Today we went over the highest point of the Camino Francés. It was a steady climb up and rather steeper coming down. The 17 km was dominated by the 445 metres of ascent and descent leaving us at much the same altitude as last evening.
It was good to be in the mountains again with wide views. The plain of the Meseta looked a long way down. Although a warm day with bright sunshine it was good to see the snow some 500 metres higher on the mountains.
It’s always fun to see the vegetation change with elevation. Today the asphodels and Spanish broom were gradually replaced with saxifrage and heathers. We even saw bracken.
After 7 km of walking we came to the Cruz de Ferro or Iron Cross which is one of the key symbols of the Way of Saint James.
This was a moving spot, beautiful but poignant. We took a moment to remember recently departed friends and family – Sue, Lisa, Fiona, Janet, Monica, Maurice and John.
We had a good walk across the top enjoying the mountain vistas.
The village of Acebo came into view which is clearly benefiting from the Camino with renovated properties. Our hostal rural for the evening is a new property with stunning views of the mountains all around and the valley below. We’re staying where there is the row of flags.
We descend tomorrow into Ponferrada for the end of our 2024 Camino. For the first time in more than two weeks we will be below 800 metres.
Julian and Beryl's camino 