TrailRunner
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Sept 2023: Lebaniego, Vadiniense y San Salvador
Hi, I walked the Camino de Lebaniego and Varidiense last week and it was truly glorious. I saw very few/no other pellegrinos along the way, although did meet some Spanish in the albergues along the way. Just wanted to mention an alternative section I took on the stretch before Riano. I can't find reference to it in any of my research so it may be a new variant. It's after you pass the Hermitage de San Turso. You can continue along the causeway towards the reservoir if not too wet underfoot. At the point where it swings right towards the road, it becomes obvious you have to join the road.The directions I was following from Gronze state there's no alternative but to carry on walking along this road, but directly opposite the point where I joined it, there's a new fence on the far side with fresh yellow arrows giving you the option to take this alternative route. This I did. It's a narrow path that goes up the mountain for a short stretch before swinging left. This wooded path then hugs the side of the mountain, going around a deep valley and around the other side. It comes out just before Riano and avoids walking along that busy highway. For me, that was very welcome. I found it very beautiful and tranquil but it was longer by at least 2-3 km, which I didn't mind at all. One on this alternative path, there were no yellow arrows marking the way but the path was obvious and there was no confusion with any other paths. I recommend it!