If you have updates for the CSJ guide (that is, if you used it), send them to me or Rebekah.
I only walked 3 days of the Camino de Invierno but the signs looked new, all in good condition. I didn’t use the CSJ guide; I used a combination of your notes, Laurie, and those of Aida Menéndez.
From
Montefurado to Quiroga was well signed, no problems.
Quiroga to Monforte - The hopitalero in Quiroga told me that there had been ‘discussions’, between the councils of San Clodio and Quiroga as to the correct route. San Clodio was the historic route but, because of the reservoir, there is no way back if you cross the bridge, so, rather than add extra kilometres to an already long stage the Xunta have come down in favour of Quiroga. All the signs go straight ahead from Quiroga.
At km 29, where the road crosses the LU933 crosses the N120 towards Nocedo, there are signs to take an underpass, I took it, but I wished I hadn’t, it is pretty grotty and unnecessary as the road I quiet and easy to cross. The ‘luscious’ grass shoulder after Nocedo was not in evidence. I think they may have put up a new crash barrier; I had to walk along the edge of the road, but only for a little bit. The rest was fine.
Monforte to Chantada – my problems were all around A Vide. I don’t know what the CSJ guide says. Aida says that the camino leaves the road after crossing the village, I took this literally and went into the village, which is what the ‘mojón’ seemed to indicate. Wrong, stay on the road. Then there is a narrow path to the right, very overgrown at this time of year, then across a narrow water channel, turn left, under a road and then under an aqueduct. The path then turns left, the mojón has been vandalised and what Aida calls ‘a wide earth path’ is now overgrown. This is where I got confused. From Piñeiro there were not many signs but it was clear which was the main path, it had been well used recently and there was no mud. The only mud was coming into Monforte.
I do think that they need to put a clearer sign at the bus stop where the descent to the Mino begins. Because the church is about a 1 1/2 minute walk straight on from that point. But as the arrows point you down, many won't know to go looking for it until it's obvious they've missed it and they are half way down on the Codos de Belesar.
That would be helpful, as you say I can get back easily and there are a couple of things I would like to have a better look at.
Sue
