VdlP A66 alt route.

[JamesG]

I’m in Salamanca planning the next few days on the VDLP. Looking to take the alternative route from Montamarta to Tabara on A66. Any +/- feedback on this route from those who have taken this path.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I’m in Salamanca planning the next few days on the VDLP. Looking to take the alternative route from Montamarta to Tabara on A66. Any +/- feedback on this route from those who have taken this path.

James, I think you have misread your map. The A66 is an autovia, and it definitely doesn’t go to Tabara! So, we’re talking about the N632, I believe. I have taken that route once, on my bike. I found it to be a very busy highway, with a lot of fast-moving truck traffic. Not at all pleasant. And furthermore, I’m not aware of any track alongside it. The VdlP route from Granja, on the other hand, although much further,has a lot to recommend it.

 

[JamesG]

Thank you, and yes reread and Wise Pilgrim has it as the N631. Appreciate the info.

 

[Corned Beef]

Good road surface. Quiet most of the time. Long straight stretches. Accommodation is the issue. Stopped at a Posdada Rural in Ferreras de Abajo but there is only one bar there.

Off the N-631 the roads are quieter but you do get the occasional heavy traffic in front of you.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I walked both routes walking along the 631 was not very nice. Walking "The two other sides of the triangle" will take a stage more but it is was far more beautifull

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Good road surface. Quiet most of the time. Long straight stretches. Accommodation is the issue. Stopped at a Posdada Rural in Ferreras de Abajo but there is only one bar there.

I’m amazed that you found it quiet. It occurred to me that all the trucks were making a short-cut to the autovia heading west.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

And I remember there was only a small or even no shoulder on the 631 ( on the 630 it was much broader)

 

[jony jony]

I’m amazed that you found it quiet. It occurred to me that all the trucks were making a short-cut to the autovia heading west.

I have to agree with Pelegrinopaul. Quite a busy road wirh many trucks ( at least when i cycled it ) and not enjoyable at all . On some stretches there was a narrow path worn in the grass verges by i assume walkers .
Not a route i would take again even to save time and distance .

Regards....John

 

[duncanwhyte]

I walked the vdlp in Feb/march this year. Because of flooding I walked a lot of those main roads. They're noisy with traffic.

The official Camino path will take you into mud and flood and silliness if conditions are poor. But there are other better roads used by the locals that were accessible throughout. Use Google maps and plot your way avoiding the camino path.