The Road
One of the Amigos groups has an alternative route for those who wish to avoid the ascent, or at least some of it. From Penasillás you can take a series of secondary roads that pass through Mouricios, Ferreiros, Mundín, San Vicente.
According to one GPS calculation, this alternative has 180m of ascent, compared to the Camino’s 420m. You would then reconnect with the Camino at the intersection of the PO-533 and CG-2.1. One pilgrim was happy he took the detour, but most have enjoyed the opportunity to see Monte Faro and have stressed that the ascent is not bad at all. The long slog beneath the windmills may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however.