Ambasmesetas to Fonfria

[StFina]

We will be on the CF this September. I am concerned about one of our legs, Ambasmesetas to Fonfria. With the steep climb up to O Cebreiro, how difficult will this leg prove? - Thanks - Steve

 

[jsalt]

We will be on the CF this September. I am concerned about one of our legs, Ambasmesetas to Fonfria. With the steep climb up to O Cebreiro, how difficult will this leg prove? - Thanks - Steve

Hi Steve, more info please about who “we” are. It would be easy for some, too difficult for others. Once up at O’Cebreiro, and you’ve rested and had refreshments, it’s then a pleasant walk to Fonfria.
Jill

 

[Tincatinker]

It is roughly 700m of ascent in 10k. Its not that difficult. The path is frequently pretty rough underfoot and will slow you down so plan for a long walking day, 7 hours+ with breaks. You may find the short climb to Alto do Poio more of a challenge at the end.

How much of a challenge will depend, as Jill suggests, on many factors. How far you have walked already; your personal fitness levels; the load you are carrying; how good a lunch you have in O'Cebreiro... You will have 3 - 4 days walking under your belts from Astorga: you should be in the groove by then.

 

[SYates]

Also the weather influences the difficulty of the way. Torrential rain makes it worse, nice dry weather easier ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Rod Murray]

We walked from Las Herrerias to O Cebreiro in 3 1/2 hrs or so, 700m up over 10k in the rain and wind, in June. It was cold and wet and got worse as we arrived at the mountain top. We are almost 60, but walk every day. That was our 3rd day on the Camino. We were lucky to have been booked in through a tour company, as the hard weather had stopped most peregrinos in O Cebreiro and most beds were quickly filled up, and meals in short supply. We were the only ones in our little inn that were served a peregrino meal.

 

[StFina]

Got it. We are early 50's in good health and walk daily around 5 miles. I did the CF back in 2014, and walked from Vega de Valcarce to Triacastela, and I remember it was a killer. This year, we have reservations at the albergue in Fonfria. I am assuming about 6 hours for the walk from Ambasmesetas to Fonfria, would that be accurate? It is about 24 kilometers. Thanks again for all your help - Steve

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Ambasmesetas to Fonfria. With the steep climb up to O Cebreiro, how difficult will this leg prove?

My Fitbit recorded it as the most "up" of any leg on the Camino! You go up, you go down, you go up, and repeat. By the time I got there I was a bit surprised at the number of Fitbit "floors" in the stage.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

We will be on the CF this September. I am concerned about one of our legs, Ambasmesetas to Fonfria. With the steep climb up to O Cebreiro, how difficult will this leg prove? - Thanks - Steve

Starting at Ambasmestas, 50, good health and 5 miles/day... You'll be fine, even if the weather is naughty. And there's dozens of places to stop and get coffee/beer/food. Good luck and Buen Camino!

 

[jsalt]

I am assuming about 6 hours for the walk from Ambasmesetas to Fonfria, would that be accurate? It is about 24 kilometers.

Hi Steve, that works out to 4kms per hour, including rest and refreshments stops. There is no way I could do that leg in that time. More like 3kms per hour on average, so 8 hours is more realistic. If you have a booking then there’s no hurry. But be sure to let them know that you may be late, otherwise they may give your beds away after 3 or 4 pm.
Jill

 

[whariwharangi]

We will be on the CF this September. I am concerned about one of our legs, Ambasmesetas to Fonfria. With the steep climb up to O Cebreiro, how difficult will this leg prove? - Thanks - Steve

Its not hard if you do it one step at a time.

Its harder going down the other side.

 

[kayagee66]

I'm reasonably fit. I started a good 10km closer to Fonfría than you (Herrerias). I was well worn out by the time I got there. I had breakfast, and another three stops before Fonfria. I will admit to having a very good late night in a bar in Herrerias though. So perhaps you should avoid doing that.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I turned 62 a few days before my climb to O Cebreiro. Frankly, I thought its difficulty overrated. Its demanding, sure, but quite do-able.

 

[dougfitz]

From my GPS track this year, this leg is about 25.3km, with about 650 m of pretty uniform climb to O Cebriero, then about 300m of both ascent and descent from there to Fonfria.