19.6 km and 4:37 (see map).
Up more into the hills today. 300 m elevation gain over the 20 km, so a very gentle almost indiscernable climb (Rabanal del Camino at 1,150 m).
First cross of the day …
…and a short distance further on, the first church.
Coffee stop in this village.
Typical scenery in the early stages of the walk
Another village and coffee stop coming up.
Towards Rabanal del Camino.
A scramble up a small hill …
… and we’re there, Rabanal del Camino.
17.6 km and 4:27 (see map).
First rate walking today, through villages, rolling hills, farmland, trees.
Decorated streets in Hospital de Órbiga, in readiness for jousting festival on the weekend.
Heading out into the countryside … and for the distant hills.
Found a friend at the first village. Conversation not up to Tim and David’s standards, but equally as friendly.
Up the first hill, maybe the first since leaving Burgos and crossing the Meseta.
Down the other side.
And up again.
Pilgrim memorial along the way.
Crossed a plateau once the (shortish) climb was done.
Enterprising soul running a massage, fruit juice and open-air refuge not far from the start of the descent to Astorga.
A cross – Cruceiro Santo Toribio – where some leave a stone that represents their worries and that they’ve carried with them since the start of your Camino. I heard a cyclist remark to his wife, who was struggling up the hill behind him, that he should leave her there.
Astorga, about 4 km away.
And a little closer.
This fellow doing the Camino on an electric bike, with a large umbrella deployed as a parasol.
