Now in Valladolid for a couple days for the holiday, it was an easy 8m walk from Puento Duero through the forested paths to Vallodolid’s outskirts and then to the center. I used the tracks that
@AJGuillaume shared in the Virtual CdM thread but it turned out to be quite easy/clear. Stayed in the albuergues in Villeguillo, Alcazaren, and Puento Duero, and I’ve seen no one else on the path or in the albuergues other than 5 French cyclists in Villeguillo (and a few cyclists zooming by on occasion). Everyone in these villages has been kind and welcoming, and the walk is gorgeous beyond words! The albuergue in Puento Duero is a treat with the resident hospitalero and all sorts of camino memorabilia and information. Arturo assured me that all the albuergues past Puento Duero are open- for others looking to do the CdM this year.
I could use some advice, from
@alansykes and
@C clearly and others! Arturo in Puento Duero suggested I head over to the VdLP/Sanabrés from Peñaflor, when I mentioned my interest in detouring to see Urueña - to avoid the shock of crowds on the Frances. This intrigues me, but as this is my first camino and my Spanish is quite basic, I want to avoid getting in over my head. I need a route that is doable in mostly <25km days (or where there is a bus or taxi option if the stage is much more than 30k), that has good lodging (I’m happy with a mix of albuergue and private rooms), and that has gps tracks/and/or is well marked. I’m game to try it, especially if it is going to be much more difficult to get a bed and avoid covid on the Frances (from what I’m reading in other’s posts)? Is there a good route from Villalpando to Granja de Moruela (this looks like quite a long walk)? Or is there somewhere I could stay in between, near the lake perhaps?
Thank you for any guidance!