Those who started the route in Ourense, have already experienced the worst days. From now on the muscles and blisters begin to bother them less. Those with more kilometres behind them have probably taken advantage of yesterday’s short stage to explore the surroundings.
Let’s continue on La Via de la Plata!
On the penultimate stage of La Via de la Plata we will advance along trails, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and pines. Our steps will pass through numerous villages, many of them without services but still charming.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Ourense, tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago, and we will contact you to advise you on everything that you need.
Itinerary stage Silleda – Ponte Ulla
Today’s stage faces 19.2 kilometres of travel. The day runs along tracks in good surfaces and with gentle slopes.
Silleda (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this stretch: On this stretch you probably won’t find any bars open before reaching Bandeira, so make sure you have breakfast for the hour and a half of walking that separates one locality from the other. Buen Camino!
We begin the day with our faithful companion, the N-525 road, which has been accompanying us for several days. After passing the Post Office, we leave the road on a street to the left.
30 metres later, we turn right on a road that returns us to the national road. Thus, alternating sections of paths and the national road we continue until we reach the animal feed manufacturing company Nudesa. There, we deviate to the left and on an asphalt track, descend to San Fiz (km. 2).
After passing a group of houses, we find a junction at which we continue on the right. Immediately afterwards we turn left. We enter a pleasant path surrounded by trees that leads us to cross an asphalt track.
We continue on a slight climb, passing next to agricultural stores. By a bridge we cross the Toxa (km. 4), a tributary of the River Deza. After the ford, we turn sharply to the left and then to the right.
We cross the national road N-640 and shortly after the AP-53 motorway. We continue on asphalt and, next to some houses, we turn right. On a gravel road, we approach again the N-525 road and enter the village of Bandeira (km. 6.7).
Bandeira (km. 6,7).
Practical tips for this stretch: In Bandeira you will find all types of services. Buen Camino!
We cross the village advancing parallel to the road. Leaving the town, a little before kilometre point 310, we deviate to the right, towards A Casela.
By road, we make a steep descent to the bottom of the stream. We cross it and after a short climb we reached the first houses in Vilarino, in the Parish of Lamela (km. 8.5).
We left the hamlet behind on a local track. By a straight of one and a half kilometres we reach the 30.459 marker, next to which there is a stable and a house. By a path, we are led to a track that brings us to Dornelas (km. 11.8), where we are greeted by the Church of San Martino.
Dornelas (km. 11,8).
Practical tips for this stretch: In this section, you will walk a path surrounded by eucalyptus trees and pines. It’s the most beautiful stretch of the day, enjoy it. Buen Camino!
We leave the town by a secondary road that passes to our left. We travel a kilometre along its hard shoulder and when we reach a junction, we turn left.
Next, we deviate again, this time to the right, to avoid reaching the N-525 road, which always follows us closely. We are now advancing on a beautiful two kilometre stretch, surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees.
After the pleasant tour, we go onto an asphalt track that leads us to O Seixo (km. 16.8). Shortly thereafter, we turn right to descend to Castro (km. 17.5). Crossing a group of houses, we continue to descend to our destination today, Ponte Ulla (km. 19.2).
Ponte Ulla (km. 19,2). End of stage
Practical tips for this stretch: The afternoon of the penultimate day on La Via de la Plata ends in a quiet village, where you can prepare to reach your destination tomorrow, as well as reflect on the experiences lived on your tour. See you tomorrow!
Ponte Ulla is a quiet village by the River Ulla. Here you will find basic services and the Church of Santa Magdalena. Today’s afternoon is intended for chatting and reflection.
Comments on the stage Silleda – Ponte Ulla
Here are some recommendations for the penultimate journey on La Via de la Plata.
Precautions stage Silleda – Ponte Ulla
Beyond the continuous presence of stretches of asphalt, the stage does not present great difficulties. It can be completed, without added inconveniences, both by cyclists and pilgrims with reduced mobility.
Food on the stage Silleda – Ponte Ulla
Here are some gastronomic suggestions for the penultimate stage of La Via de la Plata.
- Meat Stew
- Bacon with Turnip tops
- Chestnuts
- Doughnuts
What to do on the stage Silleda – Ponte Ulla
Below you will find information about some historical and cultural sights that will come your way during today’s stage.
Iglesia de San Martiño
The Church of San Martino is located in the heart of Dornelas and is of Romanesque origin. The land where the temple is located was ceded by Dona Urraca in the early 12th century.
Its structure consists of a single nave and has a semicircular apse. Its door has a double archivolt, various buttresses and numerous elements typical of the Galician rural Romanesque.
Ermita de San Miguel
The Chapel of San Miguel is located in the hamlet of O Seixo. The temple dates back to the 12th century but throughout history, it has undergone so many renovations that its current structure has nothing left of the original.
Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena de Ponte Ulla
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene of Ponte Ulla rose over an 8th-century temple, from which some Romanesque elements are still preserved, such as gargoyles and the apse.
On the south façade stands a chapel, from the 16th century, with frescoes depicting the Annunciation. In the temple also stands out the gold and silver cross that they say belonged to the Church of San Xoan da Cova.
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