24/4 Sunday Colombres to Llanes 25.5km
Last night I met Franco from Turin and we agreed to go out to the nearby Mexican for a light meal. The food was delicious and we got on well.

A sunny start to the day was very welcome after yesterday's rain. Pilgrims leaving at 6am not so welcome.

No breakfast provided so I headed off and walked to La Franca, about 3km, to a truckers' cafe. Franco caught up here so we had breakfast and agreed to walk together for a while. Our paces were fine and we continued together all day.

Mostly on country lanes during the morning. At one point Tina, from Denmark, caught us. She'd met Franco before. We chatted and then she moved ahead.

Lovely to be walking along with sunshine, pretty scenery and good company. At about the half way mark we reached the sea and a beautiful, deserted beach at Playa de Vidiago. We shared some of my stock of food and then Franco climbed the hillside to see if the building above was a cafe. It was and we were soon installed, enjoying the view, a beer and some olives.

Back on route, refreshed, we continued on pleasant tracks parallel to the coast with occasional sea and river views. By the time we reached Andrin we needed a rest. Franco went off in search of water and Cosme back with beers and a chicken sandwich to share. He downed his beer quickly and promptly fell asleep for 10 minutes!

A local farmer told us the best route continued closer to the coast rather than down the minor road. It also involved a stiff climb to our highest point if the day and good views down to Llanes.

We eventually made it down the hill, into Llanes and found our Albergue the Estación. With minor detours we'd walked close to 30km - my longest day yet.