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Almadén de la Plata - Monesterio

JustJack

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
CF: May/June 2023
VDLP: April/May 2024
I’m at Almadén de la Plata at the moment, and my options for tomorrow are to go as far as El Real de la Jara (approx 14km) or continue on to Monesterio (approx 34km). 34 km is a bit far for day 4 and not sure my legs are ready, but I wouldn’t mind going all the way.

For anyone that recalls this stage, is it particularly difficult? The Gronz altitude map shows some hills along the way.

Probably too specific a question, but hearing from someone that has done it may help me decide. Thanks!

​

 
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I've walked that stage twice. Fairly gentle ground - modest ups and downs. Some shade trees up to El Real as you pass though the dehesa landscape. The only potential problem I can think of is a large stream to ford after El Real. Depends on what rainfall has been like recently. If you are planning to go on to Monasterio there is a long but gradual uphill walk from the motorway service area to Monasterio.
 
Thanks for the quick reply, and great to hear from someone who is really familiar. Hopefully the stream won’t be an issue. I don’t think it’s been raining for the past week or more.

You’ve got me leaning towards making an early start and going all the way.
 
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There is a motorway service station before the climb to Monasterio. Good place to stop and recharge the batteries. When I walked it was in the mid 30s should be a lot easier in the 20s.
 
M2ME said:
There is a motorway service station before the climb to Monasterio. Good place to stop and recharge the batteries. When I walked it was in the mid 30s should be a lot easier in the 20s.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip!
 
The service area is Complejo Leo 24 Horas. It has accomodation if you find yourself out of steam by the time you get there. I think they also own Hotel Leo in Monasterio at the far end of town.

As I recall it was a bit of a climb from there to Monasterio so you might want to check the elevation profile beforehand.
 
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Just did that leg last week. Defiinately rest hyrdate and take on some calories at the gas station. Great place to stop. About 5 miles from Monesterio. The last section about 1 -2 miles is real torture. Lots of steep that does not seem to end. It does stair step though. I had to count steps rest go count steps rest go. Poco a Poco and you can make. Once your that far you do not have any real choice. I did it with about 4 other pilgrims. We all agree it was basically the end of our capacity for that leg. No mas. Getting there is goal accomplished. Buen Camino.
 
Thanks for sharing. I’ve gone ahead and booked a private room in Monesterio. No refund, so I have no choice now . The thought of a private room at the end should motivate me.
 
a couple of last minute tips! There are a couple of places to stop in the service area halfway between Real de la Jara and Monesterio; look for "Venta del Culebrín", it is a mythical inn by the roadside and it feels like travelling in time!
After crossing all motorway junction lanes, the path is easy among eucaliptus trees, but then you have a steady climb right before Monesterio that might be a bit demanding on a hot day.
This said, to me, the stretch between Almadén and Real is MY FAVOURITE of the whole Via de la Plata; if you very, very early in the morning and you reach one of the farms before the owner does, you will be greeted by a bunch of the cutest black piglets expecting you to feed them, they will follow you, it is a unique feeling to be surrounded by all those pretty creatures!!!
Buen camino, I am very JEALOUS of you, tomorrow's stage is fantastic. And if you decide to stay in Real, it is a fantastic town with great food (La Cochera) and a private albergue, the Molina family, who will make you feel really at home. There is enough things to do and see in Real de la Jara, you will be surprised (two castles, to begin with).
BUEN CAMINO!!!
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
We walked that stage in one day in April last year and in hindsight I really wish we had stopped in El Real de la Jara. I found it a really long day and I was exhausted by the time we reached Monesterio. As you say it was only day 4 and it was really hot.
 
Thanks so much. Saw this before I went to sleep and it put me in a better mood. The walk was great, especially the first few hours. The last hour dragged a bit, and the sun was relentless, but I made it. Your tips were appreciated.
 
I walked it on Tuesday and there was no problem with the stream. As has been mentioned the stop at the cafeteria beside the service station is ideal.
The terrain is not too difficult.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
JustJack said:
Thanks so much. Saw this before I went to sleep and it put me in a better mood. The walk was great, especially the first few hours. The last hour dragged a bit, and the sun was relentless, but I made it. Your tips were appreciated.
Click to expand...
very happy to read you made it, the last hour in a 34 km stage can always be dragging, but you made it, and that is great. I go to bed a happier person to read my post encouraged you.
BUEN CAMINO, you are in the right place, at the right time, Via de la Plata, right now.
Absolutely!
 
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