- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances from SJPP - September (2017)
Camino Frances from SJPP - September (2021)
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Wow what a mess.To avoid such hazards you might walk down on the verges of the LE 142 road.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
don't really remember it ever being any different but then the state I repeat I was in, I doubt I would have noticed2012 for me, in the rain
I now walk on the road, its been like that for ages. Rock on rock, so slippery. Thats why I always warn people who plan a long walking leg from Rabanal to Ponferada. On paper it seems fine.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
And throw in some freezing rain and some really gusty winds to get the full effect!!!Try walking it in the rain, it is even tougher with slippery boulder
I agree. There is a road as Susan says. Walking in late fall or winter there are hardly any cars at all. Can't say about summer or early fall but I doubt if there would be alot.It’s been that way as long as I’ve been walking
Plenty of similar days to come. Some somewhat more challenging.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
It is easy to walk just be careful and positiveThose rocks have been there for a LONG time!
We are currently on the Camino Frances. Could someone narrow down the part of the trail that’s bad? We would rather take the road to avoid an injury, but could you narrow down the part of the trail that should be avoided because it’s quite a ways to Molinasca. Thank you! We love this Forum !I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
Don't have a map but the ONE time I ever got shin splints on the Camino was when my mom and I missed the trail and ended up taking the road down for much of this section. Now I was way heavier, and probably carrying too much weight too... I tolerate the trail these days...We are currently on the Camino Frances. Could someone narrow down the part of the trail that’s bad? We would rather take the road to avoid an injury, but could you narrow down the part of the trail that should be avoided because it’s quite a ways to Molinasca. Thank you! We love this Forum !
On this map the camino is the black line. Memory is telling me that the bad, rocky section of trail is the part to the north of the highway LE-142. Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.We are currently on the Camino Frances. Could someone narrow down the part of the trail that’s bad? We would rather take the road to avoid an injury, but could you narrow down the part of the trail that should be avoided because it’s quite a ways to Molinasca. Thank you! We love this Forum !
I had heard that the stretch down the mountain was incredibly strenuous and my knee was very painful at that point. I had a taxi (arranged the day before) pick me up at the cross to ferry me down the hills. I was very glad afterwards when I heard from some friends how rough it was, especially as they had to walk down in the rain.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
Same condition in 2017. Be careful.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that the bed of rock was deliberately placed there to control erosion or similar. Walked through it in 2014 and half-way down, thought how stupid of me not to have turned around and looked for another route, or even returned to the bar/cafe a short distance from the start of the descent and asked them about another route. It was truly treacherous, but I came away unscathed!Those rocks have been there for a LONG time!
you are so right , I walked that part of the Camino (May 25/26) this year,( stayed night at Foncebadon/… Foncebadon to Ponaferrda ) yes those rocks are there for eternity, likely to to stay put for a very long time too,. But it was pure torture to climb from Rabanal del Camino to Cruz de Ferro. Prayed lot more than usual, mostly to St James for strength to get through it.I remember thinking on my first Camino in 2014 - please God, get me off this mountain in one piece!
Hi Jack, I also posted a warning on facebook about this stage. Its a great hike but the descent is dangerous. Theres no harm warning people. Im finishing my Camino in Santiago tomorrow. Buen Camino.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
Thank you so much for the heads up. Heading there in a couple of weeks, with a knee injury already.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
IMHO the descent of the topic is the nastiest on the whole Camino Frances. I've heard (and lived through) Zubiri, Alto Perdon and even Triacastella). Somehow hoever tough it was (and it was tough) O'Cebreiro was "sorta fine" for me.... perhaps getting out early enough and taking my time did the trick.... this however was just plain UGLY!!!!The climb to O’Cebriero can also be a test.
Our last Camino we took the road for a change and can echo NL's comment on the road and bends. I was so concerned about being visible to drivers that I tied a bright red buff to a hiking pole and held it aloft as an alert to drivers. I think if its dry next time we'll revert to the rocks. If wet we'll stay in the bar!Not long after Riego, the camino crosses from the south side to the north side of the paved road.
