Triacastela - Serria 2 Paths?

[Dario]

I´m at Triacastela right now and i noticed there are two paths from here. Can anyone shed some light on the pros and cons of each. Much appreciated!

 

[rioja routard]

Hi

I did the one via Samos Monastery which I believe is a bit longer than the other. Probably a bit muddy this time of year.

Perhaps someone can comment on the other?

Buen Camino

♠

 

[sillydoll]

Sarria via Samos is 21km - the direct route is 18km.

 

[William Marques]

I have done both routes. The San Xil route is prettier and avoids more road but you will miss the Samos Monastery. 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

I would take the San Xil route myself.

 

[Dario]

Does the San Xil route have more mountains? After the climb and decent from Cebreiro my feet are spent and blisterlicous.

 

[sillydoll]

Dario, the route is undulating - no mountains. I know what you mean about the path from O Cebreiro to Triacastela - up and down the side of the main road on steep rocky, stony tracks and then that long descent to Triacastela.
I have sent you my diary page for that day last year in September - no more mountains!
Enjoy the next week - your camino is almost over.

 

[William Marques]

Re: Triacastela - Sarria 2 Paths?

As Silvia says hills but no mountains.

 

[jeff001]

This thread reinforces my belief that you will miss a lot by not having a guidebook. The Brierley Guide, for example, has full descriptions of both options on this and other stages.

 

[Whalleyranger]

I really like the route via San Xil. It's quite pretty; not too arduous, and passes through lots of small villages.

(I've not been, but have heard the monastary at Samos is overrated)

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I´ve done them both, and I recommend the San Xil path. It´s one of my favorite and most Galician stretches of the Camino. In the springtime there´s a pond alongside that´s hopping and singing with little frogs... you can hear them for miles!