We headed out along the main road as there were not a lot of other options, but before too long we were able to take a diversion into the small village of Pantin. We walked past typical Galician sights like hórreos and cows until we came to the beach.
One of us rolled her pants up and had a paddle while the other one explored photographic opportunities and looked after the bags. There were no other paddlers, but there were plenty of surfers and others watching the surfing from a large rock.
After the paddle, we had a coffee and noticed the posters on the wall: the Pantin Classic is one of the world surfing qualifiers.
We left the cafe and strolled along a small coastal road for a while, admiring the brightly coloured houses and sea views.
Eventually we had to rejoin the main road, but there was a wide verge, it was downhill and we could inhale the scent of eucalyptus with a hint of seaweed, rather than just car fumes. We passed through a hamlet and had great views down to the estuary. To cross the estuary, we had to follow the road right around, even though we could see where we wanted to be on the other side. We followed another short diversion but it brought us back to the main road all too soon. Luckily we found a couple of rather dilapidated picnic tables and finished off our juice there.
We plodded along the road and over the bridge to cross the estuary, then started a long ascent. We were relieved when we found the road to turn off to Cedeira just over the top of the hill. We followed it down till we hit the beach esplanade.
We didn't want to miss lunch again but were distracted by the rare sight of public conveniences - and they were open! Without even stopping to remove her backpack, one of us availed herself of the facilities.
Meanwhile, the other had looked up a restaurant and we headed directly there and found a table. We treated ourselves to scallops for lunch.
After lunch, it was back to the beach for another paddle. This beach was considerably busier than Pantin, and some brave people were actually swimming. There were canoes for hire, though no takers today.
To continue that 'rest day' feeling, we had an icecream and then a wander along the canal, admiring the 'galerias', typical glass-framed enclosed balconies.
We still had nearly 6km to walk so after this we rejoined the road for a steady climb out. A bus stop proved to be a convenient spot for removing the sand that had clung to the toes. At the top of the climb, a small road led steeply downhill through forest to our accommodation. We are staying in a building that is more than 300 years old. It was once a hostel for pilgrims so it seems like we are not done with the Camino de Santiago yet.
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| Surfers at the world-famous Pantín beach |
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| Leaving Valdoviño this morning, and hitting the road |
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| Today's route took us down to Pantin beach |
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| Pantin beach |
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| Pantin beach |
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| Picturesque Pantin beach |
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| We admired the colourful houses at Pantin beach |
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| Back on the road, heading for Cedeira |
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| The road to Cedeira |
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| Still on the way to Cedeira |
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| Approaching Cedeira |
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| Cedeira, with its popular beach and ice-cream stall |
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| Lunch in Cedeira |
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| Wandering in Cedeira |
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| Leaving Cedeira |
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| Heading for San Román de Montoxo |
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| Horreos |
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| Birds |
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| Animals |
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| Day 75 - Map |
Day: 75
Distance: 23.74 km
Walking time: 4 hrs 49 mins
Elevation gain: 550 metres
Cumulative distance: 1,540.75 km
The Atlantic coast and beaches are so beautiful although we found the smell of Eucalyptus trees a bit strange without any raucous parrot sounds. Enjoying your photos very much.
ReplyDeleteAre your feet getting heavy as you approach the end of your walk?
We are loving seeing the sea again! And the eucalyptus is the smell of home, even without the Australian birds. We are excited about the end of our walk - nearly there!
Deletenot sure, Eurasian Magpie, White Wagtail
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