April 2017 sees my return..

[clearskiescamino]

Hello all,
So that's decided..
Only a month after walking from Santiago to Fisterra, I have booked flights to walk another part of the Camino Frances; this time from Ponferrada to Muxia. I haven't been west of Ponferrada since 2012 (I much prefer the meseta). I fly to Madrid at the end of April and travel to Ponferrada via the trenhotel.
This should be fun.
David

 

[NualaOC]

Buen Camino David and enjoy the 'tren-albergue' to Ponferrada! It was full of excited pilgrims when we took it a few years ago - not much sleep, but plenty of Camino atmosphere.

 

[clearskiescamino]

@NualaOC thanks riding the trenhotel is something I am looking forward to. However, I am wondering did you have any issues finding the Camino once you step off the train. The last thing I want is to be lost in the middle of Ponferrada in the dark

 

[NualaOC]

@NualaOC thanks riding the trenhotel is something I am looking forward to. However, I am wondering did you have any issues finding the Camino once you step off the train. The last thing I want is to be lost in the middle of Ponferrada in the dark

Hi David, from what I can remember, we used google maps to find our way from the train station to the Camino. We decided to follow the roads for a few kms and we connected with the Camino signs just outside the city. The roads were well-lit and had foot paths - once we negotiated the first few junctions it was a very straight route after that. Unfortunately, I can't remember the specific details, but I remember that I was glad to have studied it before leaving home.

Walking through the sleeping city was fun (in a weird sort of a way) and we made it to Villafranca del Bierzo, in spite of the sleepless night on the train.

Happy planning and Buen Camino!

 

[SYates]

Here a link to city maps of the Camino, including Ponferrada and the train station:

http://www.elcaminosantiago.com/Camino-Santiago-Map-Camino-Frances-Cities.htm

Buen Camino, SY

 

[clearskiescamino]

Thanks for the tips @NualaOC and @SYates - you have been helpful!

 

[Silverbarista]

I remember getting out of Ponferrada because no one spoke English and it was hot and siesta time. But the few people we spoke to "Camino ?" Just indicated a huge arc and pointed in one direction. When we saw the bridge we understood and about 8km down the track found a lovely place to stay, with a bell tower with one of those huge nests that the birds that fly over from Morocco make. Nice place. Buen Camino.

 

[clearskiescamino]

@Silverbarista I've never actually stayed in Ponferrada as I prefer Molinaseca a few kms beforehand. However, I do remember, from 2012, getting lost in Ponferrada. Finding the bridge is the key I believe.

 

[Nephelokokkygia]

When exactly are you planning on being in the Ponferrada area? I'm arriving in to Biarritz on the 16th of April and may be around that area at the same time. Buen Camino!