Sarria Complementario alternative

[roving_rufus]

So just leaving Sarria, after crossing the little stone bridge Ponte de Aspera at the train tracks there are 2 mojons pointing different directions. It was fun to watch the confusion of the shiny new Sarria-starting pilgrims seeing 2 options. But I had planned to try the complementario which crosses the train line and takes a steep path initially up through woods.
So it's big advantages- its a little shorter than the main route, and very few pilgrims take the alternative option here, which means you can escape the crowds for about 7km. I think it has less tarmac than the main route but does involve a bit of time on paths beside the busy main road LU633.
Unfortunately I didn't take any photos (I was feeling a bit off my game today).

You do miss some nice hamlets and churches on the main route - but for me after hitting the pilgrim crowds in Sarria it was a nice respite for an hour. Just note no bars or water fountains on the route- but it rejoins main route just before the busy bar at Peruscallo.

 

[mspath]

So just leaving Sarria, after crossing the little stone bridge Ponte de Aspera at the train tracks there are 2 mojons pointing different directions. It was fun to watch the confusion of the shiny new Sarria-starting pilgrims seeing 2 options. But I had planned to try the complementario which crosses the train line and takes a steep path initially up through woods.
So it's big advantages- its a little shorter than the main route, and very few pilgrims take the alternative option here, which means you can escape the crowds for about 7km. I think it has less tarmac than the main route but does involve a bit of time on paths beside the busy main road LU633.
Unfortunately I didn't take any photos (I was feeling a bit off my game today).

You do miss some nice hamlets and churches on the main route - but for me after hitting the pilgrim crowds in Sarria it was a nice respite for an hour. Just note no bars or water fountains on the route- but it rejoins main route just before the busy bar at Peruscallo.

I hope that you are feeling better now roving rufus. I remember that section well especially in the cold days of solo winter walking.

February 26, 2008



Early morning after crossing the rio Pequeno on the medieval Ponte Aspera and traversing a railway track I entered a magical space, an enchanted wood, and saw what would become my favorite tree.

Carpe diem!

 

[El Cascayal]

I entered a magical space, an enchanted wood, and saw what would become my favorite tree.

Which one is your favorite tree?
Yes, it’s magical, so many touching places in Galicia.

 

[t2andreo]

Now, if we could amplify on the alternative route out of Sarria, like all the way to Santiago, we would have achieved something truly beneficial. Let the “100 km Club” have it their way. I would trade convenience for contemplation.

Perhaps, one day, an effective, alternative “detour” to skip all the drama and commercialism to be found on the current route from Sarria to Santiago might be developed.

The same applies to the Tui to Santiago segment on the C. Portugués.

I hope this helps.

Tom

 

[priscillavivio]

Now, if we could amplify on the alternative route out of Sarria, like all the way to Santiago, we would have achieved something truly beneficial. Let the “100 km Club” have it their way. I would trade convenience for contemplation.

Perhaps, one day, an effective, alternative “detour” to skip all the drama and commercialism to be found on the current route from Sarria to Santiago might be developed.

The same applies to the Tui to Santiago segment on the C. Portugués.

I hope this helps.

Tom

I recently completed the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela trek so am part of the "100 km Club". I didn't find any drama but did find lots of friendly, generous, kind fellow peregrinos, both those that had started from much farther, and those that, like me, were testing themselves on their first, shorter Camino. Additionally, as a woman, especially, I appreciated the "commercialism" where I could relax with a delicious cafe con leche and use a toilet! Buen Camino!

 

[Chenahusky]

My favourite tree on the Camino Frances. About 4 minutes after crossing the railway track, out of Sarria. May 2019.

 

[J Willhaus]

I think that may have been the main route at ome point or maybe I just took that route in 2016 since it was shorter?

 

[roving_rufus]

Truthfully I discovered this complementario route after Sarria nearly by accident just before my trip. I found very little info on it. Even on the Frances I think I came across one trail-side map that showed it- not just as an alternative but as of equal standing with the more travelled route via Barbadelo.
I have no judgement of the 100km pilgrims from Sarria, but the crowds can be overwhelming (especially if you started earlier on the route). And suggesting information on a well marked route from Sarria should not be problematic-and maybe some of the 100km new pilgrims might like to taste something a little quieter too!

 

[J Willhaus]

I recently completed the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela trek so am part of the "100 km Club". I didn't find any drama but did find lots of friendly, generous, kind fellow peregrinos, both those that had started from much farther, and those that, like me, were testing themselves on their first, shorter Camino. Additionally, as a woman, especially, I appreciated the "commercialism" where I could relax with a delicious cafe con leche and use a toilet! Buen Camino!

Don't go in the winter if this is your preference. Almost every cute little bar and restaurant is closed. Xunta albergues open, but fewer eateries or pitstops.