Ponferrada - getting credentials late/early? // and future Invierno enquiries maybe

[Mettchen]

Hola amigos,
I am tentatively planning (nothing that can't be cancelled yet) Camino Invierno in January

My first question is - I know I'll be able to get/buy credentials in Ponferrada - but do any of you know how late/early in the day?

Flights to Spain are apparently not so frequent in January (as during summer ) so will most likely only arrive in Ponferrada around 11pm from Madrid. Because I am arriving so late then I am also not planning on the municipal albergue.

My first day walking will only be around 20k so I dont have to start super early ...but do any of you know where I will either be able to get a set of credentials late in the evening or fairly early morning in mid-January?

I was contemplating ordering from Ivar - but due to well deserved holiday they don't ship orders till the 7th and I therefor doubt it will arrive in time.

As you can tell - I am planning well in advance

Thanks in advance, merry Christmas and buen camino,
Mette

 

[domigee]

I'd try and contact Albergue Guiana and ask them. They close very late (midnight?) and sell a few things for the Camino, I was able to buy walking poles there. They might have credentials.

Web:
www.albergueguiana.com(link is external)

 

[Mettchen]

I'd try and contact Albergue Guiana and ask them. They close very late (midnight?) and sell a few things for the Camino, I was able to buy walking poles there. They might have credentials.

Web:
www.albergueguiana.com(link is external)

Awesome! Thanks. I'll do that



...also good to know about the poles, in case mine gets confiscated on the way (hope not!!!)

 

[henrythedog]

Have a look on Gronze.com.

Under ‘services’, you’re looking for ‘Expiden la Credencial’ with a € next to it. That indicates credenciales for sale.

 

[wisepilgrim]

I seem to remember a souvenir shop selling them. But the municipal albergue is open year round and surely have them. And the start of the Invierno is right next to the muni.

 

[Mettchen]

Have a look on Gronze.com.

Under ‘services’, you’re looking for ‘Expiden la Credencial’ with a € next to it. That indicates credenciales for sale.

Oohh great tip. I've spent hours in Gronze over the years, but never knew that detail was there... might be my limited Spanish and that I dont translate the website

 

[Mettchen]

I seem to remember a souvenir shop selling them. But the municipal albergue is open year round and surely have them. And the start of the Invierno is right next to the muni.

Thanks a bunch - I was more concerned that I wouldn't be able to buy one there at say 11:30pm or early morning before I start my first stage.

But great tips all three - thanks. Think Im almost ready to buy the plane tickets now...


...and I can start to pray to the weather gods for decent weather

 

[domigee]

Have a look on Gronze.com.

Under ‘services’, you’re looking for ‘Expiden la Credencial’ with a € next to it. That indicates credenciales for sale.

I had never noticed that!
Looks like only the parroquial albergue sells them then, they open at 6 am.

Albergue San Nicolás de Flüe - Servicios

Albergue San Nicolás de Flüe de Ponferrada (León). Servicios del Albergue

www.sannicolasdeflue.com

 

[cnxjo]

I am planning to start in early Feb. So far having trouble securing lodging between Villavieja and Sobradelo. Would appreciate knowing your arrangement for lodging. Thank you.

 

[Desert Bruce]

I worked at the donativo albergue San Nicolás de Fue in Ponferrada last May as hospitalero. We had credentials available for sale. The door opens at 06 in the morning and the pilgrims are gone by 08 when the door is locked for cleaning till 1pm.

 

[Takahiwai]

I am planning to start in early Feb. So far having trouble securing lodging between Villavieja and Sobradelo. Would appreciate knowing your arrangement for lodging. Thank you.

I stayed in Hotel Medulio in Las Medulas, and Hostal La Torre in Puente de Domingo Florez, in March this year. Both fine.

 

[cnxjo]

Hotel Medulas closed till 7 Feb and Hostal La Torre fully booked by business group the same week

 

[drgalvin]

Hola amigos,
I am tentatively planning (nothing that can't be cancelled yet) Camino Invierno in January

My first question is - I know I'll be able to get/buy credentials in Ponferrada - but do any of you know how late/early in the day?

Flights to Spain are apparently not so frequent in January (as during summer ) so will most likely only arrive in Ponferrada around 11pm from Madrid. Because I am arriving so late then I am also not planning on the municipal albergue.

