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Camino Frances 12 May 2024- Cacabelos to Villafrance del Bierzo

 

A Relaxing Mother’s Day on the Camino

Adapted from Kim' diary entry:

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums out there! Today began with a much-needed sleep-in—a well-deserved treat after days of walking. Since it’s the weekend, breakfast was served a little later at 8:00 am, and it was the perfect way to start the day. We enjoyed freshly squeezed orange juice, creamy yogurt, toast slathered with homemade jam, and, of course, a perfectly brewed cup of tea—a true blessing for the soul.

Last night, Kim was considering taking a taxi for today’s stretch. The exhaustion and a bit of dehydration had her weighing her options, but in the end, she decided to walk. I think she was glad she did—there’s something special about pushing through and embracing the journey, step by step.


We set off from Cacabelos at 9:20 am, embarking on a picturesque 9km walk. The journey began with a charming exit through the town’s narrow streets, lined with stone-walled buildings that exuded rustic charm. This region is renowned for its fertile soil and abundant produce, and the beauty of the roses in people’s gardens was matched only by their delightful fragrance.  

As we left the town behind, the path led us through sprawling vineyards, a prelude to the stunning landscapes that awaited us. Our first stop was a café. Kim took the opportunity to use the restroom and picked up three homemade biscuits for a quick snack. We continued on, eventually finding a bench in Pieros where we enjoyed some leftover cake from breakfast and refreshed ourselves with water.  



After a short rest, we pressed on toward Villafranca Del Bierzo. The scenery was nothing short of breathtaking—rolling hills blanketed with endless rows of grapevines stretched as far as the eye could see. Alison shared an interesting tidbit: rose bushes are often planted at the end of grapevine rows because they attract insects, keeping them away from the vines. The weather was milder than the previous day, which was a welcome relief, and we arrived at our destination, Hotel Las Donas del Portazgo, by 2:30 pm. This beautifully restored 18th-century mansion was a sight to behold. I noticed we had connecting rooms and quickly sorted out the keys at reception.  
The street in front of our hotel

Hotel Las Donas del Portazgo

Marqueses de Villafranca Castle

Later, we ventured out to explore and find Plaza Mayor. Along the way, we stumbled upon a cozy bar that offered only sandwiches. The kind lady there informed us that if we wanted a full menu, we’d need to head to Plaza Mayor. However, we decided to stay and enjoy a simple meal. Alison opted for a Spanish omelette, I chose a squid roll (calamari), and Kim went for a bacon and cheese roll. We all sipped on a comforting cup of tea.  
Walk beside Rio Burbia

After our meal, we took a leisurely stroll to Plaza Mayor to soak in the atmosphere before heading back to the hotel. Now, we’re back at the hotel, ready to freshen up with a shower or bath and enjoy some well-deserved rest.  

Today’s journey 21,841 steps and covered 8.5 kilometers

Accommodation:  Hotel Las Donas Del Portazgo  

Here’s to celebrating mums, resilience, and the little joys that make each day on the Camino unforgettable! 

Kim, Louise & Alison


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Location: 24500 Villafranca del Bierzo, León, Spain

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