Stage 27. O Cebreiro – Triacastela (20.8 km)

We leave O Cebreiro towards Triacastela, leaving behind the hostel and we follow a dirt path that goes up the Pozo de Area mountain, until we gain 100 metres of height difference and reach 1,332 metres. From the top we can contemplate the spectacular panoramic view: to the north we can see the beautiful Navia valley and the imposing Picos de Ancares, to the south the extraordinary Sierra de O Courel.

We continue along a forest track until we reach Liñares, where we come across the church of San Esteban, a pre-Romanesque church dating back to the 15th century. VIII. From here the path begins to ascend over Os Ancares, taking us through a succession of ups and downs through forests. After reaching the Alto de San Roque (1,270 m) we can admire the bronze statue of a pilgrim fighting against the wind, created by the sculptor José María Acuña as a tribute to all the pilgrims who have overcome these passes.

After this ascent, we continue parallel to the road and reach the village of Hospital da Condesa. We continue our route through a complicated stretch due to the steep slopes until we reach Padornelo, where we find the church of San Xoán (15th century).

We leave the church behind and take strength for the hard ascent of the Alto do Poio which, at 1,337 metres, is the highest peak of the Way of St. James in Galicia. The ascent is hard, but it is compensated by the extraordinary views that give us strength to reach the top. Once we reach the top, we can take a well-deserved rest in the Albergue del Puerto bar.

We continue our stage descending along a dirt track to Fonfría, which preserves the old hospital for pilgrims Santa Catalina and in its parish church there is a 17th century gilded silver chalice.

We continue descending until we reach the villages of O Biduedo and Fillobal and As Pasantes in the municipality of Triacastela. We advance quickly, but not before stopping at an imposing centenary chestnut tree. We arrive at the small village of Triacastela and put an end to our first fully Galician stage.

To consider

If we do the stage in winter, we must be attentive to the weather, as we are in an area of frequent snowfalls that make it impossible for pilgrims to pass through. In case of snow it is recommended to follow the road to avoid getting lost.

Places of interest

• Church of San Estevo de Liñares
• High of San Roque
• Church of San Xoán do Hospital
• Alto do Poio
• Chapel of San Mamede – Triacastela

Typical dishes

• Cheese D.O. O Cebreiro
• Meat from autochthonous livestock
• Slaughter by-products
• Galician stew
• Chestnuts from Os Ancares
• Typical homemade sweets from Os Ancares