OUR WAY

 6th May 2025

Day 8 - Navarrete to Cirueña

Portada Románica de San Juan de Acre (@ 6.20am)

We were the first to leave the albergue, out the door by 6am, with the streets understandably deserted. It was a cold morning, around 6°C with a light wind - almost trousers weather, though I’d only packed shorts. Gaby was better prepared in a waterproof jacket and even gloves, while I made do with shorts and a long-sleeved thermal top, which at least ensured I didn't sweat.

Rain had been forecast and the skies certainly looked the part, but we seemed to be walking away from the worst of it and only felt a few spots just before arriving at our albergue. Much of the day was spent walking alongside the Autovía del Camino de Santiago, following the road up one valley and down another, including a stretch through Nájera—sadly, we both agreed it was the least appealing town we’d encountered so far.

Wrapped up warm

We picked up some ready-to-eat food at a small shop in a larger village before reaching our destination, knowing the albergue had no kitchen and the only other option in the village was a bar.

The albergue, though poorly rated online, turned out to be decent enough: basic, with hot showers and twin rooms, which at least meant I wouldn’t be kept awake by snorers - though the same couldn’t be said for Gaby.

After checking in, we made our way to the bar and discovered house wine at €1.20 a glass. Fortunately, we arrived just before closing time - any later, and it wouldn’t just have been Gaby’s legs aching tomorrow.

It finally decided to rain in the evening, just as the clothes we washed were almost dry.

Where we stayed
Albergue Virgen de Guadalupe
€15 single bed in twin room with table and chairs. No heating,
No kitchen, Washing line for laundry.
Our rating 7.5/10