Variant leaving A Gudina

[lt56ny]

i will be walking the VDLP later this year. I should arrive in A Gudina about November 20th. I was looking at Gronze and trying to determine the differences between walking on the main route through Laza or walking the Variant. It is about 25k longer on the Variant. It seems like there is about the same availability of albergues. The way I walk going through Laza to Ourense would take me 5 days and I would take 6 days to walk the variant, so that is not an issue. Has anyone walked both? Or can you tell me the pros and cons of the path you chose. Would appreciate any input. I have walked 3 times in Galicia in late November/December so I am prepared for weather.

 

[Dougie1982valley]

First off, I’m jealous at the idea of walking this section during November. I walked it in late April and the mist in those mountains and hills created a wonderful atmosphere and it was matched by the haunting beauty of a couple of ‘ghost’ villages that you pass through as you head toward Campobecerros and Laza. Also, the cafe/bar/restaurant opposite the Xunta Albergue in A.G was fantastic as it opened very early for coffee and the food and hospitality were excellent no matter the time of day. I did not follow the variant so I cannot comment on that aspect but I maintain that the ‘traditional’ route is absolutely beautiful, apologies again for not helping more with the other option. Ps - I’ll always remember Campobecerros as the ‘cat village’ due to this one particular house literally being surrounded by 15-20 domestic cats. No exaggeration, it was kind of creepy but amusing at the same time I look forward to seeing how you go on with your VDLP. BC

 

[lt56ny]

First off, I’m jealous at the idea of walking this section during November. I walked it in late April and the mist in those mountains and hills created a wonderful atmosphere and it was matched by the haunting beauty of a couple of ‘ghost’ villages that you pass through as you head toward Campobecerros and Laza. Also, the cafe/bar/restaurant opposite the Xunta Albergue in A.G was fantastic as it opened very early for coffee and the food and hospitality were excellent no matter the time of day. I did not follow the variant so I cannot comment on that aspect but I maintain that the ‘traditional’ route is absolutely beautiful, apologies again for not helping more with the other option. Ps - I’ll always remember Campobecerros as the ‘cat village’ due to this one particular house literally being surrounded by 15-20 domestic cats. No exaggeration, it was kind of creepy but amusing at the same time I look forward to seeing how you go on with your VDLP. BC

No need to apologize at all! Your answer is just what I was looking for. I hope I have more. As I said even if you walked only one of the two your input is valued. I hope to do some posting as I go along.

 

[peregrina2000]

The variant from A Gudiña through Verín is really the route less traveled. There aren’t too many forum members that have walked it, but you are lucky that @alansykes has! His accounts are always wonderful. You can read it here.

Though I haven’t walked it, I have spent time in Allariz and in Santa Mariña (as a tourist) and it’s well worth a visit if you are enamored of ancient churches and monasteries and roman ruins and prehistoric hill forts…..

I don’t how much you enjoy visiting these sites, @lt56ny, but here is a quick blurb about one day I spent in the Allariz area and enjoyed it very much.

Either way, it’s so wonderful, you can’t go wrong. And the two Frenchmen I was walking with on the way to Campobecerro saw a wolf. I, on the other hand, had had to step behind a bush and missed the whole thing.

 

[Dougie1982valley]

 

[Dougie1982valley]

The above image proves the crazy cat house…. 11 just on one side of the abode - no wolves here though @peregrina2000

 

[peregrina2000]

The above image proves the crazy cat house…. 11 just on one side of the abode - no wolves here though @peregrina2000

It was on the ridge after leaving A Gudiña, after going past that abandoned ”worker village” for the dam below. The French guys said it was absolutely majestic. That the wolf sort of locked eyes, looked haughtily at them, and sauntered away. That of course is an anthromorphic description, but I saw a picture and it is quite a good one! It would have been wonderful to see it, if only nature hadn’t been calling.

 

[Vince1958]

It’s nice to read about a variant that isn’t Covid related for once! Buen Camino

 

[lt56ny]

The variant from A Gudiña through Verín is really the route less traveled. There aren’t too many forum members that have walked it, but you are lucky that @alansykes has! His accounts are always wonderful. You can read it here.

Though I haven’t walked it, I have spent time in Allariz and in Santa Mariña (as a tourist) and it’s well worth a visit if you are enamored of ancient churches and monasteries and roman ruins and prehistoric hill forts…..

I don’t how much you enjoy visiting these sites, @lt56ny, but here is a quick blurb about one day I spent in the Allariz area and enjoyed it very much.

Either way, it’s so wonderful, you can’t go wrong. And the two Frenchmen I was walking with on the way to Campobecerro saw a wolf. I, on the other hand, had had to step behind a bush and missed the whole thing.

I have checked it out and I think you are correct, either way I doubt if i can go wrong. I will probably wait until i get to the Variant to decide which way I will continue my Camino. Once again Laurie you have proven to be invaluable with your knowledge and generosity. Gracias!

 

[jimmyc]

when leaving a Gudina we mistakenly followed the wrong arrows. After walking 7 klms we discovered our error and caught a taxi back. If we had continued we would have done the variant but we had a time restriction and had to take the shorter route.
However, the shorter route was beautiful and was one of the most memorable on the Sanabres.

 

[Elle Bieling]

My only suggestion, having only done the regular route, in absolutely horrible weather with gale force winds, is to check the weather before you begin. It quite exposed up on the high road to the Alto do Espiño. If the weather report is bad, maybe consider the variant! But there is the new swing at the top! Here is my website for this day. https://www.pilgrimagetraveler.com/camino-sanabres-a-gudina-to-a-venda-da-capela.html.

 

[peregrina2000]

quite exposed up on the high road to the Alto do Espiño. If the weather report is bad, maybe consider these variant!

The other unavoidable part of the “regular route” that can be really treacherous in the rain is the descent to Campobecerros, essentially an unmarked slip and slide down through a hillside of slate or shale or some very slippery black rock. But that may have gotten re-routed with the AVE construction, I don’t know.

 

[lt56ny]

My only suggestion, having only done the regular route, in absolutely horrible weather with gale force winds, is to check the weather before you begin. It quite exposed up on the high road to the Alto do Espiño. If the weather report is bad, maybe consider the variant! But there is the new swing at the top! Here is my website for this day. https://www.pilgrimagetraveler.com/camino-sanabres-a-gudina-to-a-venda-da-capela.html.

Thanks I will definitely check it out and as for the weather, it is in the hands of the Camino Gods and lets hope they shine their light on me

 

[Elle Bieling]

The other unavoidable part of the “regular route” that can be really treacherous in the rain is the descent to Campobecerros, essentially an unmarked slip and slide down through a hillside of slate or shale or some very slippery black rock. But that may have gotten re-routed with the AVE construction, I don’t know.

The regular route now gives you the option of taking the road into Campobecerros, so that is no longer an issue. However, if you have a bluebird day, take the mountain route! It is quite dramatic, with the best views on the entire Sanabrés!