Total distance 419.9 km
Daily average 27.9
Today’s accumulated uphill elevation 337 m
Today’s accumulated downhill elevation 320
The standard communal supper was served at the albergue last night – lentil soup (which I would not normally touch, but always find it quite tasty on Camino) followed by pasta, with yoghurt for dessert. It was fine. I took myself to bed fairly early and caught up with a couple of episodes of ‘The Archers’ (BBC Radio 4 soap that has been running for 65 years). The albergue was very comfortable, the beds are solid and don’t creak and the hospitaleros kind and attentive.
I set off this morning, under extremely dull and cloudy skies. But although the streets were wet from rain during the night, it was actually a dry start. I left with Gunter and we kept pace all day.
The walking was on dirt tracks for the first 8 km, which was a welcome start. The area is famous for its ‘bufones’ (blow holes) and although the sea was too calm for any of them to be spouting, we could hear one of them rumbling and roaring beneath our feet.
To begin with we were once again walking close to the coast, but somehow it wasn’t quite so exciting without the blue skies and sunshine.
We were following the route for the GR E-9 sendero rather than the official Camino which largely follows the N-634. After passing through the first village with no bars open yet, there was a steep climb and then a long stretch on gravel track climbing higher and higher above the coastline. I was amazed on checking my GPS to find that we were only at a level of 144 metres, whereas it had felt that I was climbing a small mountain!
We eventually dropped back down to sea level at Llanes, a holiday resort with many beautiful period properties, some very faded from their days of glory, and others immaculately presented. It must have been a playground for the rich in its day. We stopped for a mid-morning (14 km) snack before continuing on our way on a mixture of roads and country tracks. It was probably half and half today, which is a great improvement from recent days, with many glimpses, and full vistas of the coastline and sea. But as the sky was completely grey, and so therefore, was the sea – just a wash of dullness – but dry dullness. And to be honest, my shoulders and calves had burned a bit over the last few days, so it was good to have a rest from the sun.
First horreo, and I think this was a hoopoe bird taking a dust bath
I had planned to stay in Villahormes which would have given me a walk of around 28.5 kms, but as we passed by the bay of San Antolín, we were approached by a man promoting his casa rural in a town called Nueva, 3 Km’s further than Villahormes. He told us that there was absolutely nothing in Villahormes, no bars or shops. I thought he was probably exaggerating in order to encourage us to use his accommodation, but as it turned out, he was absolutely right, the tiny village had only a few properties and nowhere to buy food.
So we carried on our weary way and were actually very glad that we did. Nueva is a charming town with beautiful properties and plenty of choice of bars and shops. I am really glad we stayed here at Casa Principado in the centre of the town. There appear to be three rooms available, one twin and two double. I have happily settled in the twin all to myself, have had a nice shower with towel provided, and have handed my washing to our host. All for 12.50 euros – I would definitely recommend it – tel 672 394 427. And there is an additional bonus to staying here – I have met my first English person on this Camino – a really interesting and determined woman from Yorkshire.
Possibility of more rain tomorrow and strong winds – let’s see…
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Hi Maggie,
To me the picture of the bird shows an eurasian jay, also known by its Latin name: Garrulus Glandarius. The hoopoe has a special kind of ‘crown’ which is not apparent in this picture. A nice picture anyway–just like the rest. Love your blog!
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Thanks Henk. I took the pic from a long distance and didn’t really get a good look.
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You are doing so well! Keep it up. You are a determined woman too……Yorkshire ancestry?
Could I just ask….do the majority of hostels provide a cooked meal? Is it included in the price you quote? Or extra? And if so how much? I realise it will vary enormously.
Your feet seem better today and good to rest your skin and eyes from the sun.
Looking forward, every day, to your blog. Thank you 🙂
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You are correct Vivien, it varies enormously. Some of the albergues provide an evening meal and breakfast, usually the donativo ones. It can be expected to include lentil soup, pasta salad and yoghurt, as they have to cater for all diets. I would say it is the minority that provide food. At donativos you pay what you think it is worth, taking into account what services they offer. It could be anything from 5 – 15 euros or more.
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I am fascinated. Sounds so wonderful and looks heavenly from your photos. Hope the rain stays up. 😀
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I am in awe of the kms you have been travelling daily. I look forward to reading your daily blog whilst having my first cuppa of the morning in Perth, Western Australia (and a lapsed Yorkshire woman to boot!). Stay safe.
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Lovely to know where people come from.
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Crashed through the 400 km barrier already! Hope you slept well and had time to explore. You must now be into the area that gets all its electricity from wind energy. So wishing you a following wind, though I fear the prevailing winds are westerly. That was a very Alpine cow, complete with bell by the look of it.
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Not really experienced any wind yet Lyn, and haven’t seen any wind turbines so far.
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I am from Cape Town, South Africa and am inspired by your stories and beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing. Buen Camino
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You really are eating up the kilometers Maggie. Enjoy the company of the woman from Yorkshire. You sound like a very determined woman yourself so prepare for differences of opinion perhaps? Buen Camino xx
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Loving your blog everyday, AND all the photos,can I ask what type of camera you are using?
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A Panasonic LUMIX Dz60. If you take a look at the first Q&A post, I give more details.
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I’m so pleased to have found your blog. Thanks for taking the time and effort to share. I will be walking the Camino Del Norte beginning in Irun mid June. I walked the CF last June. This is all so helpful. What guide book do you use?
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I am using ‘The Northern Caminos’. I have a copy on my iPad. Lots has changed since the last edition and the author is going to walk again this summer to make a further update.
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