Sarria Complementario alternative

roving_rufus said:

So just leaving Sarria, after crossing the little stone bridge Ponte de Aspera at the train tracks there are 2 mojons pointing different directions. It was fun to watch the confusion of the shiny new Sarria-starting pilgrims seeing 2 options. But I had planned to try the complementario which crosses the train line and takes a steep path initially up through woods.
So it's big advantages- its a little shorter than the main route, and very few pilgrims take the alternative option here, which means you can escape the crowds for about 7km. I think it has less tarmac than the main route but does involve a bit of time on paths beside the busy main road LU633.
Unfortunately I didn't take any photos (I was feeling a bit off my game today).

You do miss some nice hamlets and churches on the main route - but for me after hitting the pilgrim crowds in Sarria it was a nice respite for an hour. Just note no bars or water fountains on the route- but it rejoins main route just before the busy bar at Peruscallo.

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mspath said:

I entered a magical space, an enchanted wood, and saw what would become my favorite tree.

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t2andreo said:

Now, if we could amplify on the alternative route out of Sarria, like all the way to Santiago, we would have achieved something truly beneficial. Let the “100 km Club” have it their way. I would trade convenience for contemplation.

Perhaps, one day, an effective, alternative “detour” to skip all the drama and commercialism to be found on the current route from Sarria to Santiago might be developed.

The same applies to the Tui to Santiago segment on the C. Portugués.

I hope this helps.

Tom

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priscillavivio said:

I recently completed the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela trek so am part of the "100 km Club". I didn't find any drama but did find lots of friendly, generous, kind fellow peregrinos, both those that had started from much farther, and those that, like me, were testing themselves on their first, shorter Camino. Additionally, as a woman, especially, I appreciated the "commercialism" where I could relax with a delicious cafe con leche and use a toilet! Buen Camino!

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