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Day 41 | 7 October 2025 | Walking the Camino Francés
From Ribadiso de Baixo to O Pedrouzo | 23.7km 14.7 miles
Leaving Ribadiso, we were immediately faced with a steep three-kilometre climb up to Arzúa where we passed by another striking large mural by Estrella (see the Previous Day for the story behind these murals).
We got our coffee fix in Arzúa and carried on leaving the town behind and continued on a nice level track passing through ancient oak woods as the rising sun filtered through the trees.
Rounding a corner, we came upon a man making old, traditional pilgrim staffs for those passing by. Pilgrims could admire them, and if they wished to take one, leave a donation. He also had a much sought after sello (Stamp) that pilgrims could use in their Compostela (Certificate) – again, by donation with one euro being the usual offering.
On the last 100 km of the Camino 2 stamps a day are now required in the Compostela – one must be from an accommodation – with date, the other can be from a bar, shop … clever staff maker.
Five kilometres further on, we reached the village of A Calle and passed the bar Casa Tia Doloros. The entire place was covered in signed, empty beer bottles – inside and out. Every single one bore the year 2025. The bar is doing well.
There were many school groups walking the Camino that day. One group from Madrid stood out in particular: they sang as they walked, taking turns to carry a framed icon of Mary and the Child Jesus.
