Hospitales route and Penaseita albergue

comboyneperegrino said:

I was wondering if anyone knew if the albergue at Penaseita is still open as I'm considering doubling back to it if I do the hospitals route over the mountains? Is there any other accommodation before Berducedo?
Many thanks,
Michael

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Michael,


Eroski Consumer lists it http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es./albergue-de-penaseita. However they cite a review from March 26 which is not too great.
Another possibility before Berducedo might be in La Mesa. See this link
http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es./albergue-de-peregrinos-de-la-mesa.

Buen Camino,

Margaret

What is your plan? Are you thinking of going to Hospitales from Tineo or Borris? La Mesa is after Berducedo, or are you going to go via Pola Allande, stay at Berducedo and backtrack to Hospitales?

I walked via Pola in April 2011. When I got to the turn off, the track was covered in fog. The following day, I stopped in Berducedo and spoke to the ones who had gone via Borres. They did say it was basic and that you needed to carry your own food.

Then in August 2011, I rode my bike on the Primitivo and when I got to the turn off for Hospitales, I took the track and went up. I was amazed at how well this track is marked, personally, I would no thave got lost in the fog in April.

When I was on the VDLP this year, I spoke to a Spaniard and he said that he had walked this way in late December. There was snow on the track and he never lost a marker.

When do you plan to go as I will be on the Primitivo again in July?

Hi Michael,
If you read this before you walk the Hospitales on the Primitivo, be aware that turning back to Penaseita from the 'junction' with the Pola de Allande - Berducedo alternative will only save you about 1 kilometer! This at the expense of dropping down some 400 mts of altitude and having to do it all again next day.
If you go by Pola de Allande, Penasieta albergue was open last month when we went by (we stayed in Pola) and the cafe 'Casa Vinas' nearby was functioning. It is always a bit of a gamble as to what will be open or closed! The very useful bar at Lago (5 k before Berducedo) was closed when we got there. A note on the door said "owing to family sickness"!!!

Casa Herminia in Campiello was a bit of a disappointment. Rather expensive for the accomodation offered and the food was pretty basic. The welcome however was as warm and friendly as ever, and we were duly fed and watered in the back room after a large (I think funeral party) had finished their meal at 3.00 p.m.

We will be posting a lot of details when we get sorted. We only arrived back in the U.K. last night after nearly 6 weeks in Spain!!

Blessings on your walking
Tio Tel