A very unique 15 mile hike today. Upon leaving Cacabelos this morning we quickly entered some of the most scenic terrain-to-date. Our path took us up and down rolling green hills, with vineyards on both sides and a backdrop of mountain ranges that were suddenly very close to us. I remarked that the people who lived here would have no reason to visit Tuscany …. as they have almost duplicated the beauty.
We dodged rain showers throughout the day, and while we had to put on and take off our rain gear most of the day, we really never got much more than a light drizzle.
Villafranca del Bierzo, at the five mile mark, proved to be a welcome historical break. With a 13th century church, a 17th century church, the highlight was still the 16th century castle – Castillo de Villafranca del Bierzo.
At times during the final ten miles it appeared like our trail was heading straight for a mountain, only to find a narrow crease between two ridges that provided space for our trail and the road in paralleled. While we normally dislike hiking long distances on pavement and/ or walking adjacent to a busy road, with the mountains and fast running rivers we crossed en route today, provided a very enjoyable backdrop. We stopped for the day at the small hamlet of Vega de Valcarse, where our accommodations at a new hostal are exceptional! Tomorrow, the mountains, and Galicia. Buen Camino!