The Road Less Traveled

[Glenshiro]

Well, this one certainly seems to be, if today's experience is anything to go by! I have walked today from Ponferrada to Carucedo without meeting a single other pilgrim.

I'm not complaining. It makes a refreshing change from the Camino Frances, although I enjoyed the company of others in the evenings. Today's walking has been very pleasant, even taking into account the steep climb to the castle at Cornatel in temperatures in the high twenties. I had an excellent lunch in Borrenes at the Cornatel Medulas restaurant, whose proprietor seemed surprised to see me.
I am now at the rural Hotel la Peragrina. I arrived to discover that, not only was it locked up and unattended, but, when I managed to make contact with the management, the restaurant is not open this evening and there is no restaurant available within about 6 miles!

The nearest taxi service is some considerable distance away and the only other guests are cyclists. However, I am sure the Camino will provide.

 

[C clearly]

Had you reserved at the Hotel or did you just show up?

I have just finished the Invierno, and would recommend that people make reservations in most cases. The lodgings on the route are often a part-time sideline for the owners, and it seems to be a convenience all round, to make contact with them in advance so they can be there to meet you. They can also tell you in advance about the food situation. There seems to be plenty of accommodation for the few pilgrims, but nobody is waiting at the door of the hostal in case a pilgrim happens to pass by looking for a room! The owners are happy to receive pilgrims, but they have other lives and activities too!

 

[Glenshiro]

I reserved the room months in advance and paid a deposit. If I had been told at that time that there was no food available I would have looked elsewhere. I am accustomed to hotels in rural areas being run as a sideline by owners who have other businesses, as this is very common in France. Usually, the owners turn up at about 5:30 pm, check you in and prepare the evening meal.

 

[StephenHLanark]

Well, this one certainly seems to be, if today's experience is anything to go by! I have walked today from Ponferrada to Carucedo without meeting a single other pilgrim.

I'm not complaining. It makes a refreshing change from the Camino Frances, although I enjoyed the company of others in the evenings. Today's walking has been very pleasant, even taking into account the steep climb to the castle at Cornatel in temperatures in the high twenties. I had an excellent lunch in Borrenes at the Cornatel Medulas restaurant, whose proprietor seemed surprised to see me.
I am now at the rural Hotel la Peragrina. I arrived to discover that, not only was it locked up and unattended, but, when I managed to make contact with the management, the restaurant is not open this evening and there is no restaurant available within about 6 miles!

The nearest taxi service is some considerable distance away and the only other guests are cyclists. However, I am sure the Camino will provide.

I stayed at that hotel last month and the food wasn’t great. Taxi up to las medulas and there’s a choice of eating places

 

[Glenshiro]

I stayed at that hotel last month and the food wasn’t great. Taxi up to las medulas and there’s a choice of eating places

That's what I did. Had a good meal at the Hotel Medulio and the manager drove me back for 10 euros. Should have stayed there!