‌ALTERNATE ROUTE from Villafranca to TRABADELO, VIA PRADELA +1.7km

Camino Frances

To end of camino
180.4

Villafranca del Bierzo

⇣

0.50

⇣

‌ALTERNATE ROUTE from Villafranca to TRABADELO, VIA PRADELA +1.7km

⇣

4.80

⇣

Pereje

‌ALTERNATE ROUTE from Villafranca to TRABADELO, VIA PRADELA +1.7km

If you fancy a climb and a not too long detour, look for a narrow path on your right immediately after crossing the bridge. It looks like a hastily poured concrete drive and starts off quite steep. The way offers much better views with little to no traffic and it passes through a chestnut forest. There is one town along the way, Pradela, which has a bar and a small albergue.

The route via Pradela adds less than two kilometers of distance to the day, but a not insignificant amount of elevation gain/loss. The two routes rejoin in Trabadelo.

Notice

The start of this route is not marked, so if you want to follow it pay close attention after you cross the bridge.
There may be an old woman there warning against the dangers of wolves, of traveling alone as a single woman, or any other strange and deranged reasons. Ignore her and carry on your merry way.

Comments

21. August 2024 - 15:07

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We had a short day planned so took the mountain. Directly after you cross the bridge it’s to your right. It took us about 3.5 hours with a 30 min stop. Took it slowly and had a sandwich at the top. Well worth the views. We started at 9.30 so a perfect time where we felt fresh. There are flat parts also. Spoke to people in Trabelo when we arrived and they commented the road was like walking on a treadmill… boring.

24. June 2024 - 16:18

All Caminos App User (not verified)

This was the most difficult climb of the Camino other than O’Cebreiro and day 1 out of St Jean to Roncesvalles. We had 2,300 feet of climb for the day (including the entire day, ‘not’ just the alternate route). But I would definitely do it again. It was beautiful, with forests and above-the-treeline segments. The very beginning is up a super steep small street that looks like a back alley - it ‘is’ the right way. Ignore the lady cautioning you to go back.

I’m pretty certain that whoever wrote the May 9 post saying it was easy was on something different than this route.

Also, it’s easy to miss the turn-back late in the route, which will take you to Pradela. That’s OK; adding an extra Km to go there is a good thing - homemade smoothies and treats.

23. May 2024 - 12:44

All Caminos App User (not verified)

If you have good weather, I recommend the alternative route up to Pradela. The climb is steep but short, and the views from the trail as you climb out of Villafranca are gorgeous. The Albergue in Pradela has homemade baked goods, fresh OJ, and Coffee. 10/10 would recommend.

12. May 2024 - 15:26

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I think the most recent poster was talking about a different route??? This was difficult, the ascent seemed to go on forever. The initial views were great and walking amongst the pine trees was lovely but I’m not sure it was worth the effort, and there was definitely a lot of effort. Perhaps better than walking along the road?? The descent was steep but not as difficult as Molinaseca. If you like a challenge go for it, if not, this is no walk in the park.

9. May 2024 - 17:32

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The climb up only lasts 300 or so meters, then levels out. Beautiful views, shaded tree lines, Chestnut tree orchards. The trail is along a wide forest service dirt road. It’s not single track. It’s not hard and very rewarding. The decent isn’t bad at all. Apparently the negative reviews are from people who have never walked more than from their couch to the fridge. The trail is well marked, just follow the red line on this app and you’ll have no problems. Go straight through the orchard instead of turning right to the village. You’ll run into the paved road and see the cut in the guardrails where the trail continues down. Peace of cake.

31. March 2024 - 18:40

All Caminos App User (not verified)

or if you plan staying in Pradela

You get magnificient views, for a massive climb. The descend from Pradela is not marked well and just too steep.

23. June 2023 - 16:08

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The alternative route called Camino Duro just after the bridge leaving Villafranca is BRUTUAL!! Nice view from the top but next time just send me a postcard. Trail in Wise Pilgram is not well marked at top near the albergue. The climb up is steep and challenging, the decent is worse. Not worth it in my humble opinion.

21. May 2023 - 20:51

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The views are great but don’t be fooled. It’s a very steep incline and it keeps on going and going. Then you get tricked by arrows to a town and albergue off the track adding to more and more kilometres.
If you start fresh in Villfraca maybe it will be ok.. but not if you start in Cacabelos. Take the road path- it follows a river and it’s much much easier and quicker.

8. May 2023 - 16:54

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

This is so beautiful. Definitely worth the effort. The views are amazing. The road is quiet.

The little village had an albergue with drinks. And tegen there is the descent steep but not to much

I loved it

10. April 2023 - 12:29

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The detour is gorgeous: stunning scenery.

But it is hard: a very tough walk on mountain paths, a lot of vertical and isolated.

I am glad I did it

if you are tired ot the weather is bad then I would not recommend it. This could be dangerous in bad conditions. But on a beautiful spring day it was just lovely.