Just walked my first Alto Pradela variant route after Villafranca del Bierzo. Previously I'd always walked the road through the valley.
I HIGHLY (caps intentional) recommend considering the Pradela route. It is initially challenging and not the right choice for most non-athlete type pilgrims walking the full Villafranca to O Cebreiro book stage. It is a fabulous alternative with a wonderful cafe-albergue in Pradela selling delicious chestnut cake and strength-giving home-made strong chestnut liquor in the cutest tiny thimble glasses. The views throughout the way along with the hundreds of chestnut trees are stunning, as is the massive vegetable farm garden.
I thought it was a really beautiful route and a highlight of my Camino so far, though almost everybody appears to take the valley road route via Pereje. I stayed in Vega de Valcarce and recommend a valley end point (or even the Pradela albergue) if walking the variant, as it really is just too lovely to rush
I HIGHLY (caps intentional) recommend considering the Pradela route. It is initially challenging and not the right choice for most non-athlete type pilgrims walking the full Villafranca to O Cebreiro book stage. It is a fabulous alternative with a wonderful cafe-albergue in Pradela selling delicious chestnut cake and strength-giving home-made strong chestnut liquor in the cutest tiny thimble glasses. The views throughout the way along with the hundreds of chestnut trees are stunning, as is the massive vegetable farm garden.
I thought it was a really beautiful route and a highlight of my Camino so far, though almost everybody appears to take the valley road route via Pereje. I stayed in Vega de Valcarce and recommend a valley end point (or even the Pradela albergue) if walking the variant, as it really is just too lovely to rush