My first day walking will only be around 20k so I dont have to start super early ...but do any of you know where I will either be able to get a set of credentials late in the evening or fairly early morning in mid-January?

I was contemplating ordering from Ivar - but due to well deserved holiday they don't ship orders till the 7th and I therefor doubt it will arrive in time.

As you can tell - I am planning well in advance

Thanks in advance, merry Christmas and buen camino,
Mette

I was hospitalero in the pilgrim hostel, Albergue San Nicolás de Flue, in Ponferrada. Hospitaleros are resting and doing other tasks until early afternoon. Great place to stay on your first night. You can get the credencial there.

 

[drgalvin]

Awesome! Thanks. I'll do that



...also good to know about the poles, in case mine gets confiscated on the way (hope not!!!)

By the time pilgrims get toward the end of their trip, they're just carrying those walking staffs. They are baggage rather than a needed implement. Not worth it for the couple of times they are a help.

 

[trecile]

By the time pilgrims get toward the end of their trip, they're just carrying those walking staffs. They are baggage rather than a needed implement. Not worth it for the couple of times they are a help.

I use my poles (not a staff) for almost every kilometer on the Camino. They assist me in many ways other than the obvious uphills and downhills.

 

[domigee]

I use my poles (not a staff) for almost every kilometer on the Camino. They assist me in many ways other than the obvious uphills and downhills.

I am not sure I could have walked all those many kms without my walking poles!

 

[domigee]

I am planning to start in early Feb. So far having trouble securing lodging between Villavieja and Sobradelo. Would appreciate knowing your arrangement for lodging. Thank you.

Casa Socorro in Las Medulas. I don’t know if it is open in Feb. , doesn’t say on Gronze. I’d ask them.
Lovely place btw

 

[Mettchen]

By the time pilgrims get toward the end of their trip, they're just carrying those walking staffs. They are baggage rather than a needed implement. Not worth it for the couple of times they are a help.

Each to their own - I have thoroughly enjoyed my hiking poles on my previous caminos. Besides helping my joints and balance and overall support - they also help my fingers from swelling up and when it’s cold my hands get warmer quicker when hiking with poles.

I probably could walk without them, but I’m pretty my knees and ankles etc. appreciate them as much as the rest of me

But they are not for everyone - and that’s fine

 

[Mettchen]

I was hospitalero in the pilgrim hostel, Albergue San Nicolás de Flue, in Ponferrada. Hospitaleros are resting and doing other tasks until early afternoon. Great place to stay on your first night. You can get the credencial there.

Thanks @drgalvin and @Desert Bruce for both suggesting San Nicolas de Flue, but at both Wise Pilgrim (app) and Gronze it says it closes at 22/22:30 and I would only arrive at 23:00… so I followed the suggestion from @domigee and contacted Albergue Guiana who confirmed that I can get in late - and also get credentials. Should the credential fail, I am sure from you all - that I can find one in the morning.

Thank you all - looks like my beds are sorted, so now I just need plane tickets and a bus ticket

 

[Mettchen]

Local busses on Sundays?
Does any of you know if google maps is reliable when looking for local bus / public transportation options? Or is there really nothing on Sundays? (I really wouldn't be that surprised if there is not)

I have over-ambitious stage of 35+ km from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos and would like to shorten it by taking a bus 7-15 km in the beginning, the middle or the end. Breaking the stage into two is not really possible due to a fixed deadline in the other end. But if no busses run, maybe a taxi.

I’ll ask at my albergues too - but thought I would ask you for suggestions as well.

Gracias

 

[domigee]

Thanks @drgalvin and @Desert Bruce for both suggesting San Nicolas de Flue, but at both Wise Pilgrim (app) and Gronze it says it closes at 22/22:30 and I would only arrive at 23:00… so I followed the suggestion from @domigee and contacted Albergue Guiana who confirmed that I can get in late - and also get credentials. Should the credential fail, I am sure from you all - that I can find one in the morning.

Thank you all - looks like my beds are sorted, so now I just need plane tickets and a bus ticket

Woohoo!

