Day 26 Ponferrada to Trabadelo’s Casa Susi with Footsteps on the Camino De Santiago

Hiking the Camino Francés from Ponferrada to Trabadelo, with stops in Cacabelos and Villafranca del Bierzo, is a delightful journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region. This stretch of the Camino offers a mix of historical towns, stunning natural beauty, and charming rural scenery. Here’s an overview of what to expect on this segment:

Ponferrada to Cacabelos (Approx. 9 km)

*Starting Point: Ponferrada*
You begin your day in Ponferrada, a town rich in history and culture. If you get the chance when you arrive the day before, you might want to explore the Templar Castle and the Church of Santa María de la Encina. Leaving town, the route quickly transitions from urban streets to scenic pathways.

*The Trail*
The path from Ponferrada to Cacabelos is relatively flat and comfortable, making it a pleasant walk. You’ll encounter vineyards and farmland, with the backdrop of the surrounding hills. This area is known for its wine production, particularly the Mencía grape, and you may see vineyards along the way.

*Cacabelos*
Upon reaching Cacabelos, you can take a moment to enjoy the town’s charm. Cacabelos is known for its historical significance and beautiful architecture. It has a lovely church, the Iglesia de Santa María, and a few bars and restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy local tapas.
The municipal alburgue in Cacabelos is very different in that the beds are in two bed single rooms which are in the shape of a horse shoe around the outside of the Church.

*The Trail*
The trail continues from Cacabelos to Villafranca del Bierzo, winding through vineyards, small rural paths and a little bit of highway walking. Depending on the route that you follow. The landscape is lush and green, especially in spring and early summer, and the walk is peaceful, allowing for reflection and appreciation of nature.

*Villafranca del Bierzo*
Villafranca del Bierzo is a charming town nestled in a valley. It has a rich history and is often considered the gateway to the mountains. The town is home to beautiful medieval architecture, including the Church of Santiago, which has a significant connection to the Camino. Take some time to explore its narrow streets, enjoy the local cuisine, and perhaps visit a wine cellar to taste some regional wines.

*The Trail*
Leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, you’ll begin to ascend into the nearby mountains. There’s a choice i=of two paths to follow between Villafranca and Trabadelo. One follows the road and is reletively flat. The other is over the to of the mountain. Svenja and I decided on the toss of a coin and off we set. Soon finding out how steep the assention is out of Villafranca. But well worth the incredible views. This section of the Camino is particularly scenic, with views of the surrounding valleys and hills. The path can be a bit more challenging, as you’ll encounter some inclines and uneven terrain, but the beauty of the landscape makes it worthwhile.

*Trabadelo*
Your destination for the day, Trabadelo, is a small village that offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the larger towns. It’s a great place to relax after a day of hiking. The village has a few albergues (hostels for pilgrims) and local establishments where you can find food and drink. The warm hospitality of the locals is often a highlight for pilgrims passing through. Shendelle and I stayed again at Casa Susi’s. Susi is a pilgrim also who sold up in Australia and found her place on the Camino. She and her husband Fermin really do know how to make us feel welcome every time. Make sure that you book in advance though, as they are super popular.

Conclusion

This segment of the Camino Francés, from Ponferrada to Trabadelo, is a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. Each town offers unique experiences, local culture, and opportunities to meet fellow pilgrims. The route's combination of flat paths and gentle ascents provides a moderate hiking challenge, making it accessible for walkers of varying fitness levels. Whether you are seeking spiritual reflection or the simple joy of walking through beautiful landscapes, this stretch of the Camino promises to be a memorable part of your pilgrimage.

The total km’s for the day was 34.5 km’s with a high point of about 750 meters. A big day!!!

Thanks againg to Epidemic Sound for the soundtrack.

At Casa Susi’s we bumped into a fellow Australian vlogger Joe Carmona. Check out his YouTube Channel “Hiking Heaven” You can find Joe’s channel at    / joecarmona