Split decision this morning as some of the group wanted to walk the entire Etape and some wanted to take a taxi to Ponferrada- 6 km – and tour the Templar Castle. So be it and I was in the latter group which was quickly taken to Ponferrada. On climbing up to the castle entrance we discovered that it was closed Mondays! I wasn’t too disappointed as I have often found that the exterior of castles, like French chateaux, more interesting than the interior and often gone inside out of a sense of duty rather than curiosity.There was the barrio historico to compensate and a needed ATM found in the new town. Whilst waiting ,we saw on the Pharmacia clock that it was 18* ( 09.00 ). Tom disputed this saying it wasn’t that warm because the hairs on his legs were still upwards! Tom, out human barometer.
We retrieved our steps and met up with the other group coincidentally,in one of the squares. Second breakfast time.
We walked out of Ponferrada along a pleasant path by the side of the river.
Walking on to Columbrianos and its hermitage.
Some of the views and some of the Pelegrinos:-
Then our digs for the night - El Monclao de Lazaro – unique.
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