- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via Gebennensis (2018)
Via Podiensis (2018)
Voie Nive Bidassoa (2018)
Camino Del Norte (2018)
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Thank you, my wife and I may get over there yet. I would like to plan a camino with reasonable (for us) distances. We will follow you.Day 3 - Santa Fe de Mondújar to Santa Cruz de Marchena (13.4km)
Today was our first "challenging" walk. It started with a steep climb out of Santa Fe, just to test our legs, followed by a steady climb.
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Coming down from the ridge, we then walked on a rambla for about a km. @OzAnnie , it was smooth walking, as we just followed the tracks left by vehicles.
Leaving the rambla, a gently climbing track took us to a main road (AL-3407).
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However, when we got to the ridge after crossing the road, our hearts stopped. All we could see was a very steep descent (which you can see on a photo taken from the other side). Luckily, the Asociación Jacobea created a zig-zag path down.
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I'm very proud of my darling who coped with the ascents and descents very well (and carefully)
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But wait, before we could get to Alhabia, we had another up and down!
There are two tiendas in Alhabia, and you may need to use one of them if, like us, you're stopping in Santa Cruz de Marchena, as there are no tiendas there.
The walk from Alhabia to Santa Cruz de Marchena is on a road along a rambla. We stopped for a picnic in Alsodux.
The albergue in Santa Cruz de Marchena is on two stories, fully equipped kitchen and dining room downstairs, two bedrooms upstairs with two single beds each.
Not many pilgrims stop here: the last ones were on 28 August 2022.
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Hello George,Hi.
Unfortunately it doesn’t look like we will meet. I’m in Abla today, the walk from Alboloduy was a complete.........lots of mud and water, ended up with a short taxi ride or else my feet or my hokas would have been destroyed
Regards
George
I agree 100%. For me, that section ranks up there among the 2 or 3 most stunning parts of any of my Caminos. It isn't just the scenery. It is the exhilaration of being up there, with no one around, in a rocky dry inhospitable environment, with spectacular views, and a destination somewhere over those hills.an amazing climb up from the river to the carretera A-1075. The views were amazing. We even saw two cabras monteses. My only caution is to pilgrims who may have fear of heights: the path is narrow in many parts.
@C clearly , you've captured it: the exhilaration!I agree 100%. For me, that section ranks up there among the 2 or 3 most stunning parts of any of my Caminos. It isn't just the scenery. It is the exhilaration of being up there, with no one around, in a rocky dry inhospitable environment, with spectacular views, and a destination somewhere over those hills.
On the subject of walking along the rambla, and I'm thinking of @OzAnnie as I write this, we found out that when there were farms along the rambla, we could always walk in the tracks left by vehicles. Nice and easy.Others have mentioned the stony walking as being quite a challenge, but you both seem to be taking it in stride. I guess walking shorter stages would make it less exhausting.
It would be nice if they could indicate the two alternatives. My notes for that day from Ocaña do say "Hard day - endless river bed!" But I'm not sure that the highway would be necessarily be my preferred choice. If they put up X's, it suggests that there might be an important barrier or problem ahead, rather than simply a hard day.the going was too hard on the rambla, so they decided to route the Camino on the carretera.
The best thing about the camino are those moments, aren't they? Everyone speaks of the endless river rocks on this stretch, and it sounds like a challenge, but a lovely one.Like so many experiences, to have finished that days-long stretch of rambla gives a sense of accomplishment and a certain marvel.
Haha, yes. But I'm not sure I would apply the word "lovely".but a lovely one.
Yeah, I bet!But I'm not sure I would apply the word "lovely".
Even the views are dramatic /amazing more than lovely.Yeah, I bet!
(I was thinking of the views that we are seeing. )
We're hoping to arrive in Córdoba on 22 October, and in Mérida on 6 November.Do you have a time line of when you expect to arrive in Córdoba or Merida? For us Córdoba October 13th and Merida October 24th. Would be nice if our paths were to cross.
Buen Camino.
Nely had told us in Almería that Casa Violeta was a better choice than the municipal albergue in Huéneja. So that's where we're staying tonightNely was concerned that the Albergue in Hueneja might not be clean and offered an alternative, shown as closed in their guide.
Because we're at a higher altitude, during the day the temperature went up to 26°C. The breeze also helped a lot. At night, the temperature dropped to 9°C.It looks really dry - and I can't imagine how it must be in the heat of summer. How are the temps now?
This place looks lovely AJ. I’m sure it would have been very restorative putting your feet in that cold pool. The patio tho -very charming and peaceful spot.We're staying at Cortijo Maromilla, and they charge €20 per pilgrim. They have two rooms with twin beds in each, kitchen, a beautiful patio, and ... a swimming pool! Cold water, but we soaked our feet in it and it did us a lot of good
Thank you @george.g !Arrived Granada, the climb out of Dudar was a little bit brutal, no refuel stops till Sacramonte, but the view of the Alhambra made up for the effort. Although you could take road into Granada but traffic could be a problem.
