28. Toro

Extracting ourselves from the black hole in which is Siete Iglesias proved to be quite a challenge this morning. The day dawned fresh and clear after overnight rain and the little valley in which the town sits was looking quite beautiful as we walked out.

The trouble was that after two waymarks on the first 100 metres out of town there was nothing. Consequently, we spent a lot of time faffing around on various backroads trying to find our route. Eventually, we were pretty sure we were heading in the right direction. 

Our spirits lifted considerably when we came across this sign.

Finally, we got there and even managed to find an open bar and a panederia. Here we are enjoying a couple of well-earned pastries on the steps of the local Mayor’s office.

After Castronuño the signage improved considerably, and the way became more undulating!

Slowly, we walked our way into the Douro valley (we crossed this river 18 months ago on the Camino Portuguese at Porto).

From there, it was a long hot slog to Toro.

Towards the end of the stage the waymarking again turned to custard and we had some frustrating moments getting into the town -  c’est la vie!

Toro is situated high on the banks of the rio Deuro. It has some wonderful old buildings and a pretty stunning church.

As I am sitting typing the church bells are going beserk - I have never heard such a cacophony (all the dogs have been set off and there is no sign of it stopping!!)



It is good to be here. All up we spent about 8 hours walking today. We are tired and ready for a good feed. Hopefully we can find something good amidst the many bars that open into the centre of the town. Meson Zamora is our lodging for the night. It is in the centre of town and close to the action so a good outcome to a sometimes frustrating day. The bloody bells are still ringing - ugh!!

Need to keep a sense of humour on days like today. I think we’re managing.

Buen Camino

Keith and Neils