You’ll feel it in your legs straight away: this day doesn’t start with a gentle warm-up, but with a climb. Your breathing is still finding its rhythm as Santo Toribio disappears behind you. In total you climb well over 850 metres. It’s not a wall, but a long, steady climb that calls for patience.
The landscape becomes wilder and quieter, and the mountains stay with you all the way. There’s plenty of variety along the way, including some descents. They feel good, but your knees will notice them. After more than six hours you walk into Espinama, a mountain village, with heavy legs and a contented mind. It’s your first day and the Camino isn’t going anywhere. Take it easy.