Staying at the Oasis Backpackers, a definitely “hippy vibe” but very central. Off to Seville tomorrow effectively a rest day, to start the VdeLP on Monday.
Gracias @VNwalking ! We would have loved to visit the Alcazaba in Guadix, too, but like the Roman Theatre, it's open one day per week, on a Thursday at 10am.Wow, lucky you - that theatre!
This is so much better than the virtual planning caminos - they were fun too, but this is embodied.
Buen camino, you two!
That flower looks like an Eryngium. I have similar in my garden. Always in lovely shades of grey and mauve.Definitely! In this case I would apply the word lovely! We might not have the spring flowers, but the views to date have been beautiful.
Speaking of flowers, we do get beauty, even if a bit prickly
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@george.g was right, that climb out of Dúdar did test us. We stopped at a bar just before the start of the ascent. Not sure if that was what was needed, but we made it to the top, step by step, and my darling did very well! In case you wonder what we drank before climbing: "un Colacao y una manzanilla, por favor"Arrived Granada, the climb out of Dudar was a little bit brutal, no refuel stops till Sacramonte, but the view of the Alhambra made up for the effort.
I have to ask, weren't you able to get over them at all?We were surprised and intrigued by the fact that the two bridges we crossed had space for pedestrians but these couldn't be accessed because of the crash barrier.
The first time I stepped over a crash barrier on the Camino, I lifted one leg in front like a high-jumping scissor kick, and the weight of my backpack almost brought me crashing backwards to the groundI have to ask, weren't you able to get over them at all?
I might have been able to get over them, but not my darling. They are pretty high!I have to ask, weren't you able to get over them at all?
Sounds appropriate to me!Admins, delete this bit if not appropriate, but we have a suggestion for some excellent food in Granada, Papas Elvira, they serve vegan and vegetarian, home made, and delicious!
Not good. There is enough walking on vehicle roadways as it is. When there is room to move off the road, I feel a little more comfortable, but that didn't look pleasant.I might have been able to get over them, but not my darling. They are pretty high!
Not judge you! Of course I will. I think it is a great thing to be sufficiently self-aware about your capabilities, and to plan your stages with those in mind. What a great example you are providing to others.For anyone reading this who do not know us, we're slow walkers and distance challenged, so please don't judge us
Possibly the culvert in the photo posted by Xali, taken on Oct 10th?Day 21 - Alcalá la Real to Alcaudete (23.2km)
...Had we followed the arrows to the right, we would have crossed under the road in a culvert. We had a storm last night, and I can just imagine the mud in that culvert...
buen caminoDay 0 - Almería
My darling and I are slow walkers, distance challenged, and we're not purists. We thought we would share our experience and hopefully give some information about our walk on the Mozárabe to other peregrin@s who may be like us.
We arrived two days ago in Almería, as we intended to see a bit of the city, and we did well. There is a lot to see, and the Alcazaba is definitely a must see for history and old stones aficionados.
Another reason we came early, is to meet Nely, who is a member of the Asociación Jacobea de Almería-Granada. She has a wealth of information, and she will be our point of contact, should anything untoward happen, until we arrive in Granada at least, and maybe beyond.
Many other illustrious members of this forum have written about the Mozárabe, so the purpose of our commentary will be to give you the perspective of two slow walking pilgrims.
We'll try to give you information about where we stayed, and any difficulties we encountered. I'll share Wikiloc tracks, and if you wish, you can follow us on FindPenguins.
In Almería, as we were staying more than the usual one night (we stayed 3), we chose to book a private apartment. It is situated in Calle Estrella, which is a great location: 10 minutes walk to the Alcazaba, 5 minutes walk to the cathedral.
Here are some snapshots of our stay in Almería, with one of us with Nely (on the right).
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Do you have the link to the post, please, @Peregrinopaul ?Possibly the culvert in the photo posted by Xali, taken on Oct 10th?
You must have crossed paths with them somewhere, surely.
Turns out Xali saw us (we're not inconspicuousYou must have crossed paths with them somewhere, surely.
Xali might have been surprised that I was able to identify some landscapes in his photos on his thread. But that was only because I have already been following you closely, and "google-earthing", and looking at geological maps. You are traversing fascinating country. And obviously revelling in it. Buen Camino!Turns out Xali saw us (we're not inconspicuous) at the Fortaleza.
I wish I was a castle supervisor!Also, the castle supervisor showed us a shortcut, which can be taken on the way up.
I was wondering how VN could have missed these on our virtual planning thread, but then I realized we didn’t do anything with the Jaén spur!one regret, as we're leaving Torredelcampo, we noticed a sign about Visigoth burials. I would have loved to go and see them, but it would have added 5km to our day, so my darling suggested maybe another year...
Had we split our Jaén - Martos stage with a night in Torredelcampo, we could have visited this site.I was wondering how VN could have missed these on our virtual planning thread, but then I realized we didn’t do anything with the Jaén spur!
