Update albergues in Asturias

[LTfit]

Just a heads-up for those walking now. There are two albergues closed and one new Albergue.

Closed (unsure when to reopen):

In Piñera (after Navia) in the old school house.
In Vilela (after Ribadeo)

New in Navia:
Albergue San Roque (see details card below)

Sorry, see I uploaded twice and don't know how to delete.

Also a note about the albergue privado in Luarca Villa de Luarca: if you want to reserve you must do so through internet and pay with a credit card (€11). We were going to stay at the albergue municipal about 2 km from Luarca and 1,5 km off the Camino but wanted to be in Luarca. We called 4x in 2 days and no one picks up (buzón lleno). When we arrived there was no more rooms and the owner was very unpleasant. We ended up going to Pensión Orion around the corner (€35 for 2).

Today in La Caridad municipal which looks quite new though small for €5. No kitchen but glasses and dishes and microwave. There is also a private close-by with bar but don't know the price.

Tomorrow via Tapia to Ribadeo then wherever we end up. Everyone recommends the route to Tapia.

If any more updates will post.

Cheers
LT

 

[poogeyejr]

How is the weather? Are you using your rain gear a lot?

 

[LTfit]

Hate to say but for the last 4 days grey, drizzle and rain. Only saw the sun for 5 minutes. Per @peregrina2000 Laurie's accounts it was nice up to Saturday.

Last year I did parts of the Norte and late June and the weather was very nice - blue skies and pleasantly warm. You just don't know. Have my backpack cover on every day and my poncho in the rain yesterday.
Sure hope it improves!

 

[peregrina2000]

Hate to say but for the last 4 days grey, drizzle and rain. Only saw the sun for 5 minutes. Per @peregrina2000 Laurie's accounts it was nice up to Saturday.

Last year I did parts of the Norte and late June and the weather was very nice - blue skies and pleasantly warm. You just don't know. Have my backpack cover on every day and my poncho in the rain yesterday.
Sure hope it improves!

I left the Norte after walking on Friday into Oviedo, missed a bunch of bad weather days, and will start walking from Oviedo back up to the Norte at Avilés tomorrow, and the weather is looking pretty good. Fingers crossed!

 

[LTfit]

Hope you're right and welcome back!

 

[KatWanderlust]

Tomorrow via Tapia to Ribadeo then wherever we end up. Everyone recommends the route to Tapia.

LFit the route via Tapia is lovely - well worth a bit of time to stop and explore the little town itself it was beautiful!

If you're staying in Ribadeo there were mixed reports in October last year that the Albergue was rather basic and a bit damp/mouldy.

For what it's worth we ended up stopping in Figueras just before Ribadeo (not because of the above we just like the smaller places). There is an excellent Albergue here with the nicest bunk beds I've ever slept in on a Camino. They also have private rooms and all scrupulously clean. The Hospitalera was incredibly friendly and helpful with a lovely lounge and fireplace, home cooked meal and great coffee: https://www.gronze.com/asturias/figueras/albergue-camino-norte

Buen Camino!

 

[Luka]

Hate to say but for the last 4 days grey, drizzle and rain. Only saw the sun for 5 minutes. Per @peregrina2000 Laurie's accounts it was nice up to Saturday.

That's too bad! Wish you lots of sunshine the coming days!

 

[intrepidtraveler]

I stayed at Alberque Camino de Norte in Figueras the other day and will second KatWanderlusts positive comments about it.

In addition to recommending the side trip to Tapia, I highly recommend walking the coastal path from Ribadeo to As Catedras. It's spectacular and well worth a day away from the "official" Camino IMHO.

If the pilgrim alberque in Ribadeo is not to your liking, I stayed at Hostal Puente Dos Santos. It was spotlessly clean, reasonably priced and pilgrim-oriented.

 

[LTfit]

Hi all,
Now in Gontón in the Xunta Albergue which is quite modern. Yesterday in the Refugio de Gonzón after a crazy up and down for 47 km! We left La Caridad thinking that we would stay in Vilela as a pilgrim called and was told it was open. NOT! We arrived there after 30+ km only to be told that the next municipal was in Gonzón! Tough day to say the least. Luckily there was a bar in Vilela for a welcome Clara. We were told that the albergue will not open this season.

Tapia is a gem. And the sun came out to boot! Dank @Luka for the good wishes - it worked (at least for yesterday).

We only had coffee in Tapia but visited the donativo albergue which is basically but just fine - right on the coast which is spectacular!
I just LOVED the walk from Tapia to Ribadeo.

Now since we are a bit out of sinc, not sure where to tomorrow.

Today grey again but temps are to rise tomorrow.

Wanted to upload pics but having a problem.

Cheers and will update along the way.

 

[peregrina2000]

Just getting up and checking the weather, which looks very good. We spent the night in the absolutely 5 star Albergue casa carmina in Muros de Nalon. One of those albergues that radiates care and attention. 15€ is a bargain for the lovely place. Food is excellent too. There are a few individual rooms as well I believe.

 

[intrepidtraveler]

I second your vote for Casa Carmina as I too stayed here and was really impressed.

Further down the road I stayed in Alberque Abadin (private) last night which was another outstanding facility. The owner and his wife were incredibly kind and helpful which to me is almost as important as having the latest and greatest creature comforts. Another good deal for 15E - including free coffee, tea, fresh fruit and cookies.

 

[Luka]

Hi all,
Yesterday in the Refugio de Gonzón after a crazy up and down for 47 km!

My goodness!
The albergues on the Norte are full of surprises, so it seems.
Wish you sunshine!

 

[LTfit]

Hi all,
After Gonzón 33 km to Xunta Albergue in Gontón. Nice, fairly new and nice Hospitalero who even speaks English. Two bars in Gonzón and two supermarkets, a private Albergue and a pension in Abadín 600 m further on the Camino.

Yesterday walked Gonzón - Vilalba - Baarmonde 40 km. Originally planned on staying in Vilalba but arrived so early so decided to walk on. Leaving Gontón it was about 17 degrees with mist but 4 hours later we had blasting sun and 36 degrees. In Baarmonde a shop owner said that this is unheard of in Galicia.

Today a short day Baamonde - Roxica (25 km), 15 km after Miraz. (see picture) Staying at a really nice, small albergue in the countryside with a working farm. €11.00, only 12 beds. Casa Roxía. Wanted to stay in Miraz with the English but it was only 9.15. Given the rising temps I'm glad I didn't walk the 40 km to Sobrado.

Tomorrow planning on taking the alternative route to Santa Irene to avoid Arzua.

Buen Camino to all that come after.

 

[SYates]

You are getting closer ;-) See you soon! Buen Camino, SY

 

[LTfit]

Unless something happens, one day early June 20th. Should I let you know tomorrow @SYates?

 

[SYates]

Just the day before will be fine, also contact info here http://egeria.house/contact/
BC SY