O'Cebreiro through the rural heart of Galicia to Samos
This morning we start with a transfer to the unusual village of O Cebreiro, a tiny wind-battered settlement of stone houses high above a patchwork quilt of green valleys. The village is famous for its 'pallozas' - traditional circular, thatch-roofed houses. Back on our bikes the first section is mostly downhill, heading towards the small village of Triacastela, nestling amongst some of the most unspoilt countryside on the entire Camino. Deep in the rural heart of Galicia the scenery takes on a mantle of lush vegetation, ancient forests and small rural hamlets. From Triacastela we cycle to the nearby village of Samos with its delightful Benedictine monastery, one of the most important in Galacia and an interesting diversion. NB - The keener and fitter cyclists could opt to start today's ride in Villafranca del Bierzo, which would involve an additional 34km distance and some nice uphill sections. By doing this optional additional distance it would mean that the overall total of distance cycled would exceed 200km - the all-important minimum total in order to entitle the pilgrim cyclist to a Santiago Compostela Certificate.