Via de la plata from Ourense in Nov

[Jim]

I will be in Spain in October in the Salamanca area and wish to conclude with a short camino starting November 2nd, then explore a few cities on the way back to Madrid before departing for home (LAX). I already walked the Portuguese route (beautiful) and did the leg from Sarria to SDC this past spring and was looking for something different. So I looked at the profile from Ourense and decided to try it for a change of pace.

What can I expect in the way of albergues being open? No problem if they are not. Could plan on B&B's, but wanted to see what options I would have. Is the trail well marked these days? Heard that there was construction and that the route actually changed a few times. I imagine summer construction would be quiet by November. I have good gear for colder areas. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

JIm

It is two years since I walked that route - it is really nice and was straightforward and well waymarked. Good albergues and they should be open! Other users have more up to date info.

 

[miguel_gp]

Jim, I walked this route May 2007. There was some road construction but diversions to the waymarked route were well signposted. Presumably those works are finished now but no reason to presume that any further works would not be equally well diverted around.

I stayed in Albergues at:
Ourense
Cea (21km)
A Laxe (31km)
Capillla de Santiaguino (34km)
Then 19.5km to Santiago

I believe there is also a possibility to stay at the Monastery at Oseira (10km from Cea) and there is Pilgrim accomodation at Castro Dozon (12km from Cea) and an Albergue near Silleda although from memory this is about 1 km off the waymarked route.

There is a route for Download in Google Earth, starting in Verin but incorporating the section from Ourense, at camino-mozarabe-and-via-de-la-plata/topic3745.html.

Cheers
Mig

 

[Jim]

Thanks very much, Johnnie and Mig-- that information will help!

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Yes if you phone ahead to Oseira the Monastery provides unheated dormitory accommodation and cold showers!

 

[evanlow]

Don't forget to try the hotspring in Ourense. It's free. Less than a Euro by tram from Plaza Major. Or you can walk there in the morning (cross the huge old bridge, turn left immediately around 1 km). For the 1 km detour you get to invigorate your body and still be on time to Cea for a siesta.

 

[Jim]

Thank-you, Evan! That would be a great way to start off.
BTW, I like you YT videos-- really great pix.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

...and if you´re in Ourense on Saturday, it´s got one of the most extensive markets I´ve ever seen in Spain. They´ve got everything there, from pig heads to kiwi fruits, and all the cheap sunglasses you could ever want, all laid out in rows along the riverbank, over the bridge, and into what were once the fruit market stalls.

Oh, and the Chapel of the Passion in the cathedral is a can´t miss. It´s like the inside of a Tijuana taxi in there, WAY over the top! And don´t forget to tap your forehead on the tomb of Sta. Olaya, right by the front door. Especially now that you can´t touch Master Matteo in Santiago.

reb.

 

[Jim]

Thanks, Rebeka! I am beginning to get very excited about this camino! Thought it wouldn't have many different things to offer from the Portuguese route, but some scenery variants. I think this will be a very good experience for me.