- Time of past OR future Camino
- Recent:Norte/Muxia- Spring '23
MadridWay- Fall '23
I completed the Sanabres Camino a week ago after having started in Rionegro del Puente.
I am a forum member who enjoys the downhills as my knees have always been strong. The uphills wear me out rather quickly, so I am not as "fond" of them.
For anyone on the Sanabres now, or contemplating walking it and taking notes, I would like to draw attention to Gronze's stage (Silleda to Outeiro), specifically the section after San Miguel de Castro to Ponte Ulla. This is a lovely unused lane through mostly woods that eventually has a sign indicating a 10% steep grade coming up. It continues relentlessly snaking back and forth for approximately 2.5k with no break in the steep descent whatsoever. My good knees took a beating and near the end I noticed my left knee was quite sore and weaker. We stayed the night in Eiravedra, and I finished the final 20k the next day into Santiago. It is now a week later and my knee shows no real improvement yet.
All this to say...be extremely careful on this "never ending" downhill. Possibly I could have slowed myself down with shorter steps although I am not sure as the pull of gravity pushed us forward. Or possibly being a 22k day my legs were already tired.
I have been on at least 8 various caminos and never experienced anything close to this.
Here are a couple of screenshots I took from the Gronze app to show what I am talking about.
I am a forum member who enjoys the downhills as my knees have always been strong. The uphills wear me out rather quickly, so I am not as "fond" of them.
For anyone on the Sanabres now, or contemplating walking it and taking notes, I would like to draw attention to Gronze's stage (Silleda to Outeiro), specifically the section after San Miguel de Castro to Ponte Ulla. This is a lovely unused lane through mostly woods that eventually has a sign indicating a 10% steep grade coming up. It continues relentlessly snaking back and forth for approximately 2.5k with no break in the steep descent whatsoever. My good knees took a beating and near the end I noticed my left knee was quite sore and weaker. We stayed the night in Eiravedra, and I finished the final 20k the next day into Santiago. It is now a week later and my knee shows no real improvement yet.
All this to say...be extremely careful on this "never ending" downhill. Possibly I could have slowed myself down with shorter steps although I am not sure as the pull of gravity pushed us forward. Or possibly being a 22k day my legs were already tired.
I have been on at least 8 various caminos and never experienced anything close to this.
Here are a couple of screenshots I took from the Gronze app to show what I am talking about.