Ourense to Santiago in July

[Rosalinda]

We are now planning our second Camino. First one was in July 2015 from Sarria to Santiago. The kids will now be 12 and 15. Is the Camino Sanabres well marked? Will be walking on the main roads much? Any areas of "dangerous" road traffic that we need to pay special attention to? Last time it was just us four this year between family, friends and a neighbor we will be joined by 8 additional persons so I'm in charge of planning. We loved walking from Sarria to Santiago. Will we love the Camino Sanabres just as much? Will this Camino be much more challenging and hotter than our last one? I am seriously considering skipping the climb out of Ourense and starting 4.5km past in Cudeiro. Does anyone know where the 100km mile marker begins? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[williamlittig]

Enjoy, you will, don't plan too much there are frequent arrows and bring snacks as some days will be long. The climb out of Ourense is there, as is an unavoidable climb beyond the monastery on day two. Grin and bare it there are views from the top of hills. Having walked five Caminos this was a favorite. there are a few stretches of highway walking, I wear bright clothing and have a small flashing light, we never got blown off. The albergues were clean and modern and seldom crowded (Sept./Oct.). My bucket list is long or I would love to return to beautiful walk again........ Ultreya........ Willy/Utah/USA

 

[Barbara]

No problem for me apart from the hill out of Ourense pushing my bike until I was about 5km from Santiago when I got some roadworks and a diversion to cross a motorway. That was STEEP. Didn't help that halfway up I got a rollicking from a woman pushing a pram down the other way. Still don't know why she disliked me so much, it's not as if I kicked her baby. That's probably all done by now, I expect.
It's all pretty good once you get to Toledo, before that you will unavoidably have some long days. (I cycled, which made life a lot easier) It will be on the warm side.

 

[maggiec]

I did the Sanabres last October. It was my favourite part of the VDLP. It is rugged and hilly but the scenery is breathtaking. The new albergues are huge and modern but mostly little or no kitchen equipment so be prepared for that. Distances between towns are longer than Frances, but it is well marked. Not as many shops and cafes either. I would do the Sanabres again in a heartbeat. It is beautiful and nowhere near as many people

 

[Donna Sch]

The stretch between Orense and SdC is a lovely walk. The first few hours out of Orense are uphill as you are walking out of a volcanic crater. Just take it slowly. The 100 km mark is in Orense itself.
I went Orense - Cea - Castro Dozon - Silleda - Ponte Ulla - SdC.
The bread is great in Cea. We managed to lose the route near the Forno just out of there because we were too busy chatting and laughing and all three of us missed a rather obvious arrow. So if you find yourself in the forestry you should have gone right...
Castro Dozon has a large albergue but no private accommodation. Silleda is a decent sized town with ATMs etc. Ponte Ulla is a lovely spot but watch the downhill just before it. Very easy to go for a slide. The bar on the right when you cross the river is very pleasant and is a good accommodation option. Just not sure how many beds it has. I prefer tackling hills when I am fresh and the walk from Ponte Ulla to Outeiro is uphill. Not a problem first thing but I wouldn't fancy it at the end of a long day.

 

[koknesis]

It is a nice walk indeed. Uphill out of Orense is rather moderate, imho. I would recommend to take the path via Oseira. The monastery experience is worth it.