Camino: Day 27

Distance: 30 KM (18.6 miles)

Weather: cloudy with small amounts of rain, 43-53°

Time on trail: 7.5 hours including all breaks & stops

Once in awhile I feel strong & walking comes easy. Today was one of those days.

Most of the day we hiked through a narrow valley above the Rio Valcárce. Then the last few hours was a steep climb up to O Cebreiro. Thankfully we arrived at 4:00 just before the rain started.

We left our hotel at 8:30. Villafranca is such a lovely town, so I had to take a few more pictures before leaving.

Around 10:30, it was time for a coffee & baño break.

Most of the day we hiked under chestnut trees. The ground was littered with chestnuts ready to be gathered & roasted for the Christmas holidays.

For the next few hours we hiked through many small villages.

Mileage markers to keep us going.

For the past 2 days we have been often serenaded by the “tinkle, tinkle” noise from cow bells.

A few villages also had many chickens roaming the town.

Along the trail you not only see messages written on rocks & signs; but also, tied on a tree.

Starting around 1:30, we began a long uphill climb that lasted for the next 2.5 hours.

After we passed La Faba, the countryside began to change.

About 35 minutes before reaching O Cebreiro, we passed into Galicia.

Also, we reached the official mileage/km marker putting us at 160.948 KM to go!

We walked into the very lovely, old, & historical village O Cebreiro only mere minutes before it started raining.

More information about the town & church.

This town is also known for its goat cheese that is shaped like a chef’s hat. My husband enjoyed some with some honey for his dessert.

Most towns on the Camino offer a pilgrim’s menu. You can pick one dish from each course & also wine for 13-16€. Such a bargain!