Via Dragonte GPS file

[dplandis]

Does anyone have a GPS track file for the Via Dragonte route from Villafranca del Bierzo to Herrerías?

Any help would be appreciated- thanks!

 

[Peter Robins]

I've traced this route, at least, as I remember it, on IGN maps/photos at http://maps.peterrobins.co.uk/e/2274.html
May not be entirely correct, but should help prevent you going astray.

You can get a kml (Google Earth) dump at http://maps.peterrobins.co.uk/cgi-bin/f ... s/2274.kml and then use a converter like gpsvisualizer to turn this into a gpx track.

If you do walk this. let me know of any errors in the line of this route and I'll correct before adding to the main mapping.

 

[GunnarW]

Hi,
I did the Dragonte route on my own on the 1st of October 2011 till San Fiz De Seo. I still remember the curves and I confirm that the route on the map till SFDS is correct. I returned to the National road because it was already late.
One remark: The last big kilometer before Villar de Corrales I took another road. In fact when going up on the second mountain to Villar d C (it happens in a dense forrest) the blue line makes a curve back (just above the word "de"). I remember that there is a 3 direction split and I took straight ahead (in stead of taking right). At the next intersection I took right and I arrived at the church from Villar d C from the left side in stead of the right side.
In the "center" of Villar d C, you will notice (finally) markers to Santiago.
The road down to San Fiz de Seo is lightly overgrown. I almost stepped on a little snake (viper?), no big deal.

 

[Peter Robins]

One remark: The last big kilometer before Villar de Corrales I took another road. In fact when going up on the second mountain to Villar d C (it happens in a dense forrest) the blue line makes a curve back (just above the word "de"). I remember that there is a 3 direction split and I took straight ahead (in stead of taking right). At the next intersection I took right and I arrived at the church from Villar d C from the left side in stead of the right side.

It's clear from the aerial photos that in several places there are alternative tracks you can take - at least, in open country; aerial photos aren't much use in forests
I don't remember the track to Villar at all (well, it was 11 years ago), but I do remember having a rest on the other side and having something to drink. This route is strenuous, and really only for the fit - it took me a good 9 hours of walking from Villafranca to O C. Don't expect to find much in the way of facilities, and make sure you have plenty of water if it's a warm day.

 

[GunnarW]

But this part was for me THE REAL CAMINO !!! When Radio Buen Camino part 10 will be ready, you will see the track I took.
There are fountains on the way, well in fact I can only tell between Villafranca and San Fiz d S
But take something serious to eat with you.

 

[Abbeydore]

One remark: The last big kilometer before Villar de Corrales I took another road. In fact when going up on the second mountain to Villar d C (it happens in a dense forrest) the blue line makes a curve back (just above the word "de"). I remember that there is a 3 direction split and I took straight ahead (in stead of taking right). At the next intersection I took right and I arrived at the church from Villar d C from the left side in stead of the right side.

It's clear from the aerial photos that in several places there are alternative tracks you can take - at least, in open country; aerial photos aren't much use in forests
I don't remember the track to Villar at all (well, it was 11 years ago), but I do remember having a rest on the other side and having something to drink. This route is strenuous, and really only for the fit - it took me a good 9 hours of walking from Villafranca to O C. Don't expect to find much in the way of facilities, and make sure you have plenty of water if it's a warm day.

Thank you Gunnar & Peter, this is most helpful to me, yes the last 2 hours or so up to O C. would probably be the hardest after all the ups & downs, 20+ miles it's really just a big munro day. Well done Peter. Was going to stop @ La Faba, herd it's a great place to overnight, & reduces day by 5+ miles. Hope you could post your map before end of next week Gunnar or give me a sneak preview.
David

 

[Peter Robins]

20+ miles it's really just a big munro day

tends to be a bit warmer than in Scotland, though
A Swiss fellow I kept meeting (and who went on the main route) called this my 'Bergtour' - not quite Alpine, but lots of up and down

 

[Abbeydore]

I've traced this route, at least, as I remember it, on IGN maps/photos at http://maps.peterrobins.co.uk/e/2274.html
May not be entirely correct, but should help prevent you going astray.

You can get a kml (Google Earth) dump at http://maps.peterrobins.co.uk/cgi-bin/f ... s/2274.kml and then use a converter like gpsvisualizer to turn this into a gpx track.

If you do walk this. let me know of any errors in the line of this route and I'll correct before adding to the main mapping.

This was a marvelous help, it´s now well sign posted, however the signs now take you around the quarry thru a lot of new paths, down some step tracks, avoiding the lorries. Will try to do an overlay when back home......

A long day, with 2 white outs with snow & sleet.............