Cycle the rolling landscapes of the Bierzo mountains from Astorga to Molinaseca
As we leave Astorga the scenery takes a dramatic change, from the expansive high plateau of La Meseta towards the rolling landscapes of the Bierzo mountains. We cycle through Castrillo de Los Polvazare, one of the finest medieval villages in Castille and through Rabanal del Camino, an outpost built by the Templars to ensure the safe passage of the pilgrims travelling through this wild country. Heading into the hills we then pass the almost abandoned village of Foncebadón en route to the 'Cruz de Ferro' (Iron Cross), which is the highest point in the entire Camino at 1482m. This is one of the most significant points on the route, where for centuries pilgrims have been leaving stone offerings from their homelands, in the hope that they would offer protection for the rest of the pilgrimage. From here we can see the mountains of Galicia for the first time in the distance. After a picnic lunch in the woods somewhere near Riego de Ambros, our journey takes us along a mainly downhill route for the rest of the day, until we finally arrive at the small village of Molinaseca where we plan to spend the night.