 

[domigee]

Local busses on Sundays?
Does any of you know if google maps is reliable when looking for local bus / public transportation options? Or is there really nothing on Sundays? (I really wouldn't be that surprised if there is not)

I have over-ambitious stage of 35+ km from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos and would like to shorten it by taking a bus 7-15 km in the beginning, the middle or the end. Breaking the stage into two is not really possible due to a fixed deadline in the other end. But if no busses run, maybe a taxi.

I’ll ask at my albergues too - but thought I would ask you for suggestions as well.

Gracias

No idea, I'd ask the albergues, they'll know.
I did walk with someone who took a taxi for part of the stretch (not that one ) so it is feasible ;-)

 

[Charrito]

Local busses on Sundays?
Does any of you know if google maps is reliable when looking for local bus / public transportation options? Or is there really nothing on Sundays? (I really wouldn't be that surprised if there is not)

I have over-ambitious stage of 35+ km from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos and would like to shorten it by taking a bus 7-15 km in the beginning, the middle or the end. Breaking the stage into two is not really possible due to a fixed deadline in the other end. But if no busses run, maybe a taxi.

I’ll ask at my albergues too - but thought I would ask you for suggestions as well.

Gracias

There are three busus from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos, and they all run every day (the bus stop is directly opposite Hostal Quiper). One leaves Quiroga at 08:32, the next at 15:32, and the last one at 22:33.

Here's a suggestion (I did this a few years ago): walk from Quiroga to Pensión Pacita in Barxa de Lor, have a great meal with José and José Luís (you would need to contact them beforehand), then walk back down the road to A Labrada (around 400 metres) and pick up the bus there (it passes at 15:50, and you'll need to flag it down).

By doing this, you avoid the steep (although beautiful) climb up to Castroncelos and you miss out on the great albergue in A Pobra do Brollón.

The whole stage is, as you say, around 35 kms, but it can be done. The last 12 or 13 kms from A Pobra do Brollón to Monforte de Lemos are pretty straightforward, with just one short climb.

Transporte Público de Galicia

www.bus.gal

 

[Charrito]

Origen: A RUA E.A. (A RÚA)

Destination: MONFORTE E.A. (MONFORTE DE LEMOS)

Pensión Pacita C.B. to Labrada

maps.app.goo.gl

(from Pensión Pacita to the bus stop in A Labrada)

 

[Mettchen]

Origen: A RUA E.A. (A RÚA)

Destination: MONFORTE E.A. (MONFORTE DE LEMOS)

Pensión Pacita C.B. to Labrada

maps.app.goo.gl

(from Pensión Pacita to the bus stop in A Labrada)

Thanks a bunch for both replies and suggestion

 

[Charrito]

Thanks a bunch for both replies and suggestion

You're welcome. If there's any other info you need please don't hesitate to ask. I've walked the Invierno around a dozen times, so I reckon I know most of the stages pretty well!

 

[Takahiwai]

Origen: A RUA E.A. (A RÚA)

Destination: MONFORTE E.A. (MONFORTE DE LEMOS)

Pensión Pacita C.B. to Labrada

maps.app.goo.gl

(from Pensión Pacita to the bus stop in A Labrada)

I loved that place - Pensión Pacita, not the bus stop! - and felt like I would be quite happy to stay there forever, with a never-ending supply of good books.

 

[Charrito]

I loved that place - Pensión Pacita, not the bus stop! - and felt like I would be quite happy to stay there forever, with a never-ending supply of good books.

Hahahaha! The Pensión is such a wonderful place, and the people are so friendly. It's incredibly peaceful, and the hospitality and food are both ecellent. I hope you tried the truchas!

 

[Takahiwai]

Hahahaha! The Pensión is such a wonderful place, and the people are so friendly. It's incredibly peaceful, and the hospitality and food are both ecellent. I hope you tried the truchas!

Alas, truchas were not on the menu, but the friendly man who lives just on the other side of the bridge told me that I must try the home-made wine and orujo, and they went very well with (and after) the steak, chips, and salad dinner that I wolfed down!

 

[Mettchen]

You're welcome. If there's any other info you need please don't hesitate to ask. I've walked the Invierno around a dozen times, so I reckon I know most of the stages pretty well!

Btw - since you've walked it so many times how (un)lucky have you been with the weather?

