Did you find that beds were generally available in the Albergues along the Central route?I walked the central last summer. The only really hard day, ascent/descent wise was the day I walked over the Bruja mountain. It is dirt track on the mountain, and once you start up, there is nothing until the next town. I loved the central route! Well worth walking
I didn't have issues until after Caldas de reis. Then I couldn't find a bed because everything was booked. I ended up staying at a swanky hotel in Padron, then taking a taxi back and forth to Santiago to stay with friends there (Santiago was booked as well--I panicked at that point. I'm so thankful for friends!).Did you find that beds were generally available in the Albergues along the Central route?
I would like to add that on steep ascents/descents, zig zag your way up or down when you can. It is easier on your knees, hips, back and legs.Looking at brierleys guide it states the descent to Saxamonde on the Portuguese central route is VERY steep. This now has me quite worried! Is it tarmac, loose rubble or stones? Should I try to avoid it?
Exactly the way that I do it. I don't do it going uphill but I for sure downhill. I use my poles to push off of going up and the poles in front of me to take the weight off going down.I would like to add that on steep ascents/descents, zig zag your way up or down when you can. It is easier on your knees, hips, back and legs.
Totally dependent upon when you are walking, so take that into account when people answer. I walked “after the season” in October 2021 and had zero issues finding beds. Albergues were mostly empty, though many were shut down for the season or due to Covid.Did you find that beds were generally available in the Albergues along the Central route?
Looking at brierleys guide it states the descent to Saxamonde on the Portuguese central route is VERY steep. This now has me quite worried! Is it tarmac, loose rubble or stones? Should I try to avoid it?
Casa Fernanda is a must. Also, if you have the time, I would highly recommend the Variente Espiritual. La Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua was the prettiest stretch of Camino that we have walked...and it was raining! Buen Camino!
Steep descents and unexpected wide & deep mud puddles are where walking sticks become handy. And there are never any undomesticated ones to be found in nearby woods when you need them.Looking at brierleys guide it states the descent to Saxamonde on the Portuguese central route is VERY steep. This now has me quite worried! Is it tarmac, loose rubble or stones? Should I try to avoid it?
That’s a good comparison to compare with. I’ll put my worries away haha. The molinaseca descent was, for me, a trial of endurance.I was worried but it wasn’t too difficult. Had to zig zag but the tarmac was firm under foot. Nothing like the descent into Molinaseca.