Day 10 - Molineseca to Villafranca del Bierzo

An easy day and the sun shining and the wind quiet. Only 18 miles with three relatively easy hills. A short blog to match!



First stop, early in the cycle, was in Ponferrada.  A pretty town on a hill above a river. Lots of statues and a wonderful castle dominating the river crossing that was originally constructed by the Knights Templar. 








Given the short distance it was surprising how many refreshment stops were necessary on the way to the village (town) of  Cacabellos. This is a lovely place with nice bars, a lovely main Plaza, a lovely clean river with bathing, and fine churches. A more substantial rest was taken here and we admired the ladies pet goat. 



Back into the mountains after Cacabellos with the ridges of tomorrow’s climb clearly visible. It’s the ones behind the first we have to cross!



Arrived very early afternoon in Villafranca del Bierzo and checked into our luxury hotel (another Parador but a modern one). Spend some time in and by the pool. We had a great evening meal in the Plaza Major and, as always, finished with a Patxaran. Up early tomorrow for a big climb up to O Cebreiro and the down to the monastery at Samos.




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