Elevation

[Hollyhocks]

Hello!
Currently in Sarria. Taking a rest day tomorrow because my knees have been taking a beating… saw a physical therapist and that was the advice…
Question:
How is the elevation from Sarria to portomarin?
And the elevation/ ups and downs from Portomarinto Palas de Reí? On the book I have, it looks like I might die- dramatic

I guess what I want to know is which part from here to Santiago is going to hurt the most?

Where should we break up the trail so that we get a decent day in? I can manage 20-22a day depending on the hills.

Not ashamed to bus some distances if we have to…

We have to be in Santiago on the 16th…

Looking for suggestions…

Thank you
Holly

 

[trecile]

You can check Gronze for elevation profiles, which read right to left. Make sure to check out the scale on the right side.

Camino Francés | Gronze.com

El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...

www.gronze.com

 

[thejoker]

From Sarria there's a small initial climb through the woods and then a steady rise. There's a bit of quite steep downhill just before Portomarin. I have always thought the guidebook stages between Portomarin and Palas and then Palas and Arzus are too long as those days have lots of small ups and downs after another climb through the forest after Portomarin.

You could split the first stage and stay at the fabulous Morgade hostel. Their food is excellent. Also, staying in Melide makes sense for a nice afternoon eating pulpo in Ezequiel.

 

[Hollyhocks]

From Sarria there's a small initial climb through the woods and then a steady rise. There's a bit of quite steep downhill just before Portomarin. I have always thought the guidebook stages between Portomarin and Palas and then Palas and Arzus are too long as those days have lots of small ups and downs after another climb through the forest after Portomarin.

You could split the first stage and stay at the fabulous Morgade hostel. Their food is excellent. Also, staying in Melide makes sense for a nice afternoon eating pulpo in Ezequiel.

Thx

 

[J Willhaus]

In June we walked Sarria to Ferrieros one day, on to Portomarin the next, then Portomarin to Hospital de Cruz the third day and on to Palas de Rey the 4th day. Then to Melide on Day 5, Arzua on Day 6, O Pedruzo Day on 7, into Santiago Day 8. Not as many long steep portions after P. de Rey.

Steep climb out of Sarria. Take it easy and don't get psyched out by all the people passing you in that first stretch before Barbadello.

Also steep steady climb most of the day out of Portomarin to Hospital. Again, take it easy. Rest if you need to rest. Don't let the crowd of people passing you freak you out...

After the early crowd passes, it will be quieter walking. (We are 61 and 72 and experienced pilgrims.) My husband found he needed to transport his bag this year beginning on Day 5 as he did not have the endurance for these climbs.

Do what you need to do to take care of yourself physically so you can enjoy the pilgrimage. It is supposed to be warmer this week in Galicia so remain hydrated.

 

[Hollyhocks]

In June we walked Sarria to Ferrieros one day, on to Portomarin the next, then Portomarin to Hospital de Cruz the third day and on to Palas de Rey the 4th day. Then to Melide on Day 5, Arzua on Day 6, O Pedruzo Day on 7, into Santiago Day 8. Not as many long steep portions after P. de Rey.

Steep climb out of Sarria. Take it easy and don't get psyched out by all the people passing you in that first stretch before Barbadello.

Also steep steady climb most of the day out of Portomarin to Hospital. Again, take it easy. Rest if you need to rest. Don't let the crowd of people passing you freak you out...

After the early crowd passes, it will be quieter walking. (We are 61 and 72 and experienced pilgrims.) My husband found he needed to transport his bag this year beginning on Day 5 as he did not have the endurance for these climbs.

Do what you need to do to take care of yourself physically so you can enjoy the pilgrimage. It is supposed to be warmer this week in Galicia so remain hydrated.

Thank you
We have transporting our bags the sent stuff to Santiago.

 

[Gringazolana]

On your way downhill to Portomarín, take the RIGHT fork. The path to the left is for expert trekkers and/or crazy people! Also, there is a section near Ligonde that has some rock-climbing downhill parts that had my knee (and the rest of me) screaming. Buen camino!

 

[Hollyhocks]

On your way downhill to Portomarín, take the RIGHT fork. The path to the left is for expert trekkers and/or crazy people! Also, there is a section near Ligonde that has some rock-climbing downhill parts that had my knee (and the rest of me) screaming. Buen camino!

Thank you. We leave tomorrow morning for Portomarin.

 

[Bob Howard]

On your way downhill to Portomarín, take the RIGHT fork. The path to the left is for expert trekkers and/or crazy people! Also, there is a section near Ligonde that has some rock-climbing downhill parts that had my knee (and the rest of me) screaming. Buen camino!

Yes, that left fork is brutal, but short. Last year, I was behind a horse group. They actually took horses down there. They made it, but the horses were understandably hesitant and had to be coaxed. I've been on a number of horse pack trips in the Rockies including some rough terrain, but nothing like that bad section on the left fork.