will surely meet David.The walk between Santibanez de Valdeiglesias and the cross (Cruceiro) viewpoint is pretty, with sprawling fields of grass and lightly wooded areas. Finally, the camino starts to show flashes of pretty landscape.There is nothing but flat, gravel road for the first 10 km until reaching Villavante. Furthermore, make sure to stock up before leaving Villar de Mazarife. This is a long day, so make sure to start early.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |