Starting in Villafranca on Tuesday...

[Gillyweb]

Hi ...... I'm starting my first Camino from Villafranca on Tuesday 30th. Just wondered if anyone else was leaving from there around the same time. Feeling rather nervous about a tough first day and sure I've packed way too much though I can't think what to leave behind !!!

 

[KinkyOne]

Welcome, Gillyweb!

Your first day on the Camino don't have to be tough, maybe just go 19,4km to Herrerias (the middle route via Pereje)

Ultreia!

 

[Gillyweb]

Hi there - yes that's pretty much what I'm planning on doing. I've looked at a few possible auberges around there. I decided two climbs on day one was possibly not a sensible idea so have made contingency plans in my head.

 

[KinkyOne]

You have plenty of albergues from Villafranca del Bierzo (or is it Villafranca Montes de Oca??? think not) to O'Cebreiro. In Herrerias the real ascent begins and there is this lovely private albergue run by American-Spanish (if remember correctly) couple that have met on Camino few years ago 8)

The last shop is in Vega de Valcarce, but you can buy some food in mentioned albergue or have dinner in one of two restaurants in Herrerias. If feeling OK you might even proceed halfway to O'Cebreiro and stop in lovely hamlets of La Faba or Laguna de Castilla (1 or 1,5hrs further on). This way you'd be able to enjoy morning at O'Cebreiro in relative solitude.

Ultreia!

 

[Gillyweb]

Thanks for that info.... I didn't know the last shop was in Vega de Vacarce so that's useful to know. I'm tempted to book somewhere in advance for that one night as I'm worried about not getting a bed on my first night but equally don't want to plan ahead. I guess I'll see what today brings as I finally travel on to my starting point. Thanks for your advice.

 

[KinkyOne]

You're welcome, Gillyweb. The shop is on the right side on the main street = Camino.

Keep us posted how you're doing.

Ultreia!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The albergue in Ruitelan is popular and may fill up, but the others along the Valcarce river always have beds; most pilgrims are headed for La Faba or O Cebreiro (which is the Brierley end stage). The food is vegetarian at the Herrerias albergue, and very good.

 

[Gillyweb]

Thank you for all you're advice guys. I arrived in Santiago yesterday - what a complety incredible journey !! I actually made it all the way to La Faba on the first day and that was such a blessing as the Albergue there is beautiful and I met the people I followed all the way to the end. Roll on next time - this peregrine has to start in St Jean one day.

 

[KinkyOne]

You'll do it someday, no doubt. I think you're hooked
Good to hear you've made it!!!

Take care!

 

[Gillyweb]

I doing it !!! This summer - starting 5th July. I am so excited. You were right, I'm hooked