A chimney smoking above a little stone village, a dog watching you go from behind a low wall. That is how the day begins in Labaniego: quietly, and without any rush.
This is an easy stage, a breather in the final week of the Olvidado. You walk for about five hours, and there is more descent than climb. You will feel that mostly in your knees, so keep your pace in check on the downhills. Take the time for a second coffee and a chat along the way. You reach Congosto feeling relaxed, with a good part of the afternoon still ahead of you. Behind you, the mountain ridges slowly fade away into the soft light.