- Time of past OR future Camino
- please see signature
Background
In April 2016 I walked from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Estella-Lizzara.
During that jaunt I encountered only one really steep descent on unsealed (loose rubble) surfaces. This was the first 900 metres or so from Alto del Perdon towards Uterga. I dreaded the surface as I find the thought (fear) of having my feet slip from under me often gives rise to it actually happening.
In two weeks I return to Estella-Lizzara to continue westwards. And wish to avoid really steep descents on rubble (unsealed) surfaces.
Molinaseca
My research suggests the descent into Molinaseca has several such sections. While the average gradient is 10%, my research suggests some sections of this 12 km stretch are much steeper. Using Street View (images taken August 2012) I can see sections that have a dedicated (and well sealed) paths and sections that use of the nearby sealed road. And I can see at least one really really steep descent on rubble. And a thread from 2013 suggests several others.
My questions re Molinaseca
Would I be safer taking to the road?
(I know to walk on the left, facing oncoming traffic - except when going around left hand bends against embankments, when I would cross to the outside of the bend well in advance).
Or should I take public transport from Astorga?
Portomarin
In 2010 I negotiated this descent when it was exposed, but rutted, clay or similar. I understand the exact route has been moved a little since then.
My questions re Portomarin
Is this descent still steep on an exposed surface?
If so, can I safely take the road?
Any other steep descents on unsealed surfaces?
Any other things to think about on this topic?
Is there any other advice for me, por favor?
In April 2016 I walked from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Estella-Lizzara.
During that jaunt I encountered only one really steep descent on unsealed (loose rubble) surfaces. This was the first 900 metres or so from Alto del Perdon towards Uterga. I dreaded the surface as I find the thought (fear) of having my feet slip from under me often gives rise to it actually happening.
In two weeks I return to Estella-Lizzara to continue westwards. And wish to avoid really steep descents on rubble (unsealed) surfaces.
Molinaseca
My research suggests the descent into Molinaseca has several such sections. While the average gradient is 10%, my research suggests some sections of this 12 km stretch are much steeper. Using Street View (images taken August 2012) I can see sections that have a dedicated (and well sealed) paths and sections that use of the nearby sealed road. And I can see at least one really really steep descent on rubble. And a thread from 2013 suggests several others.
My questions re Molinaseca
Would I be safer taking to the road?
(I know to walk on the left, facing oncoming traffic - except when going around left hand bends against embankments, when I would cross to the outside of the bend well in advance).
Or should I take public transport from Astorga?
Portomarin
In 2010 I negotiated this descent when it was exposed, but rutted, clay or similar. I understand the exact route has been moved a little since then.
My questions re Portomarin
Is this descent still steep on an exposed surface?
If so, can I safely take the road?
Any other steep descents on unsealed surfaces?
Any other things to think about on this topic?
Is there any other advice for me, por favor?