Stage A Fonsagrada – O Cádavo: Camino Primitivo guide
A mountain stage with constant ups and downs, passing the ruins of the Hospital de Montouto and the dreaded Cuesta del Sapo before dropping to O Cádavo, in the municipality of Baleira.
Distance
About 24.4 km
Difficulty
Medium-high (“leg-breaker”)
Estimated time
6 – 9 h depending on pace
Altitude
Between about 668 and 1,027 m
Route map
The stage section by section
A Fonsagrada – O Padrón
You leave from Plaza de España beside the church. O Padrón has the church of San Xoán. There are frequent road crossings.
O Padrón – Hospital de Montouto
Pastures and a pine wood, with mud and constant ups and downs to Montouto.
Montouto – Paradavella
A saddle with the ruins of the Hospital de Montouto and a descent through woodland to Paradavella.
Paradavella – A Lastra
A very demanding climb known as the Cuesta del Sapo. In A Lastra there is a church and a bar.
A Lastra – A Fontaneira
A paved track with a climb and then a dirt path to A Fontaneira, with a cemetery and a granary.
A Fontaneira – O Cádavo
Road and pine wood, with a cobbled descent to O Cádavo.
What to see
Ruins of the Hospital de Montouto (medieval in origin), the Pedras Dereitas dolmen, the churches of San Xoán and San Lourenzo and the Fuente Santa of A Fonsagrada.
Food and drink
Pork products, mountain stews, chestnuts, mushrooms, lacón con grelos and butelo.
Practical tips
- Stock up on water and food in A Fonsagrada before setting off.
- Wear boots and gaiters for the mud and wet grass.
- Dense vegetation makes it harder to find your way on some stretches.
- There are road crossings and stretches with little verge: wear visible clothing if it is foggy.
- Take the climbs calmly.
Frequently asked questions
How many km is the stage?
About 24.4 km.
What is the Cuesta del Sapo?
The very demanding climb between Paradavella and A Lastra.
What can you see at the Hospital de Montouto?
The ruins of a medieval pilgrim hospital, with a chapel, next to the Pedras Dereitas dolmen.
What are the highest and lowest points?
About 1,027 m and 668 m.
Are there services on the way?
In A Fonsagrada and O Cádavo, and a bar in A Lastra; the rest are passing hamlets.
After the stage: rest in Arzúa
When you reach Arzúa, we would love to welcome you at Casa Buen Camino: an entire house for up to 8 people, 400 m from the centre. You get in with a code, we confirm your booking within 60 minutes and, if you book directly with us, it is 10 % cheaper.