Next week it looks pretty wet - but I really hope it'll have dried up by the time Im heading out. Despite this being my 3rd camino and 6th multiday hike, then I've been fortunate to never experience several days of rain. Tbh, not even sure I've experienced a full day of rain (while walking) before... so it'll be a new kind of mental challenge to overcome. And I just hope I can stay dry or at least dry up for the next day

 

[Charrito]

Btw - since you've walked it so many times how (un)lucky have you been with the weather?

Next week it looks pretty wet - but I really hope it'll have dried up by the time Im heading out. Despite this being my 3rd camino and 6th multiday hike, then I've been fortunate to never experience several days of rain. Tbh, not even sure I've experienced a full day of rain (while walking) before... so it'll be a new kind of mental challenge to overcome. And I just hope I can stay dry or at least dry up for the next day

The weather will be better from Friday January 10, but you'll probably be on the camino then.

I've had quite a few really hot days on the Invierno, but never too much rain. It depends on the time of year, obviously.

Buen Camino!

 

[Mettchen]

The weather will be better from Friday January 10, but you'll probably be on the camino then.

I've had quite a few really hot days on the Invierno, but never too much rain. It depends on the time of year, obviously.

Buen Camino!

Perfect... thats what I was hoping for. I know that no one can predict the weather though, but I hope you are right.

It also looks warmer than I had expected, but also more wet. But I hope you are right about the 10th as I'll be heading out after that

And will pray to the weather gods and try to keep a positive mindset

Thanks again.

 

[Charrito]

Perfect... thats what I was hoping for. I know that no one can predict the weather though, but I hope you are right.

It also looks warmer than I had expected, but also more wet. But I hope you are right about the 10th as I'll be heading out after that

And will pray to the weather gods and try to keep a positive mindset

Thanks again.

What day are you planning on leaving Ponferrada?

 

[Mettchen]

What day are you planning on leaving Ponferrada?

In a little less than two weeks - if I make all my connections

 

[cnxjo]

In a little less than two weeks - if I make all my connections

Keep us posted. Doing the same starting ~ 3 Feb. wondering if you plan to overnight in Las Medulas. Hotel Medulas is closed till 7 Feb and Casa Socorro is not answering phone calls. Thank you for any useful info. Buen Camino.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hahahaha! The Pensión is such a wonderful place, and the people are so friendly. It's incredibly peaceful, and the hospitality and food are both ecellent. I hope you tried the truchas!

Charrito, are both the pensión and the café open since the death of Pacita? I thought they served meals and drinks, but only to pensión guests.

Keep us posted. Doing the same starting ~ 3 Feb. wondering if you plan to overnight in Las Medulas. Hotel Medulas is closed till 7 Feb and Casa Socorro is not answering phone calls. Thank you for any useful info. Buen Camino.

I always stay in the Agoga. They have an online system, are open every day, and have a variety of places to stay - the rooms above the restaurant, and now some casas they have turned into rentals. Good menú del día, too, notwithstanding the tour buses!

 

[Takahiwai]

Charrito, are both the pensión and the café open since the death of Pacita? I thought they served meals and drinks, but only to pensión guests.

I would guess 'no', but if you take the trouble to make the 300m diversion, and partake of the copious quantities of local food, and the home-made wine and orujo, you'd probably decide to book in for the night just to sleep it all off. (I'd be interested to know what the actual answer to your question is, though!)

 

[Mettchen]

Keep us posted. Doing the same starting ~ 3 Feb. wondering if you plan to overnight in Las Medulas. Hotel Medulas is closed till 7 Feb and Casa Socorro is not answering phone calls. Thank you for any useful info. Buen Camino.

I will do my best. From experience though, then I am usually so exhausted at the end of each day, that I can barely manage to keep my friends at home updated. But I should be home again before you set off so I’ll do my best with an update then if not during

My initial plan was to have a short first day and stay in Borrenes as I will be traveling directly from a night shift ( my hope is I will be so tired that I can sleep on the planes and bus, but not comfortable enough to sleep enough/too well that I wont be able to sleep at night when I arrive )…

….but I am also searching for accommodation in Las Medulas to make day 2 shorter .

