Changes to camino before Portomarin

[megtemple]

For some reason the local council has changed the route of the camino. After Vilacha the arrows will take you on the road, and after half a kilometer, offer a path to the right beside a vineyard. The path looks good, but deteriorates to be rocky, steep, and after rain slippery. It maybe a half a kilometer shorter, BUT takes longer because of the conditions. If you stay on the road, after another half a kilometer, you will be offered another path on the right, this cuts the corner, after rain it is muddy. So, my advice, in bad weather, or unless you are very fit and up for a challenge, stay on the road. OR if you know the old way, take that. I live in Vilacha and when I walk to Portomarin I walk the old way. If you have any questions you can write to me susannatemple@gmail.com . I am the aussie who has the donativo table and a place to rest in Vilacha. Buen Camino

The other thing, pilgrims please take care walking on the road, it is a narrow, winding road, and everyday I come around a corner in my car, to find pilgrims in the middle of the road, and have to brake hard to avoid hitting them. It is best to walk on the left facing the oncoming cars. Also, exercise care crossing the Portomarin Sarria road, it is a busy road, and there are no signs advising cars to be careful of pilgrims. You do not have right of way.

 

[newgabe]

Thanks for the great update. Its been so rainy lately and so many places are so different depending on the weather this info is great to know. About cars.. yes its so weird dealing with them after getting used to the pace of footpaths... having to walk on roads or even cross them.. cars seem like scary monsters!!!

 

[dduroy]

I loved the rocky drop, but people appeared frustrated behind us non rock stepping and little balance kind of people who took it slow. Be patient folks you'll get there.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

For some reason the local council has changed the route of the camino. way.

You are absolutely right, the new ways into town make no sense. The longer section was not only very muddy but filled with trash.

Next time i'll be using the 'old route', much nicer and easier.