Today was the start to our walking the Portuguese Camino - a reasonably long day of 23 kilometres.
It was cool as we set out, starting at the Cathedral and working our way down through the town towards the river. We soon found ourselves on an old Roman road (XIX) which wound along a quiet stream. On either side of the path there were large patches of blackberry that had taken over and we were intrigued with a number of different plants.
The route is well marked with yellow arrows painted on the side of the road, on street signs and fences. There are also the official shell signs which point the way.
We soon came across our first coffee stop, a little way off the track by well signed, as the businesses along the route are keen to encourage trade.
The track wound its way through mostly covered woodland areas alongside the Río Louro. At one stage we crossed the river using an old roman bridge - the old granite blocks all worked together without any other support. The was the Bridge of Fevers, where San Telmo fell sick and died on his return from a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
It was cool as we set out, starting at the Cathedral and working our way down through the town towards the river. We soon found ourselves on an old Roman road (XIX) which wound along a quiet stream. On either side of the path there were large patches of blackberry that had taken over and we were intrigued with a number of different plants.
The route is well marked with yellow arrows painted on the side of the road, on street signs and fences. There are also the official shell signs which point the way.
We soon came across our first coffee stop, a little way off the track by well signed, as the businesses along the route are keen to encourage trade.
Refreshed, and with our first stamp in our 'passport' we again hit the trail. We've been told that we need to collect at least 2 stamps per day. Most hotels, bars, cafes and other sites of interest have stamps that they are happy to provide if you patronise their establishment.
The track wound its way through mostly covered woodland areas alongside the Río Louro. At one stage we crossed the river using an old roman bridge - the old granite blocks all worked together without any other support. The was the Bridge of Fevers, where San Telmo fell sick and died on his return from a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
About halfway into the walk, at Orbenlle, we came across a wall, partly covered by a mural - unfinished - with a painting hanging over the unfinished portion. The mural is a representation by local artist, Xai Ôscar of the Portico of Glory - the main gate to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Apparently Ôscar lives close by and often interacts with the pilgrim as they pass.
The granite structures were now becoming more pink as we approached Oporriño. Granite seems to be used for everything, particularly fences and the structures supporting the grape vines as well as the hórreos for corn storage. We could soon see the quarries in the distance.
Oporiño is an industrial town, and the key economic centre of Vigo (the most populous municipality in Galicia) most noted for its production of pink granite which is exported to China, Japan and Italy. The entry into the town is by the main road and in the early afternoon it was a hot slog. We were to meet our driver (who would take us back to Tui for the night and then return us to Porriño the following day) at the Parque Hotel. On reaching the old town we walked through the narrow cobbled streets passing, in quick succession, the chapels of San Sebastion and San Benito and the Church of Santa María before finally reaching our destination. Our driver was right on time and we were soon back in Tui for a shower and wander (and drinks) before our late dinner.
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