The hospitalero at La Gran Tortuga mentioned “casa aura do trigo-Socorro” and “Agoga” as options I havent contacted Socorro yet, but sent an email to Agoga 3 days ago, but no reply yet (which is fair over New Years) - but might try online as mentioned by @peregrina2000 instead of waiting for the email

I have also contacted the Hotel Rural La Peregrina in Carucedo, but they are closed (on vacation - at least in mid-January) - and they mentioned Socorro as well. But if they didnt reply you, they might not me either.

So… Borrenes is still my back-up plan

 

[Mettchen]

Charrito, are both the pensión and the café open since the death of Pacita? I thought they served meals and drinks, but only to pensión guests.


I always stay in the Agoga. They have an online system, are open every day, and have a variety of places to stay - the rooms above the restaurant, and now some casas they have turned into rentals. Good menú del día, too, notwithstanding the tour buses!

Thanks for tip - and to mention food as well, I feel as if Invierno requires a little more planning that what I have been used to in order to make sure I eat every day .

I’ll give Agoga another “go”

 

[peregrina2000]

but might try online as mentioned by @peregrina2000 instead of waiting for the email

I was just scrolling through my WhatsApp messages with Agoga and they routinely respond within a matter of hours. They are located at “the end” of the village and on the Camino heading to Puente de Domingo Florez. In my opinion, it’s much much nicer than that hotel (Medulio?). Socorro is fine, I’ve slept there a couple of times too.

 

[Mettchen]

I am glad to see that both @domigee and @peregrina2000 mention that Socorro is ok, because the reviews I have seen were not too great

But I have no made an online reservation request to Agoga through their website …if it fails, I will try Socorro

 

[peregrina2000]

I am glad to see that both @domigee and @peregrina2000 mention that Socorro is ok, because the reviews I have seen were not too great

It’s not a four star hotel by any means, it’s just rooms in a house with a kitchen that I think we were able to use. Shared baths, faded furniture, but when I was there it was clean. And there were sheets on the bed. I wouldn’t focus on the lodging, but rather think about how great it is to walk a camino that goes through a world heritage site, that you can actually walk through the irrigation channels the Romans built, and that the views from the Mirador de Orellán are simply spectacular. Not to mention a chance to enjoy some ancient chestnut groves. And even if you don’t stay in Agoga, you can get a very good menú del día there, at a reasonable price, and served till late because of the tour buses. Whether Socorro’s towels are ragged is really a trivial detail. You’ll love it wherever you stay.

 

[Mettchen]

It’s not a four star hotel by any means, it’s just rooms in a house with a kitchen that I think we were able to use. Shared baths, faded furniture, but when I was there it was clean. And there were sheets on the bed. I wouldn’t focus on the lodging, but rather think about how great it is to walk a camino that goes through a world heritage site, that you can actually walk through the irrigation channels the Romans built, and that the views from the Mirador de Orellán are simply spectacular. Not to mention a chance to enjoy some ancient chestnut groves. And even if you don’t stay in Agoga, you can get a very good menú del día there, at a reasonable price, and served till late because of the tour buses. Whether Socorro’s towels are ragged is really a trivial detail. You’ll love it wherever you stay.

 

[Charrito]

Keep us posted. Doing the same starting ~ 3 Feb. wondering if you plan to overnight in Las Medulas. Hotel Medulas is closed till 7 Feb and Casa Socorro is not answering phone calls. Thank you for any useful info. Buen Camino.

The hotel is Medulio, not Médulas.

 

[Charrito]

Charrito, are both the pensión and the café open since the death of Pacita? I thought they served meals and drinks, but only to pensión guests.

I know them pretty well and always phone beforehand to order lunch, even when I'm not staying there. Great people.

 

[Charrito]

I always stay in the Agoga. They have an online system, are open every day, and have a variety of places to stay - the rooms above the restaurant, and now some casas they have turned into rentals. Good menú del día, too, notwithstanding the tour buses!

Excellent place, but not too cheap.

 

[Charrito]

I will do my best. From experience though, then I am usually so exhausted at the end of each day, that I can barely manage to keep my friends at home updated. But I should be home again before you set off so I’ll do my best with an update then if not during

My initial plan was to have a short first day and stay in Borrenes as I will be traveling directly from a night shift ( my hope is I will be so tired that I can sleep on the planes and bus, but not comfortable enough to sleep enough/too well that I wont be able to sleep at night when I arrive )…

….but I am also searching for accommodation in Las Medulas to make day 2 shorter .

