We left Ponferrada a little late; breakfast too good and the bike workshop in the basement of our auberge too interesting; checked tyre pressures chain action, pumped up tyres etc. Made our way slowly to Villanfranco del Bierzo where there was a market we bought oranges, nuts,cheese and sausage for lunch. Began the ascent cautiously through the vineyards of Villafranca, knowing these were the biggest hills yet. Made it past Herrerias stopped for goodies and water bought at the market in Villafranca del Bierzo, then the real peaks;Cabriero at -1300m and finally alto Poio at 1330m. Amazing descent into triacastella, we saw the most amazingly luxurious auberge imaginable, mountain views, barbecue terrraces and a swimming pool. The town of tricasteela was like like something from middle earth, beautiful, picturesque with singing canaries. We cycled another 20km ... read more

Finally a day with less wind against! We made good progress, had coffee and croissants in the village of Fromista where there must be 20 chimney top storks nests. We set off across mainly flat plains passing through Carrion, Terradillos, Berrcianos, Mancilla then into Leon by 3pm; a total of 125km. We have remained within 50km of our target and still have a day in hand. It was cool and overcast for most of the day but it's 20C here in Leon, loolking forward tp exploring the city as our auberge is very central. Thoroughly enjoyed tapas in the squares, the three lions brewery pub and the food we bought at the supermarket. We are finding that because restaurants close between 4pm and 8pm... read more

We left Legrono at about 7.30 and followed the Camino through the city it wound its way through parks and gardens and then lots of vineyards either side of the trail. I was having some chain issues, seemed mainly lack of oil, then had a flat which involved changing an inner tube; probably valve. We carried on with the trail through the lovely ancient village of Navarrete then moved onto the road at Najera. On the road we made good time passing through Santa Dominica with its glorious cathedral. We lunched at redicilla del Camino just opposite a small but very ornate church. We then made tracks slowly because of what another cyclist described as the 'Devils wind' westerly against us along with the odd rain squall. Villafranca was a decision point; we phoned for accommodation ... read more

We got up at 6 am had breakfast with the other pilgrims at 6.30 packed and on the bikes by 7.30. We made good progress up the mountain through beautiful forested areas on a very quiet road. Then the rain started; by 8.30 we were soaked. It was still warm until after 4 hours of uphill climbing from 200m we reached the top 1300m then a cool breeze chilled us. We visited the spectacular monastery at Roncesvalles , them began the descent. Two more hills, then an amazing descent through 20 or more switchbacks. We met loads of fellow pilgrims, met a Spanish cyclist who guided us into Pamplona and found our b&b by 3pm. We explored Pamplona this evening visiting the citadel and the cathedral, tried local wine and Pintxos bought food for breakfast, now ... read more

Just finished dismantling the bikes then packing them ready for the flight. Checked in printed out passes train tickets Airbnb references and packed bags. Taxi for Gatwick booked for 8am.... read more