Friday 19th May 2023
Distance 15.2km / 9.4 miles
El Acebo – Ponferrada
Today was all about walking downhill though it certainly wasn’t downhill in terms of mood. As I negotiated the often difficult paths the views just kept on giving.
I passed a little open chapel in the hamlet of Riego de Ambrós and stopped for a quick prayer. Then it was through some lovely woodland. The paths down the mountain were some of the most challenging walking so far and I was going slowly and carefully, grateful for my poles.
The views were great
Once down the mountain I walked through the village of Molinaseca and over some low hills until I saw Ponferrada in the distance.
After a stretch of road walking and a short climb I arrived at the town centre and it’s impressive Templar Castle.
The town was bustling, modern and full of tourists. I stopped and did some shopping before checking in to my Albergue. It was a parochial one but very different in character to last night. It was large and modern and didn’t provide any food. The accommodation was great though I I did spend some time in the garden and in an old church beside the hostel. It was lovely and peaceful and had some beautiful modern painted decoration.
I almost looked around the castle but it was closed. Today gave me an opportunity to rest and reflect on the last couple of days.