The hospitalero at La Gran Tortuga mentioned “casa aura do trigo-Socorro” and “Agoga” as options I havent contacted Socorro yet, but sent an email to Agoga 3 days ago, but no reply yet (which is fair over New Years) - but might try online as mentioned by @peregrina2000 instead of waiting for the email

I have also contacted the Hotel Rural La Peregrina in Carucedo, but they are closed (on vacation - at least in mid-January) - and they mentioned Socorro as well. But if they didnt reply you, they might not me either.

So… Borrenes is still my back-up plan

The Hotel Rural Cornatel Médulas in Borrenes is fine, and you'll get a warm welcome from Saturno and Marisol. Great food too.

An alternative to Las Médulas is Orellán. The Hotel Rural El Lagar is fine, although it's a bit of a hike up from Borrenes. From the hotel you can walk up to the Mirador for stunning views of Las Médulas and you can take the tour. The folowing day there is a track around the top towards the Mirador de las Pedrices, from where you rejoin the camino and head down to Puente de Domingo Flórez.

 

[Charrito]

It’s not a four star hotel by any means, it’s just rooms in a house with a kitchen that I think we were able to use. Shared baths, faded furniture, but when I was there it was clean. And there were sheets on the bed. I wouldn’t focus on the lodging, but rather think about how great it is to walk a camino that goes through a world heritage site, that you can actually walk through the irrigation channels the Romans built, and that the views from the Mirador de Orellán are simply spectacular. Not to mention a chance to enjoy some ancient chestnut groves. And even if you don’t stay in Agoga, you can get a very good menú del día there, at a reasonable price, and served till late because of the tour buses. Whether Socorro’s towels are ragged is really a trivial detail. You’ll love it wherever you stay.

Casa Socorro is basic, but it's not so bad.

 

[Charrito]

Thanks for tip - and to mention food as well, I feel as if Invierno requires a little more planning that what I have been used to in order to make sure I eat every day .

I recently watched videos from an English guy called Harry about his stages on the Camino de Invierno (with another three people). In practically every video he complained over and over about not coming across places to stop for a coffee, cold drink, snack or meal. He clearly hadn't read the info we have in this forum!

Here's the link to the first video:

Why don't people check out all the available information before they set off?

 

[Mettchen]

The Hotel Rural Cornatel Médulas in Borrenes is fine, and you'll get a warm welcome from Saturno and Marisol. Great food too.

An alternative to Las Médulas is Orellán. The Hotel Rural El Lagar is fine, although it's a bit of a hike up from Borrenes. From the hotel you can walk up to the Mirador for stunning views of Las Médulas and you can take the tour. The folowing day there is a track around the top towards the Mirador de las Pedrices, from where you rejoin the camino and head down to Puente de Domingo Flórez.

Great tip / alternative

I actually wont mind staying in Borrenes either where I have a reservation, but I think I'll do my future self a favour by walking a bit further to make the next day shorter.

I do have a short day on day 3 to recover though

On booking.com it doesnt look like there is any availability in Orellán though, but would rather book directly anyway and they might have options that doesn't show online

Thanks again

 

[Mettchen]

I recently watched videos from an English guy called Harry about his stages on the Camino de Invierno (with another three people). In practically every video he complained over and over about not coming across places to stop for a coffee, cold drink, snack or meal. He clearly hadn't read the info we have in this forum!

Here's the link to the first video:

Why don't people check out all the available information before they set off?

Wasnt sure what emoji to pick

Geez - though I did see the video and it sounded like they had done some research, but fell short as those places were closed.

I know for sure I'll miss my usual tortilla every mid-morning, a bar with my cortado and regular access to toilets etc. - but I am well aware that this is not CF. I plan on bulking up on food for lunch/dinner/breakfast for 1-2+ days whenever I come across somewhere open - even if just as backup

 

[domigee]

Charrito, are both the pensión and the café open since the death of Pacita? I thought they served meals and drinks, but only to pensión guests.

