October 05: Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Stage One Villages
Astorga, Valdeviejas 2.4, Murias de Rechivaldo 2.1, Castrillo de los Polvazares, Santa Catalina de Somoza 4.6, El Ganso 4.3, Rabanal del Camino 6.6
Watch for:
Murias de Rechivaldo – Stork’s nest: The church is on the NW edge of the village & on the right side of the LE-142. Massive nest on top of the bell tower.
Considered to be part of the Maragateria, whose inhabitants are characterized by their red hair, hard work ethic, and honest reputation (Wise Pilgrim)
Detour! Leaving Murias de Rechivaldo – NO! Do not take the Camino left directly to Santa Catalina de Somoza. YES! Do follow LE-142 on the right side for another 2 km / 1/3 miles to Castrillo de los Polvazares.
Castrillo de los Polvazares – Once the Camino arrives here, make a right over the bridge and the road takes you straight into the village. Beautiful village. Walk around to experience the stone architecture. Declared a Historic-Artistic site.
Leaving Castrillo de los Polvazares – Take the central street heading west. A yellow arrow pointing to the left appears at the base of a roadside crucero at the end of the street. Turn left here & follow markers for 1 km/.6mi to return to the path that runs parallel with the LE-142 which will be on the left.
El Ganso – Known for its rundown Mesón Cowboy (pictured above).
Rabanal del Camino – A 12th-century garrisoned Templar town. Iglesia de la Asunción overseen by Benedictines. Daily Vespers 7pm and Compline 9pm prayer in the form of Gregorian chant.
Warning! Leaving Rabanal – Be sure to fill your water & take provisions to fuel the climb.
Lodging Info:
El Refugio Hosteria (The Inn Shelter) €45.00 / $48.60
+34 987 63 15 92 / C/Real 74-76, 24722
Public Transportation Along this Stage:
Astorga: Train, Bus
Return to 2025 Camino Stages List
Onward to Stage Two: Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo / Molinaseca – 16.6 Km