Todays' route is only 20.7, or nearly 13 miles. Its starts at a height of 1250 metres and descends, beyound Triacastella to660 metres.

We remember that, while this stage is only 20.7 kilometres and mostly downhill, most injuries are sustained going down (not up) so extra time and care is needed.

There are several villages and drinking fonts along the way and (providing it isn't pouring rain) the most stupendous views in every direction. Early morning mists can give rise to the most astounding ethereal floating islands in the sky where hilltops hang above the clouds.

These exotic experiences generally give way to clearer skies, as the sun burns the swirling mists away. Whatever time of year, we are prepared for any weather, as the mountains, and particularly Galicia, can be very unpredictable.

Leaving the albergue, we take the main road out of O'Cebreiro and continue all the way by road to Linares / lglesia San Esteban - a small hamlet that once grew flax lino for the linen trade.

The path takes us past the ancient parish church, back onto the road past the mountain hostel for the short uphill climb to the Alto de San Roque. Here an impressive pilgrim monument looks out over the vast expanse of Galicia and its deep valleys. A path continues parallel to the road for 1.6 km.

Hospital de la Condesa - the village once boasted a pilgrim hospital and was reputed to have been one of the earliest ever built for Christian pilgrims on the way to Santiago, but now the most notable remains are the interesting church with its stone roofed belfry and cross of Santiago aloft.

We rejoin the main road turning off right down a minor road (signposted Sarbugos) before picking up the path again for into Padornelo with the recently restored chapel 'ermita San Oxan' connecting this area with the Order of St. John.

A short but steep climb now brings us to the highest spot on the camino in Galicia.

TRIACASTELA - an important stop for medieval pilgrims coming down off the mountain with several hospices and an extensive monastery.

It is still an attractive stop today with a wide selection of bars, restaurants and hostels serving the increasing number of pilgrims passing through.

The parish church is dedicated to Santiago and has an unusual 18th century tower on which is carved a relief of three castles, which existed locally in the past.

Nearby are the quarries that provided the limestone used in the building of Santiago Cathedral. Medieval pilgrims would carry as much as they were able to the limekilns in Casteneda. The pilgrim monument in the town square recognises this ancient tradition while acknowledging the rebirth of the carmino.