I stayed there 2 years ago. Great food - the son came especially from a nearby town to cook the meal and their home made wine, totally organic, is sensationnal.
I had booked ahead but a young couple I met on the way wanted to stop there with me for just a coffee and maybe a snack. They were told it wasn't possible, meals and drinks only available for guests who are staying the night.

 

[domigee]

My initial plan was to have a short first day and stay in Borrenes

Again, I stayed there 2 years ago, lovely place with nice garden and good food - it's also a restaurant.
BUT I arrived early, around 10/11 am and they only opened at ...4 pm. I thought I could have a drink and a snack at the cafe that was mentioned in the guidebook. No, it is closed and there is absolutely nothing else in the 'village'.
I had to go to a restaurant 1.1 km away (not on the Camino, it's on the National road), Las Ventas and walk back...Not such a problem in cool weather but that day was 36 deg and I could have done without it. It is also extremely popular, I was served lunch because I had it very early otherwise you have to have a reservation. Food is great though.
Last year I walked straight to Las Medulas!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I stayed in Las Medulas at Agoga this past October at the recommendation of @peregrina2000 and her help in securing me a reservation. I thought it charming, unique and my room had a balcony.
The following night I stayed in Sobradelo at
A Pontevella Alojamiento. It was quite expensive, but amazing and the dinner excellent. The only other option I found in that town was the far more reasonably priced Bar Mar, but could not get an reply to my inquiry.

 

[Charrito]

Wasnt sure what emoji to pick

Geez - though I did see the video and it sounded like they had done some research, but fell short as those places were closed.

I know for sure I'll miss my usual tortilla every mid-morning, a bar with my cortado and regular access to toilets etc. - but I am well aware that this is not CF. I plan on bulking up on food for lunch/dinner/breakfast for 1-2+ days whenever I come across somewhere open - even if just as backup

It's nowhere near as bad as Harry makes out in his videos! If you leave Ponferrada very late on a public holiday then you're not going to find the supermarket open in Toral de Merayo!

The Camino de Invierno has improved greatly as far as infrastructure is concerned since those of us here walked it starting over a decade ago. I'm talking about people like @Rebekah Scott, @peregrina2000, @KinkyOne, @VNwalking and yours truly.

Harry speaks very well about this marvellous camino, but is far too negative with regard to what he calls 'pit-stops'! Just do a bit of research (this forum has more information than anywhere else on the Internet) and you'll be fine.

A good example is what he says about the long stage from Monforte de Lemos to Chantada. You simply cannot say that there is nowhere to stop for a drink, snack or meal. A very short detour to Torre Villarino and you can have a great meal. In Belesar you have the bar/restaurant down by the river (of course, you'll probably not find it open in winter), and then the Via Romana Bodega on the other side, where they'll offer you a free glass of wine.

Yes, it's definitely NOT the overcrowded Camino Francés or Portugués, and there are some tough long stages, but it's a marvellous walk.

 

[VNwalking]

In Belesar you have the bar/restaurant down by the river

With its very nice view of the bottom of the hill to be climbed on the other side:


(I struck out between A Rua and Quiroga. There's not much going on between those two places, so it's worth packing a lunch for that day.)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

We stayed in Soldon at an apartment to break up the longish day of 27.5 km from A Rua to Quiroga shown on Gronze. Soldon is not a good halfway point, and we did have to bring our own food.

 

[Mettchen]

Agoga booked

It's all coming together. Thank you for all your feedback so far.

I'll do my best to create a thread either during or after the camino about my observations and what worked and if something didnt

Have a lovely weekend.
Saludos

 

[peregrina2000]

We stayed in Soldon at an apartment to break up the longish day of 27.5 km from A Rua to Quiroga shown on Gronze. Soldon is not a good halfway point, and we did have to bring our own food.

Chrissy, I remember that the owners had said before that they would buy food for you and have it at the apartments if you contacted them ahead of time. The last time I walked the Invierno, I stopped to chat with the owers who were cleaning out a room and they told me that they will do that.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Well, "No hablo espanol."...I guess it was my loss. The husband let us in, collected our cash and seemed in a hurry. I didn't know about the possibility of them getting food for us ahead of time. Oh well, it all worked out fine.