This is the view to the right just before the trail diverges:
View attachment 133652
This is the view as the trail splits:
View attachment 133653
I’ve walked that rocky piece of hell twice. My third camino, I walked the road and rejoiced; the road was still scenic and traffic was minimal (be alert, especially at the hairpin curves.)
Most difficult thing of the whole camino experience was dealing with cyclists who displayed no courtsey for walkers, some of whom are retirees with limited ability "to get out of the way" quickly for them! I know nothing this board can do, but judging from many complaints I've heard regarding certain sections, if I could, I would be voting for "rules" for cyclists to follow for certain sections and imposing fines for those who feel otherwise entitled. And yes, there have been deaths of walkers due to bikers. Walkers likewise shouldn't be on narrow shoulders of busy roads when there are other alternatives.The hardest part of that section for me was the cyclists flying downhill at high speed, completely out of control, screaming for people to get out of their way. Except there was no place to go. Reminder for cyclists to check their maps and stick to the cycling routes to avoid killing themselves or others.
Yes, was like that even in 2018. Knee killer for sure. Have to be so careful. Thank you. On the CF now leaving Pamplona for Puenta la Reina. Not looking forward to the descent from Alto del Perdon either if my memory serves me correctly. Yikes! Buen Camino.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
I am a hospice at Acebo, the area right after the louse rocks for the most part ends. It has been what I believe one of the most “Technical” sections on the Frances starting from just past The Cruz to Acebo. It’s been 12 years that I know of, perhaps more.I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
The worst part is between Riegos and Molinaseca.So I’m in Rabanal tonight and it’s supposed to rain tonight and all day tomorrow. We are supposed to walk the 32 km to Ponferrada tomorrow (can’t change that) and I’m about to lose my big toenail. I plan on walking to Cruz de Ferro for sure, but the wet shale and the wet road both concern me. If I have to take a cab (and I hate that idea) what town comes before the worst part and what town is after? In other words what would be a logical pickup and drop off point?
Jack…. Are you back on Camino? This is Christine (Camino 2017) I walked with you and Jeannette. I am currently on the Via Francigena, in Fidenza tonight. Lovely to see your post. Buen CaminoI just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
Ditto.Yes, this is how I remember it years ago.
To be honest, most trails where I live are worse ;-)
But still a good idea to heed a warning to those not used to such conditions.
When I walked it in winter there were periodic snowdrifts covering up the rocks. I would break through hit a rock and over I’d go. I fell over so many times that I was too tired to even let fly with a decent curse. The few other pilgrims out all went down the road. There was virtually no trafficWow what a mess.To avoid such hazards you might walk down on the verges of the LE 142 road.
I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
I Think it has been like that for yearsI just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
It's not the steepness, but the trail surface that makes this stretch difficult, especially when it's wet.I'm from Maine where switchbacks don't exist and mountain trails head straight up steep, steep mountains and back the same way. So when my daughter and I hiked the "treacherous" downhill from Zubiri several years ago, we were certain we had missed it. As did my husband who hiked it a few years later. Compared to what we are used to, it was nothing. Same with the downhill from Alto Perdon. That said, how does the steep slope going into Molinasca compare? I am hitting that part later this week and need to make a decision: road vs steep slope. I am older, but so far have no knee issues. My only Camino injury in 2018 was from walking on the hard road surfaces going into Burgos. One of my feet. So I am leery of the road alternative. Comparison??
It sounds as if you will be fine, at least if it isn't wet. Peg and I have hiked a lot in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and I don't think I've encountered any trail worst than there. Peg really hates going down the bare granite sloping rocks on trails in the Whites (exclamatory remarks can be heard often). I asked her opinion of the descent into Molinaseca and it was "It wasn't so bad" in a sort of Meh tone.I'm from Maine where switchbacks don't exist and mountain trails head straight up steep, steep mountains and back the same way.
It is easy to walk just be careful and positive
From looking at my guidebook, as well as what I remember (from 3 yrs ago), the steep & slippery section is between Manjarin and Molinaseca. It's pretty easy before and after that.So I’m in Rabanal tonight and it’s supposed to rain tonight and all day tomorrow. We are supposed to walk the 32 km to Ponferrada tomorrow (can’t change that) and I’m about to lose my big toenail. I plan on walking to Cruz de Ferro for sure, but the wet shale and the wet road both concern me. If I have to take a cab (and I hate that idea) what town comes before the worst part and what town is after? In other words what would be a logical pickup and drop off point?
