Scenic route from Villafranca

jalluisi · Nov 2, 2021

I wanted to share some pictures from the scenic route we took from Villafranca del Bierzo. The path leaving Villafranca is steep. It was worth the climb! The hike took longer than expected as the path takes you to Pradela too. We ate breakfast in an Albergue there. It was delicious. We had beautiful weather. We had a wonderful journey for our first camino. We are planning something for next year. Miss it!

NualaOC · Nov 2, 2021

It's a beautiful route indeed, especially in the Autumn.

Stroller · Nov 2, 2021

I remember it well, a hot day, the scent of cystus like incense, the cool of the chestnut forest just before dropping steeply into the valley and an incomprehensible conversation with a farmer, he no English me no Spanish but much smiling and waving of arms.

Rick of Rick and Peg · Nov 2, 2021

We liked this variant also. Take extra water.

Right after crossing the bridge leaving town head uphill on Calle Pradela, the ramp in the picture below.

jalluisi said:
The path leaving Villafranca is steep. It was worth the climb!

Steep indeed. But you get a good view of Villafranca.

JLV · Nov 2, 2021

Is that alternative route called the Dragonte?

Rick of Rick and Peg · Nov 2, 2021

JLV said:
Is that alternative route called the Dragonte?

No, that is another variant from Villafranca. You might find that one adventuresome. The variant described in this thread is the Pradela.

For information on the Dragonte the forum has a bunch of threads:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search/2045676/?q=Dragonte&c[title_only]=1&o=date

JLV · Nov 2, 2021

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
No, that is another variant from Villafranca. You might find that one adventuresome. The variant described in this thread is the Pradela.

For information on the Dragonte the forum has a bunch of threads:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search/2045676/?q=Dragonte&c[title_only]=1&o=date

Thanks, I didn't know there were two options.

Rick of Rick and Peg · Nov 2, 2021

JLV said:
Thanks, I didn't know there were two options.

It just occurred to me that the back cover of my 2015 Brierley guide to the CF actually uses some illustrations of the three ways out of Villafranca as an example of what is in the book.

Csutak · Nov 2, 2021

Probably 10 years ago my husband took the third - the most dangerous route and was bitten by a dog. In one of the villages there were a lot of dogs following and threatening him but no people to save him. Then in the next village there were some big dogs again but a man called them back. After the next village my husband gave up and somehow lowered himself to the highway. :O :O :O This route is not recommanded for everybody.

jalluisi · Nov 2, 2021

JLV said:
Is that alternative route called the Dragonte?

No, it's another route. This route is right when are a leaving Villafranca. We thought about the Dragonate but decided to do this one.

sternenstrasse · Nov 2, 2021

JLV said:
Is that alternative route called the Dragonte?

That route is called "camino duro" and beautiful indeed!

jalluisi · Nov 2, 2021

sternenstrasse said:
That route is called "camino duro" and beautiful indeed!

It was beautiful and worth the climb!

sternenstrasse · Nov 2, 2021

Watch for the old chestnut plantations on the way, with beautiful gnarled trees. At this time of the year you can still find some edible chestnuts on the ground.

jalluisi · Nov 2, 2021

Here is a picture of the page in the John Brierley book. We took the green route.

LesR · Nov 2, 2021

JLV said:
Thanks, I didn't know there were two options.

Actually three options (I gather) ...

The 'conventional' route along the floor of the valley, walking beside a major highway
The Pradela (described above) - turn right up a steep path just after the bridge over the river.
The Dragonate (to the left of the conventional route), and reportedly very steep and hard walking but spectacular.

I walked the conventional route in 2017 as my wife was having some leg problems and we were mindful of the rapidly approaching O Cebreiro climb (but, to paraphrase Peggy Lee, we both asked 'was that all there is?' after we reached to top). I walked the Pradela solo in 2018 and that was the hardest day's walking in either Camino - superb views but hard...

Kanga · Nov 2, 2021

@LesR the "conventional route" is much better since the opening of the motorway - I now see the "highway" as a minor road.

Anyone considering the Dragonte needs to research it carefully. Experienced pilgrims have gone astray on that route. For anyone interested there is a Facebook group "Friends of Dragonte" with updated reports.

Csutak said:
Probably 10 years ago my husband took the third - the most dangerous route and was bitten by a dog. In one of the villages there were a lot of dogs following and threatening him but no people to save him. Then in the next village there were some big dogs again but a man called them back. After the next village my husband gave up and somehow lowered himself to the highway. :O :O :O This route is not recommanded for everybody.

And I know of another pilgrim who was also bitten by a dog on the Dragonte. A long time ago and it is now more used, but I don't think the locals are yet used to pilgrims and nor are the dogs.

formysons · Nov 6, 2021

jalluisi said:
I wanted to share some pictures from the scenic route we took from Villafranca del Bierzo. The path leaving Villafranca is steep. It was worth the climb! The hike took longer than expected as the path takes you to Pradela too. We ate breakfast in an Albergue there. It was delicious. We had beautiful weather. We had a wonderful journey for our first camino. We are planning something for next year. Miss it!

I loved your photos, oh how I miss walking the Camino ways

Bama Hiker · Nov 8, 2021

jalluisi said:
I wanted to share some pictures from the scenic route we took from Villafranca del Bierzo. The path leaving Villafranca is steep. It was worth the climb! The hike took longer than expected as the path takes you to Pradela too. We ate breakfast in an Albergue there. It was delicious. We had beautiful weather. We had a wonderful journey for our first camino. We are planning something for next year. Miss it!

My brother and I also did the same scenic route in 2013. Here's a link to the YouTube video I posted of the views. Enjoy.

jalluisi · Nov 8, 2021

Thanks for sharing!

Rj7797 · Nov 15, 2021

It has been almost 5 years but it is funny looking back that I remember this route as one of the toughest days(worth it for the views!)along with the descent into Molinaseca. Did Villafranca to La Laguna. I often wonder if this is simply because the first day on the pyrnees was so far behind me at this point of it is truly a bit tougher.

Camino Chrissy · Nov 15, 2021

Kanga said:
Anyone considering the Dragonte needs to research it carefully. Experienced pilgrims have gone astray on that route. For anyone interested there is a Facebook group "Friends of Dragonte" with updated reports.

I agree the Dragonte needs to be carefully researched, but I have read on this forum that it has been waymarked much better in the last couple of years, so hopefully no longer getting lost for those who decide to tackle this alternative route.

trecile · Nov 15, 2021

I had such a lovely lunch at Albergue Lamas in Pradela. We arrived just as a delicious cake was pulled from the oven.

jalluisi · Nov 15, 2021

trecile said:
I had such a lovely lunch at Albergue Lamas in Pradela. We arrived just as a delicious was pulled from the oven.
View attachment 113321

Her breakfast was wonderful when we ate there. The best eggs from her chickens!

jalluisi · Nov 15, 2021

trecile said:
I had such a lovely lunch at Albergue Lamas in Pradela. We arrived just as a delicious was pulled from the oven.
View attachment 113321

Where are you heading next?

JLV · Nov 17, 2021

There is a girl who walked the Dragonte in the fall of 2019. She vlogged her entire camino. She had no problems at all. She is on youtube as I'll Get There

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Scenic route from Villafranca

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