Camino 2023 - walk from O Cebreiro to Sarria
Tuesday 25-04-2023 - Pedrafita Do Cebreiro
📍O Cebreiro - the Celtic Village and highest point in Galicia. Starting point 👣❤️
Up in time for our first hike to Triacastela. Initially, we go uphill. A good path which rises gently. A steep section here and there but doable! The backpack takes some getting used to. Ten kilograms doesn't seem like much, but as the kilometres go by, it becomes noticeable. But this should not spoil the fun. Fortunately, Lara walks very relaxed and enjoys taking photos. Both particularly appeal to my imagination 😜😜. The scenery is beautiful.
Tuesday 25-04-2023 - Alto de Polo
After 9 km uphill, we did deserve a delicious lunch. Tortilla with fresh gravy and a delicious cup of coffee!!!!!!!
Tuesday 25-04-2023 - Lamas do Biduedo
A little break in Lamas do Biduedo.
Lamas do Biduedo, officially known as Santo Isidro de Lamas do Biduedo, is a civil parish in the municipality of Triacastela, within the province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain. As of 2019, it had a population of 85 residents.
Tuesday 25-04-2023 – Ramil
A little break in Ramil
Ramil is a quaint village located within the municipality of Triacastela in Galicia, Spain. This village is a notable stop along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela.
One of Ramil's most remarkable features is its ancient chestnut tree, estimated to be over 800 years old. This tree stands as a natural monument and has been a silent witness to centuries of pilgrim journeys. Its expansive branches offer shade and a moment of reflection for travellers passing through.
Visitors to Ramil can immerse themselves in the village's rich history, evident in its traditional architecture and the serene ambiance that pervades the area. The village exudes a sense of timelessness, allowing guests to experience a slice of historical Spain.
Tuesday 25-04-2023 – Triacastela
After about 18 km, we start descending and this has consequences for rural legs. To put it mildly, it's a bit off!!! And then when you think, we are there, and it turns out to be another 3 km............ well 🤪🤪. Lara walks whistling beside me and enjoys the walk for ten.
In Triacastela, we immediately arrange a nice accommodation for the night. I managed to convince Lara that a small guesthouse is very relaxing after all, instead of a dormitory with smelly feet and snoring people!!! Fortunately, my pilgrim is quickly convinced and we take up residence at Pension Casa Simon. A super friendly Belgian with a gorgeous guesthouse. After 21 kilometres, a beer and some tapas taste fantastic and then we quickly fall asleep.
After a good night in Triacastela, a new day with new challenges!!!
Today the plan is to walk to Sarria via the monastery in Samos. Again, a 21-kilometre trip. The temperature is lovely. Not too hot and fully enjoying the beautiful surroundings! Really nice.
Wednesday 26-04-2023 - San Martiño do Real
A little break in San Martiño do Real
San Martiño do Real is a small village located in the municipality of Samos, within the province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain. The village is part of the parish of San Martiño do Real, which also includes the hamlet of Vilar do Real.
One of the notable landmarks in the village is the Church of San Martiño do Real (Igrexa de San Martiño do Real), a historic church that reflects the architectural style of the region.
San Martiño do Real is situated along the French Way (Camino Francés) of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Pilgrims traveling this path often pass through the village, enjoying its tranquil environment and traditional Galician architecture.
The village is surrounded by the scenic landscapes typical of Galicia, characterized by rolling hills, lush greenery, and traditional stone houses. Its proximity to the town of Samos, known for the Samos Monastery.
Wednesday 26-04-2023 - Samos
After about 4 hours of walking, we walk about 2.5 km per hour, we arrive in Samos. The Monastery of Samos is in the valley and we have a glorious view of the monastery when we arrive walking! Both of us want to visit the monastery but unfortunately the monastery is closed and only opens at 4.30pm. Since we would like to visit the monastery, we decide to wait a few hours and grab a terrace. Not bad either. The wait was worth it. The monastery is fantastic. Our guide a monk I think had to be home in time for dinner as he went through the monastery like a spear. But definitely worth the effort. By now it is half past five and still a 10km walk to Sarria. I suggest to my pilgrim Lara to be smart and take a taxi 😂😂. Big eyes of surprise but with some conviction, the pilgrim goes through. For me, by the way, good to let my legs rest a bit. Unfortunately, we have to wait another 40 minutes for a taxi and compulsorily drink a very cold beer 😜😜. In the taxi, I am told by pilgrim Lara that we never and never speak to anyone about this outrageous act. The cheerful taxi driver grinning follows our discussion and reassures Lara that he drives pilgrims around all day long. Each with their own story or excuse. He tells Lara not to worry above all. Sarria is a beautiful place with beautiful terraces, good beer and delicious food.
Samos Monastery.
Samos is a sacred, ‘magical’ place.
So hidden, so narrow, so buried is that Monastery between four high mountains, which on all sides not only enclose it, but oppress it, that it can only be seen from the stars, when it reaches them vertically...
The layout of the place portrays the religion of its inhabitants. It portrays it, and even influences it: because the horizon is closed in on all sides, there are no objects through which the spirit can dissipate. Only in the direction of Heaven does the view ease; and so Heaven takes up all the attention.
With 1,500 years of almost uninterrupted monastic life, this monastery, this House of God, is home to the history of many peoples and men who have passed through it: (the ancient Suevi gave it its name: Samanos, place of the monks) and who continue to pass through, because it is the way, the Way of St James. And from all over the world they make a pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Glorious Apostle in Compostela.
The monks consecrated to Christ had already been here for over three hundred years when the news of the precious discovery of Zebedee's relics arrived. Hundreds of monks were sanctified in this ancient monastery.
From their cloisters they flew to heaven and from there they intercede for us, their brothers, who take a vow of stability usque ad mortem, as they did, before the altar of God and his saints Julian and Basil.
Legend has it that some of the monastery's relics, including an ancient Lignum Crucis, a thorn from the Crown of the Lord and St Benedict's femur.
Wednesday 26-04-2023 - Sarria
We arrive in Sarria around eight and take up residence in Travesia Rooms. After a lovely beer and some delicious tapas, we dive into our bed.
