Advice re the Camino Portuguese

Margaret Spencer said:

Good choice. I walked this almost exactly a year ago having started in Lisbon. Getting out of Vigo was a bit of a trial but once on my way all went well. The waymarking is really clear so you will easily find your way. F rom Vigo to Redondela is a very pretty walk and also an interesting walk although busier out and on to Arcade where I stopped for the night. I stayed in a quaint wee hotel, Isape, which was more than adequate. That is only about 22km but I didn't feel like walking the extra 13km to Pontevedra which I'd did the next day, arriving in time for pilgrim mass and with plenty of time to explore that great little town. Between Arcade and Pontevedra there is a very picturesque side trip on the left just after Capella St Maria, look for sign Rio Tomeza. If you have the time from Pontevedra take the Espiritual at least to Villanova where you can get a ferry to Catiora and rejoin the route at Padron. Otherwise the walk from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis is still through pretty countryside, woodlands and vineyards. In Padron try to make the time to climb Monte Santiaguino. I was weary when I got to Padron so once more stayed in an hotel, Rosalia out of town by the railway station. Albergues are all good but after 32 days I was needing some alone time. From Padron to Santiago it is all super hype time, exciting, varied walking conditions from sweet wee villages that you weave your way through to some road walking. I always took every variation offered and never got lost, after all you are basically going north. Fabulous experience. Have fun, explore and good luck.

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