This day asks a lot of your legs and even more of your patience. The climb comes early, more than 300 metres up and steep, just as you’re getting into your stride. Take it at your own pace. Nobody awards points for rushing.
Up top it’s open mountain country, often windy. Somewhere along the way you walk into Galicia, with no sign or ceremony, but it still feels like a border. After that it’s mostly downhill, and it goes on longer than your knees would like. With breaks, you’ll be on the go for more than 7 hours. A Gudiña only comes into view late, but when it does, you’ll know what you’ve done.
Walk calmly, and take a moment to look back as you step into Galicia.