I have been in email contact helping someone out with stages on the Olvidado, and thought I would highlight the options for shortening the two long stages Cervera to Guardo (39) and Guardo to Puente Almuhey (31, but long because of the ascent, and the inevitable desire you will have to stop and relax and chat with the wonderful villagers in Caminayo!).
These were not my ideas, I got the suggestions from @alansykes and @omicko. They have been mentioned on other Olvidado threads, but I thought I would highlight them.
Currently, the way marked from Cervera de Pisuerga to Guardo is 35km. It takes you along the main road and through the village of Cubillo de Castrejón. Wikiloc tracks here show you that route. But I think you are better served to make it a little longer, to get off the side of the road. When I walked two years ago, there was some arrow confusion as the route came down from the mine, crossed the RR tracks and stayed along the road. But I took some faded arrows to get back over the tracks and wound up on much nicer and quieter route. . Just remember that you can have a much nicer, quieter and more interesting walk by staying on the “other side” of the railroad tracks. I think this set of tracks shows that alternative — not far at all from the road, but much quieter. Anyway, both options take you to Santibañez de la Peña, where there are rooms (Alan stayed at Bar Mylo).
That makes the first day from Cervera about 26.
Day 2, walk the 13 into Guardo and continue on to Velilla del Río Carrión, which is about 6 km beyond Guardo. Pensiones there, but I don’t have any specific names.
Day 3, Velilla to Puente Almuhey is about 26. Great ascent, lovely ridge walking, descent into the beautiful village of Caminayo, where any one of the permanent residents will open up the Centro Social and make coffee, serve a snack, etc. There is a road route from Guardo to Puente Almuhey, which is only about 16 kms, but I have done them both and can tell you there is absolutely no comparison. Unless the weather is awful, I would highly recommend the alternative. Not sure if the Puente Almuhey albergue has re-opened, but if not, the touristic apartments in town are five star and open to pilgrims at a very economical price, about 15 or 20 per person. The restaurant to which they are attached is also fabulous.
The alternative I describe here adds a day to the stages, but who can complain about adding a day when you are on the Olvidado?!
Hope this will make some forum members less concerned about long stages. Buen camino, Laurie
These were not my ideas, I got the suggestions from @alansykes and @omicko. They have been mentioned on other Olvidado threads, but I thought I would highlight them.
Currently, the way marked from Cervera de Pisuerga to Guardo is 35km. It takes you along the main road and through the village of Cubillo de Castrejón. Wikiloc tracks here show you that route. But I think you are better served to make it a little longer, to get off the side of the road. When I walked two years ago, there was some arrow confusion as the route came down from the mine, crossed the RR tracks and stayed along the road. But I took some faded arrows to get back over the tracks and wound up on much nicer and quieter route. . Just remember that you can have a much nicer, quieter and more interesting walk by staying on the “other side” of the railroad tracks. I think this set of tracks shows that alternative — not far at all from the road, but much quieter. Anyway, both options take you to Santibañez de la Peña, where there are rooms (Alan stayed at Bar Mylo).
That makes the first day from Cervera about 26.
Day 2, walk the 13 into Guardo and continue on to Velilla del Río Carrión, which is about 6 km beyond Guardo. Pensiones there, but I don’t have any specific names.
Day 3, Velilla to Puente Almuhey is about 26. Great ascent, lovely ridge walking, descent into the beautiful village of Caminayo, where any one of the permanent residents will open up the Centro Social and make coffee, serve a snack, etc. There is a road route from Guardo to Puente Almuhey, which is only about 16 kms, but I have done them both and can tell you there is absolutely no comparison. Unless the weather is awful, I would highly recommend the alternative. Not sure if the Puente Almuhey albergue has re-opened, but if not, the touristic apartments in town are five star and open to pilgrims at a very economical price, about 15 or 20 per person. The restaurant to which they are attached is also fabulous.
The alternative I describe here adds a day to the stages, but who can complain about adding a day when you are on the Olvidado?!
Hope this will make some forum members less concerned about long stages. Buen camino, Laurie
!
