October 11: Distance: 11.6 Km / 7.2 miles (Entering Galicia)
Stage Seven Villages
Vega de Valcarce, Ruitelán 2.1, Las Herrerias 1.4, Hospital 1.0, La Faba 2.5, Laguna de Castilla 2.4, O Cebreiro 2.2
Watch for:
Ruitelan – One of the best cafés on the Camino: Bar Omega. On the right as you enter the east end of the hamlet. (Beebe)
Laguna de Castilla – The last town in Castilla (the border between León and Galicia). Has one of the largest hórreos on the route.
O’Cebreiro (pronounced oh–thay–bray–air–oh) Marks a final major threshold over the Cantabrian mountains. 3rd highest peak on the Camino 3,364 ft. Entering Galica.
Church: Iglesia de Santa Maria Real – A reconstruction of the medieval church that was destroyed in the early 19th century. The baptismal font, virgin and chalice reliquary are from the medieval church. Dating from the 9th century & is the oldest extant church associated directly with the pilgrim way.
Sunset and comradery: Grab a seat and drink at the one stone picnic table in front of Mesón Antón, in the center of the village. Antón gives out little snacks to go with the drinks, and his picnic bench is often the main hub of pilgrim life just before dinnertime.
Galicia – The mountains of Galicia are the first object in 5,000 km that the westerly winds across the Atlantic hit so you can expect an immediate change in weather with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. (Brierley)
Lodging Info:
Casa Anton €89.00 / $96.20
Casa Anton, O Cebreiro, n1327670; 638 350 753
Booked Direct: Reservation Number – 1759
Public Transportation Along this Stage:
Vega de Valcarce: Bus / Ruitelán: Bus