LIVE from the Camino Muddy stretches between Rabanal and Molinaseca

[Gekkosan]

Today is March 21, 1024
If you’re starting El Francés around this time, be warned that quite a few stretches between Rabanal del Camino and Molinaseca are in pretty bad shape. Lots of mud, and some stretches are turned into shallow streams. Wear boots if you have them, or at least waterproof shoes. Regilar sneakers will get soaking wet!

 

[t2andreo]

Coming down from Cruz de Ferro, you can avoid this quagmire in the forest by using the road to walk down the hill into Molinaseca. Keep to the left, facing oncoming traffic. There is not much traffic. It may be a little longer, but it is much safer. The views on a clear day are still beautiful.

While this avoids "mud-walking" and the sometimes treacherous footing, some folks try to avoid road walking. I am just pointing this out as a viable alternative.

On the walk from Raban al UP to Cruz de Ferro, there is no easy way to avoid whatever challenges the path provides. I usually try to walk to one side of the senda or another to avoid the mud. I try to walk on the green weeds and grass to the extent possible.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Anniesantiago]

Coming down from Cruz de Ferro, you can avoid this quagmire in the forest by using the road to walk down the hill into Molinaseca. Keep to the left, facing oncoming traffic. There is not much traffic. It may be a little longer, but it is much safer. The views on a clear day are still beautiful.

While this avoids "mud-walking" and the sometimes treacherous footing, some folks try to avoid road walking. I am just pointing this out as a viable alternative.

On the walk from Raban al UP to Cruz de Ferro, there is no easy way to avoid whatever challenges the path provides. I usually try to walk to one side of the senda or another to avoid the mud. I try to walk on the green weeds and grass to the extent possible.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Yup. I always take the road. I find it safer than slipping and sliding.
Just be sure to walk FACING traffic, like Tom says, and please walk single file!

 

[Marian Patricia]

Today is March 21, 1024
If you’re starting El Francés around this time, be warned that quite a few stretches between Rabanal del Camino and Molinaseca are in pretty bad shape. Lots of mud, and some stretches are turned into shallow streams. Wear boots if you have them, or at least waterproof shoes. Regilar sneakers will get soaking wet!

We walked that path when the weather was perfect and it was challenging enough! I wouldn't want to do it if it's wet, snowy or muddy. I would agree with taking the road in these conditions.

 

[t2andreo]

That is why I made the recommendation. Many folks find the direct route through the forest to be challenging even in dry weather. The road, while a tad more boring, is much safer.

Tom

 

[KeyserSoza]

I did Acebo to Molinaseca last May in dry conditions. It is undoubtedly the roughest underfoot section of the CF. Going back this year and delighted to read recommendations on the road alternative, which we were planning to use.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola other posters;
back in 2015 I cycled down that road from Cruz de Ferro, it was a Sunday but still significant amounts of traffic. The decision to walk down via the road is, of course a personal one, however I strongly recommend that if you do intend to walk it be on the lookout for cars coming up-hill who often cut the corners. As I was very much concentrating on the road I did not really pay attention to the shoulders but from what I remember they were very narrow. Stay safe. Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

Perhaps more people should try this alternative path that @peregrina2000 talks about:

I have posted about this alternative recently and wonder if anyone has taken the suggestion yet. There is a beautiful wooded trail from Riego de Ambrós to Molinaseca. It is well known in the area, called the Puentes de Malpaso, and it passes by two very old bridges. It is not rocky and the grade is not outrageous. Details here.

 

[trecile]

Perhaps more people should try this alternative path that @peregrina2000 talks about:

Make sure to check out the other posts in that thread.

 

[KiwiBrownz]

Yup. I always take the road. I find it safer than slipping and sliding.
Just be sure to walk FACING traffic, like Tom says, and please walk single file!

I didn't know about this option and wasn't looking forward to a repeat of the walk down to Molinaseca early June this year.

 

[David Tallan]

Perhaps more people should try this alternative path that @peregrina2000 talks about:

Always good to see a reminder of this option.

 

[Thornley]

Today is March 21, 1024
If you’re starting El Francés around this time, be warned that quite a few stretches between Rabanal del Camino and Molinaseca are in pretty bad shape. Lots of mud, and some stretches are turned into shallow streams. Wear boots if you have them, or at least waterproof shoes. Regilar sneakers will get soaking wet!

Even in the best of weather this section is one where care is required
Many a rolled ankle etc have occurred on these rocky slopes.
Slow up and no records is good advice when planning Rabanal to Molinaseca