October 07: Distance: 7.3 Km / 4.5 miles
This is a short stage because the last stage should have ended in El Acebo, but I wanted to stay in Molinaseca, so will bus from El Acebo to Molinaseca, making the next day’s walk to Ponferrada a short day.
Stage Three Villages Molinaseca, Campo 4.1, Ponferrada 3.2
Note: About 1 hour 30 minutes between Molinaseca and Ponferrada. Time to explore.
Watch for:
Leaving Molinaseca – The Camino splits about 3 Km from the center of Molinaseca. The Camino technically turns left at the curve in the road and passes through Campo on the way to Ponferrada. Turning right to follow the road will get you to Ponferrada just the same and is a shorter path to the Municipal Albergue. (Wise Pilgrim). Campo was once the Jewish quarter of Ponferrada.
Ponferrada – History: Castillo de los Templarios
Castillo de los Templarios – Plenty of time to tour the castle.
Old Town – After exploring the castle, walk through the park, Ladera del Castillo, that passes along the back side of the castle and has a steep slope down to the Sil river below. It has a dirt trail that leads into the old town through the back way, entering on small streets that lead to the Plaza Virgen de la Encina. (Bebee)
Plaza Virgen de la Encina – Social and town center of medieval Ponferrada
Dining:
Bar La Virgen de la Encina (alle Comendador, 4; 987-409-632) www.hostallaencina.net
Restaurante La Cuadras (next door to the bar) is more formal. Fresh and inspired meals, with white linen and red and white checkered tables around a wood balcony/mezzanine dining area.
Taberna La Obrera is a tapas bar.
Lodging Info:
Hotel Los Templarios €50.00 $54.00
+34987 41 14 84 / Florez Osorio, 3, 24400
Entrance is in the alley. Please be informed that the hotel reception closes at 6pm. If you arrive later than that time, the procedure to access the hotel and collect the key to your room will be sent to you by email in this same conversation or by whatsapp. If you leave the hotel before 07:00, please leave your key in the mailbox and please send us a photo of your ID to check-in.
Public Transportation Along this Stage:
Molinaseca: Bus / Ponferrada: Bus, Train