Distance: 20 km / 13 miles (The meseta ended at Astorga)
Stage Twenty-six Villages
Astorga, Murias de Rechivaldo, Castrillo de los Polvazares, Santa Catalina de Somoza, El Ganso, Rabanal del Camino
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.
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.
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.