Two injuries and rescues on the descent to Molinaseca

[Bradypus]

A local news website has reported that rescue teams including a helicopter were called out twice yesterday within a couple of hours to treat and recover two pilgrims injured in falls on the descent towards Molinaseca on the Camino Frances.

Auxilian a dos peregrinos heridos tras sufrir caídas en el Camino de Santiago en Molinaseca

Los servicios de emergencias y la Guardia Civil colaboran para atender a dos personas de 68 y 70 años con brechas en la cabeza.El Centro Coordinador de Emergencias de la Junta de Castilla y León coordinó el auxilio a dos personas que sufrieron caídas este martes en zonas de difícil acceso d

www.bierzodiario.es

 

[David with new Kit!]

I know that path well, its a beast, even when its dry.

 

[GaTeach]

Arriving in Molinaseca, I sure felt like I had accomplished something big. Right up there with the Zubiri descent.

 

[Keyser]

Could not agree more.

 

[Isca-camigo]

I've walked it in December, January, and at other times through the year, it's not worth sticking to the Camino in some weather conditions however when it's the right conditions it's one of the best stretches. If you are not sure check with the locals or the Albergue for the day ahead. The road before Acebo to Molinseca adds about 3 or 4 km.

 

[t2andreo]

That is why I always practice discretion and use the road to walk down from Cruz de Ferro - against the flow of traffic of course. The older I get, the less I am interested in temping fate. It is running after me, and advancing with each year, anyway.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

We've hiked CF four times and the stage from El Acebo to Molinaseca is brutal. We're hiking next fall and will take a taxi from El Acebo to Molinaseca to avoid the stress and safety risk. Bob

 

[sillydoll]

We stay on the trail until Riego de Ambros. From there we change to the road and it is about the same distance as on the trail. You can see pilgrim high above you negotiating the trail, then they come down and cross over and go down on the other side. Walk facing the oncoming traffic and you'll be fine.

 

[AnneMarie1]

We've hiked CF four times and the stage from El Acebo to Molinaseca is brutal. We're hiking next fall and will take a taxi from El Acebo to Molinaseca to avoid the stress and safety risk. Bob

I took the road last year for that stretch, on the advice of the people at the albergue. Glad I did. It was bad enough just getting to El Acebo.

 

[Blister Bill]

Came down in a blizzard in 2018. Very grateful for poles and boots !

 

[GaTeach]

Came down in a blizzard in 2018. Very grateful for poles and boots !

I'm in awe...

 

[henrythedog]

Came down there in February 2015 for the first time in very heavy snow. The Guarda Civil wouldn’t let anyone leave El Acebo until the snowplough went through and just said ‘follow that’. I’ve bern through several times and never done the off-road route.

 

[travelgirl409]

I’m probably weird because that stretch from Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca was one of my favorite parts of my Camino. I was alone on n the quiet and took it slowly—just loved the solitude.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Arriving in Molinaseca, I sure felt like I had accomplished something big. Right up there with the Zubiri descent.

Hola: I would say that the Molinaseca descent is far more serious than Zubiri. At Molinaseca its around 1000 metres (3300 ft) in less than 10km. When its wet it is (imho) very dangerous and very unforgiving. Having cycled the road from Cruz de Fero I would recommend against walking down that road. Best option - just take your time and rest whenever the hips/knees/ankles are under stress. Cheers

 

[dougfitz]

Hola: I would say that the Molinaseca descent is far more serious than Zubiri. At Molinaseca its around 1000 metres (3300 ft) in less than 10km. When its wet it is (imho) very dangerous and very unforgiving. Having cycled the road from Cruz de Fero I would recommend against walking down that road. Best option - just take your time and rest whenever the hips/knees/ankles are under stress. Cheers

I agree, and the figures bear that out. Looking at the descent into Zubiri, it is about 4.7 km long and drops 355m, with a maximum downhill slope of -21.5%. Going down into Molinaseca from the top of the ridge after Manjarin to the start of the bridge is about 11.1 km, a descent of 945m and the maximum downhill slope is 30.3%. That is much more challenging.

 

[Rita Flower]

I walked as much as I was able and then took the road. I loved this section for its solitude and incredible views to adjacent valleys but also needed to take care of the body in the final sections.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Came down in a blizzard in 2018. Very grateful for poles and boots !

You were Blizzard Bob!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I’m probably weird because that stretch from Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca was one of my favorite parts of my Camino. I was alone on n the quiet and took it slowly—just loved the solitude.

Exactly my experience. I absolutely loved walking the beautiful trail in spring, but then my weather was perfect. I'm sure I'd have hated it in wet rain.