Ourense-Cea

Fotografía de Miguel Villar

A stage without many monumental attractions yet, one that passes through small hamlets. Walkers will have to choose between two possible routes, that of Canedo, with a very difficult climb on asphalt or, that of Tamallancos, with a long climb but one that is compensated for by its passing through one of the best cobblestone roads on the Via de la Plata-the silver route. There are no albergues, however, there are bars and some services. After the initial steep slope the final part of the days walk becomes easier. For those wishing to extend the stage, a good alternative ending place is Oseira, where, next to its magnificent monastery walkers will find humble accommodation.  

The stage (22 kilometres)

Beginning in A Ponte Vella, after various junctions and, less than 300 metres later, pilgrims must choose which of the two possible routes to Cea to take. A sculpture of Nicanor Carballo, with two arrows, indicates the direction of both routes. The advantage of Canedo is that it is a kilometre shorter, while that of Tamallancos (the recommended route in this guide) involves a longer climb that is not as steep. Both routes unite in A Casanova, two kilometres before Cea.  The exit from Ourense via the Tamallancos route  If hikers are heading to Tamallancos, via the avenida de Santiago, they will cross a bridge over the railway line until reaching a sign to the right towards Calle Camino Real on the N-525, without a pedestrian crossing. Continuing on Camino Real Cudeiro Sur hikers will face one of the steepest stretches of the day.  The old cobblestone Camino Cross the OU-150 to continue ahead.

The climb is difficult but rewarding. Continue on the Camino do Costa to arrive at a water fountain (without health guarantees). From here walkers should keep going until reaching the OU-0526, on which they will only advance 60 metres. On the right hand side there is a path with trees. This leads to Outeiro da Forcam, with a fountain. Reaching the service station of Tamallancos, with a variety of services for pilgrims, such as, a shop, a café, a restaurant (with a menu of the day and sandwiches) and, toilets with showering facilities. Towards Tamallancos Hikers cross the N-525, passing an outdoor washing area and reach Tamallancos, with services for pilgrims. They arrive at Bouzas and Sobreira. The magnificent bridge of Sobreira Walkers reach the admirable bridge of Sobreira.

Continue to the hamlet of Faramontaos, without services. More than four kilometres remains to Cea. The final path On arriving at a crossroads with the N-525 and the accommodation establishment Pazos Alojamiento Rural, with many services for walkers and special prices for those with the credential. Continue upwards to A Casanova and enter Cea.  

By bike

The initial long climb, a journey that for the first eight kilometres only continues upwards, requires extra effort for cyclists. The route however, is good. Only the slope at the exit from Faramontaos, very stony and uneven, can cause cyclists to dismount.