So I’m in Rabanal tonight and it’s supposed to rain tonight and all day tomorrow. We are supposed to walk the 32 km to Ponferrada tomorrow (can’t change that) and I’m about to lose my big toenail. I plan on walking to Cruz de Ferro for sure, but the wet TV shale and the wet road both concern me. If I have to take a cab (and I hate that idea) what town comes before the worst part and what town is after? In other words what would be a logical pickup and drop off point?
The worst part starts at Riego de Ambros and ends at Molinaseca. This is where there is solid rock and loose stones, all downhill. It was challenging in places from Acebo but easier to navigate. I was 66 when I did it, arthritic knees, blisters on my toes and no poles but I made it, albeit slowly and carefully. Poles would definitely be helpful in the section between Riego and Molinaseca, and it would be slippery and treacherous in snow or rain. Otherwise perfectly doable.So I’m in Rabanal tonight and it’s supposed to rain tonight and all day tomorrow. We are supposed to walk the 32 km to Ponferrada tomorrow (can’t change that) and I’m about to lose my big toenail. I plan on walking to Cruz de Ferro for sure, but the wet shale and the wet road both concern me. If I have to take a cab (and I hate that idea) what town comes before the worst part and what town is after? In other words what would be a logical pickup and drop off point?
OR you can walk the road out of El Acebo!I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
Surfaces on Maine trails range from extremely slippery and rocky to actual boulder climbing. So the surface isn't much of a difference, I think. Slooooow and steady with lots of breaks! I may send my pack ahead. It's the bikes that sound alarming!It's not the steepness, but the trail surface that makes this stretch difficult, especially when it's wet.
See the pictures in the first post on this thread.
I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
Good ol' Google. It noticed that I watched a YouTube video with Molinaseca in it yesterday so this morning it presented me with another. This one involved cyclists taking the road. So, with some of you wondering about the road conditions and traffic, I present:OR you can walk the road out of El Acebo!
Thanks for posting this video, it made interesting viewing ... and I would never have seen it had it not appeared in this threadGood ol' Google. It noticed that I watched a video with Molinaseca in it yesterday so this morning it presented me with another. This one involved cyclists taking the road. So, with some of you wondering about the road conditions and traffic, I present:
Nothing new about its condition! However it is good to warn folks!I just finished walking from Cruz de Ferro to Molinasca and I want to warn pilgrims about the trail condition. The trail is really rough with large loose rocks and other hazards. I started in SJPP and this is by far the most difficult section. Take a cab if you have any concerns about your feet or knees.
True. The rocks have been around for half a billion years.Nothing new about its condition! However it is good to warn folks!
I’ve walked the road from El Acebo in late winter and during early Spring. The video doesn’t really give one a visual picture of how steep the curves are on the road. There are a few hair pin turns that can be problematic walking as there is really no extra room on the sides of the road. Sometimes there are boulders that come close to the road as well. IMO the best approach is to be continually alert of what is in front and behind you. Watch for places where you cannot move to-the side and avoid those spots when vehicles are coming. You can’t-always walk against traffic because of the curves would leave you and the car coming toward you in potential blind spots. I prefe this road, however, to the trail down to Molineseca.Good ol' Google. It noticed that I watched a YouTube video with Molinaseca in it yesterday so this morning it presented me with another. This one involved cyclists taking the road. So, with some of you wondering about the road conditions and traffic, I present:
More than likely the original trail is now the paved road!On my first Camino, I, like everyone else, walked down the trail and thought to myself "Next time I will use the road". The Next time, on leaving El Acebo, I stood on the road and looked at the trail, trying to work out which one I would take. In the end I headed off down the trail. I did exactly the same the next time after that. It turns out that I am one of those stubborn old guys who must walk the whole way, end to end, on the trail, carrying my pack to feel real satisfaction at the zero marker in Finisterre. I think it is actually a Kiwi thing.
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