Today, Bro. William travels 25kms, or over 15 miles. When leaving Triacastela he must decide whether to go the southern route via Samos recommended route [1] or via San Xil the northern alternative route [2].

They both follow quiet country roads into Sarria. The San Xil route is shorter by 6.5 km but steeper and is supposedly the more traditional route but it now mostly follows an asphalt road.

For this reason the southern or Samos route is the one recommended here and while it is longer it follows the delightful river Oribio.

It also provides an opportunity to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, the Benedictine monastery of Samos, which provides basic pilgrim accommodation. Both routes are attractive and offer alternative accommodation along the way.

For recommended route [I] (via the monastery at Samos) we turn left out over the bridge. The road follows the river all the way to San Cristobo where we veer off just before the village of San Cristobo.


San Cristobo - traditional village occupying a lovely position on the bank of the river Oribio with its ancient weir and mill buildings. We cross over the river onto a delightful track that winds its way through mixed woodland following the meandering course of the rio Oribio re-emerging onto the road at Renche.

Samos - the tiny village wraps itself around the enormous monastery in this peaceful river valley where time seems to stand still and the only thing in a hurry are the waters of the shallow Oribio rushing to join the rio Mino.

We follow the main road out of town (signposted Sarria), passing the roadside chapel in Teixos and watch out (!) for the waymarks that direct us right> uphill (otherwise wewill proceed along the road all the way into Sarria).