26/4 Tuesday Nueva to San Esteban de Leces 17km + coastal detour 21km
Last night was a disappointment as both the restaurants in the village were closed. Even the bar was not doing the advertised hamburguesas and tapas. I did get a cold tortilla sandwich and a nice fruit tart from the cake shop. Such is life.
After a good night's sleep and a quick coffee and croissant I left the village following a railway line towards the coast. This morning the paths wiggled parallel to the coast occasionally dropping down to beautiful secluded beaches. First Playa at Cuevas then what seems like the most public but private beach I've ever seen Playa de Canal. I stopped here for a snack of bread and honey.
Then it was on to Playa de Guadamia for a sandy lunchtime sandwich. This beach had a creek running through to the sea. Crossing the creek offered a significant shortcut with the risk of slightly damp shorts. I decided to give it a go and quite enjoyed the experience.
After lunch the route stayed close to the coast and I was rewarded with more amazing scenery. Limestone cliffs, coves, caves and arches - quite spectacular.
Electric fences seem to force me inland and eventually I was reunited with the main Camino path into Ribadesella. The last kilometre also followed the main road but actually overall this coastal detour was a fabulous day.I stopped for a beer and an ice cream in Ribadesella, had a hunt around for the special market and then headed off for the final uphill 3 km to tonight's Albergue in San Esteban de Leches.
A very warm welcome here and an evening meal on offer. Already met Phillipe who is of Mexican/ Austrian descent.