Camino de Santiago Day Three

It was another predominantly road-based start today with a ride around the outskirts of Ponferrada before a short stop in the town itself next to another castle. Then on along smaller roads and tracks to Villafranca, with its great views over green valleys and wooded mountains, and a bustling market in the town square.


The afternoon was surprisingly energetic with a long ride along the old road to Herrerias, twisting and turning below the new A6 dual carriageway as it crossed between the hills above. I found myself pushing hard ahead of most of the group, with John, one of our older group members, for company. One of the reasons for cycling this week was that I was unfit after little exercise for several months following an ankle injury. It was slightly disconcerting to find it hard to keep up with someone over thirty years older than me, but I think John did a lot of cycling, and besides, the exercise was what I needed. The muscles were aching that evening though, as we stayed in a beautiful stone build hotel between the mountains.