The stage from Salas to Campiello is a long one, 33km, and involves more ascent than any stage so far. I was up early because I had an extra 2km to go even to get to the town of Salas. Taking all of that into account, I breakfasted early, and was on my way at 07:30. It was still half dark, but just light enough to see my way safely.
I went straight through Salas and on into the woods beyond. There is over 400m of ascent after Salas. But it is a gradual ascent along an old mule track, and not to onerous. It just takes time. It is almost entirely through forest, so there was not much to see, and I just concentrated on keeping going But I was glad when the terrain levelled out and I came to the villages at the top. First there was Bodenaya, which is not really a village, more just a collection of houses. And then came La Espina.
I stopped in La Espina for some refreshment after the ascent, but not too long. There was still a good distance to go. But now the terrain was less arduous. At times it would go uphill, and then down again, but never by much. And that brought me after a short while to the village of El Pedregal.
The trail continues on in this way, sometimes up, sometimes down, in this hilly countryside. There were views to the south, where the mist was still lingering on the lower ground. And at times, the route went along shady lanes, with the trees offering welcome shelter from the sun. And so I came to Tineo.
Tineo can either be described as a small town or large village, but either way, it is large enough to have several bars, and even a restaurant. By now it was lunchtime, and as I approached the restaurant, I found my comrades of previous days already there. I enjoyed a burger and a couple of beers before going on. Most of the walkers were stopping in Tineo, but I had further to go.
Leaving Tineo, the route goes uphill again. Reaching about 900m. The terrain is similar to before, with still great views to the south.
Nothing goes upwards forever, and so eventually the route descends again to more reasonable altitudes. It goes through places that have names as if they were villages, but no real village was present. It seemed like there was only farmland. But eventually, I saw the sign that told me I had reached Campiello. I was happy to have reached the albergue, and after a good meal, I was ready for rest and the day to come.
My total step count for that day was 52,211.
Walkingman 