Sept. 21, 2019, day 48: Muros de Nalon - Soto de Luina, 16 km (910 km)

Today I had the choice between a short or a very long stage.  I have enough time and so the choice was made quickly.
This morning I first walk through Muros de Nalon, where they are just building up the market.  I buy a cornbread.

Market in Muros de Nalon

The route today goes through a lot of forests with relatively many unpaved paths.  A lot of climbing and descending on this short track.
The first place we come through is El Pito with a palace with a beautiful garden of the Selgas family, who have also donated a beautiful school to the town.

Selgas palace

Then again forest, mostly eucalyptus. 

Then suddenly the coast can be seen again, with a stretch of beach at Concha de Artedo.

Unfortunately the route does not go to the coast but turns up inland.  A beautiful valley follows at Mumayor, after which Soto de Luina is soon to be seen.

Soto de Luina

The Albergue is in an old school and there are already a lot of pilgrims.  Fortunately, a second dormitory is opened so that I can choose a power bunkbed.

Albergue in Soto de Luina

Showering, washing, groceries and later in the evening with a number of fellow pilgrims a menu del dia in the local restaurant.


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20 Sept. 2019, day 47: Aviles - Muros de Nalon, 24 km (894 km)

This morning the first pilgrims were already gone at 6 am.  I stayed in bed until the light in the dormitory went on at 7 am.  I had breakfast in a bar in the very nice town of Aviles.

I climb out of Aviles and leave the official route to follow the old route over San Martin de Laspra.  Other pilgrims shout to me that I am going wrong, but this somewhat longer alternative route is still well-marked.  A local Spaniard explains to me that I am walking the Camino viejo that is longer but mas tranquilo.  I descend winding through a forest and pass a number of nice old villages.

Occasionally I can see the ocean again. 
After the village of Santiago del Monte, a long stretch of forest follows.  It is a very nice walk on unpaved paths. 

In the forest I gradually descend to the old Romanesque bridge in front of Castillo. 

Through narrow streets I climb up into Castillo and am rewarded with fantastic views. 

Then I descend to the bridge over the rio Nalon, where pilgrims have to walk on the narrow stretch between guardrail and railing. 

Finally the last climb of the day to Muros de Nalon.
The Albergue is really fantastic.  A dormitory with 12 beds, good showers, a nice garden and a small bar/restaurant.

Do you want to support Professor Conny during her 1200 kilometre walk for Chromosome 6?

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Sept. 19, 2019, day 46: Gijon - Aviles, 26 km (870 km)

Today I already leave at 7:30. I do a longer distance today and first I need to get out of Gijon. It is okay to do that in the dark.
After 1 hour I reach the border of Gijon. No longer houses but ugly industry. While climbing Monte Areo I constantly see and hear the factories.

On top of the mountain I finally am back in nature.

I have a break at an old spring and then descent into Sante Eulalia.

A nice stretch with farmland follows, but far too soon I reach a busy road with fast driving card, again along industry. I even have to eat my lunch aside this ugly road.

This certainly is the least interesting stage of the Camino del Norte.
I am glad to arrive at the Albergue. It has 56 beds in a big dormatory. After me a lot of other pilgrims arrive.

After having done my laundry, I talk with a nice Australian couple who share their salad and wine with me. That also is the Camino!

Hasta manana,
Professor Conny


Do you want to support Professor Conny during her 1200 kilometre walk for Chromosome 6?

Read more: chromosome6.org/walkforchromosome6 

Donate options
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Geef.nl
Tikkie (Dutch only)

Direct bank transfer:
Bank account: NL21 ABNA 0423 1266 95
In the name of: Stichting Steunfonds UMCG
Reference: 4950351 Chromosome6
SWIFT-BIC code: ABNANL2A (for international transfers)

Follow @c6study