Day 27 - Ponferrada to Villafranca de Bierzo - 15.22 miles

Look at that - we are finally below 200km!!! After I depart Sarria on Monday, it will be the last 100km.

Vino, Vino, Vino!!! We are entering a new wine region. Lots of fields of grapes, bodegas, and large, beautiful estates (probably the owners of the wineries😉). I even smelled a familiar smell as I passed one of the bodegas -fermenting wine.

The walk today led out of the city of Ponferrada into the neighboring towns walking all along the side of the road. There was a short part through the vineyards before arriving in Villafranca de Bierzo. This town from the 11th century is situated right along the river as was my hotel. I can imagine it looks beautiful covered in snow. There are multiple castles, 3 churches, and beauty everywhere you turn. This town is sometimes referred to as "little Santiago" because medieval pilgrims that were unable to complete the journey were given absolution and received a Compostela here.

Villafranca del Bierzo

View from the bridge

Bored of castles yet?

Tomorrow's walk will be long again at almost 18 miles over the mountains to O'Cebreiro. This will be the last very challenging day of walking, and we are also expecting rain all day tomorrow. Maybe those rain pants I brought will actually see some use! Yesterday, I was able to quickly rock hop/jog down most of the descent, but rain will put a stop to that. We shall see what tomorrow brings.