It was an interesting day today. After watching a mist shrouded sunrise we reached Alto Poio at 1,335 meters. We then had a decision to make-again.

We decided on the original route which ran along the top of the mountain instead of taking the road. We thought we would get a better view. We didn’t. But we didn’t regret our mountain walk. It included walking through infrastructure works and a breakfast of blackberries.

When the two routes joined we walked down amazing country lanes with equally amazing views..

In Ramil a huge old chestnut tree still bearing fruit -or nuts.

Triacastela was once a town of three castles but they no lounger exist. Triacastela has always been an important stop for pilgrims and once had several hospices. The parish church has an unusual 18th century tower on which is carved an image of the three castles.

As we leave town we pass what was commonly known as Casa du Pont. It was the old Smithy which also doubled as a pilgrim inn dating back to the 16th century.

Sun dappled country roads and lanes lead us past an unusual rest area with a huge scallop shell.

It wasn’t much later that we realised that we had missed our option place of abode for the night. In fact not many towns seemed to have names. I didn’t know where I was. When we came to San Xil I had a feeling it was going to be a long day. Our day at times was incredibly beautiful.

We walked down country lanes

and past siesta taking dogs.

Nearly 30 kilometres for the day and Grateful Dave was, well, very grateful when we arrived at a nice pension in Pintin.