Today’s distance 25 km
Elevation gain 310 m
Elevation loss 613 m
Total distance from Almería 294.5 km
Today’s start was quite fresh and rain was forecast. From the edge of the town we are immediately in the countryside. The asparagus harvesters are already hard at work as we leave and the farmers are out pruning their olive trees.
After around 4 km we divert onto quiet road but it is less than 1 km until we are back on the track.
The day is very hazy and it rains sporadically for half an hour, but not enough to bother with the rain gear.
We have to cross over busy road with with a high barrier to clamber over on the other side. Those with short legs may have trouble!
We reach the village of Ventas del Carrizal at 12.5 km and regroup in the cafe and then travel onwards through more olive groves – olives to the left, olives to the right, olives in front, and olives behind
We haven’t reserved any accommodation at our stage end of Alcuadete but know that there are many pilgrims walking on this stage. When we arrive I try a few numbers, Hostel Hidalgo is full, and I can’t get through to anyone to enquire about staying in the municipal sports hall. There is a small private donativo albergue run by Peter and although he is busy making renovations he kindly offers to quickly put things back together so that the three of us can have a bed for the night. We are exceptionally grateful, especially when he produced a large bottle of beer help us relax after a dusty day’s walk.
The albergue currently has two bunk beds, sleeping four, but there are plans to increase capacity in the future. The property is directly on the camino as you leave the town. Peter can be contacted by whatsapp on 0034 644 842 540.
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Did you lose a few of the group or did I miss something??!!
Glad there was room in the inn.
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Do olive trees have a fragrance? Hi Maggie, I look forward each day to your pictures and stories. Those graphics, up up up, down down down, sometimes twice a day speak volumes.. Whew! I look forward to walking a caminho some day, and this one looks fascinating, but maybe this is not for the beginners! You all are very inspiring! I wish you can find along the way everything you need to eat and and a place to sleep each night under cover. It sounds like you all carry on your backs and in your hearts everything else you may require. Really, best wishes!
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Just a few days ago there were 5 of you; now only 3? We faithful readers need details! Gracias 🙂
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Hi Maggie, we are back to more rain in Nerja and I thought about you and hoped you weren’t suffering the same fate. I’m delighted to hear it wasn’t heavy enough for rain gear. They are beautiful flowers in your photos. I was surprised when you said this route was busy with pilgrims, none of your photos give that impression and you haven’t mentioned meeting many. Much love and buen camino xx
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Looks like a magical Camino to walk. Beautiful photos.
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Like Katherine and Nancy I am wondering what has happened to deplete the numbers? So kind of Peter to fix the accommodation for you. Looked cosy!
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Love to read along as you go! Really enjoying this. I am off to Italy (Sardinia) this evening for some walking there. Hoping to be able to pick up your blog – great pics! Buen Camino!
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