Friday 15th April (Good Friday)

20 km (389 km)

Shock to the system

I was up and out of the hostel, this morning by 6:45 am in an attempt to walk the 20 km before the heat started building. I find afternoon walking much harder as one’s feet really feel the heat! The walk was easy and beautiful through forest and woodland. It was quite undulating with one short climb to São Bento da Porta before descending into Valença. The route goes through the historic fort and meanders through the labyrinth of little cobbled streets, today heaving with holidaymakers. It’s a shock to the system when I haven’t really seen anyone for days! I crossed over the International bridge bid ‘adeus’ to Portugal and entered Spain. It was strange losing an hour en route!

Tui

Tui is a city that sits atop a hill and is quite lovely. The cathedral was the end point of the day and was 2km up a hill, but well worth it. I am staying in an Albergue right beside the cathedral so at the centre of the hustle and bustle of the Easter weekend. I headed out for a walk this afternoon and saw many pilgrims staggering up the hill, well after 5 pm – I arrived at 1! This may explain why I never see anyone I am too early. Unfortunately, I can’t start later for more chat/company because my feet/hips are much better earlier on in the day.

Taxis to avoid roads and industrial zones

I nearly called it a day today and took a taxi along the way as the next couple of days look quite industrial but I’ve decided tomorrow to take a taxi for the industrial section, making for a shorter day and losing nothing but 10k on roads and through uninteresting surroundings.