And thank you for sharing this journey with us.Thank you for all the encouragement and the comments!
I will follow with interest! This is very much on my list.Day 0 - Almería
My darling and I are slow walkers, distance challenged, and we're not purists. We thought we would share our experience and hopefully give some information about our walk on the Mozárabe to other peregrin@s who may be like us.
We arrived two days ago in Almería, as we intended to see a bit of the city, and we did well. There is a lot to see, and the Alcazaba is definitely a must see for history and old stones aficionados.
Another reason we came early, is to meet Nely, who is a member of the Asociación Jacobea de Almería-Granada. She has a wealth of information, and she will be our point of contact, should anything untoward happen, until we arrive in Granada at least, and maybe beyond.
Many other illustrious members of this forum have written about the Mozárabe, so the purpose of our commentary will be to give you the perspective of two slow walking pilgrims.
We'll try to give you information about where we stayed, and any difficulties we encountered. I'll share Wikiloc tracks, and if you wish, you can follow us on FindPenguins.
In Almería, as we were staying more than the usual one night (we stayed 3), we chose to book a private apartment. It is situated in Calle Estrella, which is a great location: 10 minutes walk to the Alcazaba, 5 minutes walk to the cathedral.
Here are some snapshots of our stay in Almería, with one of us with Nely (on the right).
View attachment 133367View attachment 133368View attachment 133369View attachment 133370
How do I find you on FindPenguins?I will follow with interest! This is very much on my list.
Thanks for your story from the trail. You give a great account of your experience and it was a pleasure to be reminded of so many of the places along this lovely route. Buen CaminoI think it's time I updated this live thread
Málaga to Baena Camino Mozárabe
Day 1: we didn't fancy walking through the streets of Málaga suburbs, so we took bus 21 to Junta de Los Caminos. We then walked to Almogía, 13.4km. A few steep climbs to get over the hills surrounding Málaga. The albergue in Almogía is basic but good.
Day 2: Almogía to Villanueva de la Concepción, 20.5km. A very nice stage if the weather is nice, a dreadful one with slippery clay and mud if it has been raining. There is a nice albergue, but we preferred to stay at the Apartamentos Villa Torcal.
Day 3: Vva de la Concepción to Antequera, 18km. If you only do one stage from Málaga, this is it. The Camino takes you over El Torcal, with amazing limestone rock formations. We stayed two nights, so didn't experience the albergue. Worth visiting: the dolmen site, the Alcazaba.
Day 4: Antequera to Cartaojal, 14.6km. The second half of the day's walk is nice. No accommodation in Cartaojal, but just over 1km out of town is a casa rural. Nice, comfortable, and excellent breakfast. They'll also cook an evening meal if you request it. Able bodied pilgrims might continue to Villanueva de Algaidas.
Day 5: Cartaojal to Villanueva de Algaidas, 11.9km. A nice stage in dry weather, somewhat slippery with wet clay in rainy weather. The albergue is in the middle of town, has everything needed, including WiFi! The Policía Local has the keys, very helpful.
Day 6: Vva de Algaidas to Encinas Reales, 17.2km. The Camino goes through Cuevas Bajas, which has an albergue that we didn't see as we were continuing on. Both towns have all that is needed, tiendas, bars. The Encinas Reales albergue is extremely basic. Keys are obtained from the Policía Local, who insisted that it was not donativo, that it was free, completely free.
Day 7: Encinas Reales to Lucena, 21.6km.
It is a very nice stage until you get to the industrial area of Lucena, which is only the last few km. If it has been raining, you have to ford the Río Anzur, ankle deep. Recommended accommodation in Lucena is Pensión Sara. Gonzalo has pilgrim rates, and comfortable rooms. Includes breakfast.
Day 8: Lucena to Cabrá, 14.4km. A very easy and nice stage, along a Via Verde. Before entering Cabra, you can opt to continue on the Vía Verde, or go into town. María José at Pensión Guerrero is another pilgrim focussed person, offering comfortable rooms at pilgrim rates.
Day 9: Cabrá to Doña Mencía, 16km. The Vía Verde continues, so it's a very nice walk. Bridges, viaducts, and even a tunnel! Doña Mencía is a beautiful town. Must visit: the 15th century castle, and the flower street, Calle Juanita la Larga. Eat at Casa Morejón.
Day 10: Doña Mencía to Baena, a short 10km. A beautiful walk, and the approach to Baena is much nicer than the one from Alcaudete. There's an albergue in Doña Mencía, but we got a special rate at the Hotel Mencía Subbética.
It took us 10 days, able bodied faster walking pilgrims could do it in much less.
I have attached the guide that was sent to me by the Asociación Jacobea de Málaga. They meet every Tuesday after 7pm at Calle República Argentina 9 in Málaga.
The only important error in the guide is the number to call in Encinas Reales. It should be: 629 718 918.
I'll update this thread hopefully again.
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