The stage, step by step
From La Mesa into the main descent
The route leaves La Mesa through mountain terrain and immediately starts losing height. The toughest section runs from km 1.5 to km 5.8: you drop 584 m in one go, at an average gradient of 13.7%. Trekking poles are a great help here, and it is worth keeping your pace under control to protect your knees.
Woodland, meadows and the Salime dam
After the first descent, the trail alternates between woodland and meadows. Between km 6.5 and km 9.3, you lose another 252 m at an average gradient of 9.2%. The Salime dam begins to explain the changing scenery, and the atmosphere becomes damper and more distinctly Galician.
The climb to Grandas
From km 9.3 onwards, you climb back up to Grandas de Salime. It is a 282 m ascent over 4.7 km, with an average gradient of 6.1%. Towards the end, Fonte d'El Cardo is a useful place to stop before entering the town.
A finish with plenty of services
Grandas de Salime has the stage's services and is the practical place to finish, eat, shop and rest. If the descent has taken its toll, do not be lulled into a false sense of security by the distance: the final climb comes when your legs are already tired.
What to see on stage 6
Castro de Chao Samartín
This fortified settlement in Grandas de Salime shows evidence of occupation dating back to the Bronze Age. It preserves Iron Age structures, remains of goldsmiths' workshops and traces from the Roman period; the excavations also have an adjoining museum.
Presa de Salime
The dam, opened in 1954, completely changes the way the landscape feels as you approach Grandas. Water and riverside vegetation accompany the transition from high mountains to Galician meadows.
Iglesia de San Salvador
The medieval church in Grandas de Salime retains Romanesque features. It is an easy visit to make on arrival, once you have finished the final climb and reached the town.
Where to sleep in Grandas de Salime
In La Mesa, you can set off with a bed booked at Albergue Miguelín or Albergue de Peregrinos de La Mesa. If you complete the stage, Grandas de Salime has Albergue de Peregrinos El Salvador and, at the entrance to the town, Albergue Porta de Grandas. Accommodation is clearly concentrated at both ends, so do not plan to sleep between them.
Where to eat and refuel
La Mesa has no identified food stop on the route, so bring something with you and do not set off without provisions. In Grandas de Salime, you can eat at La parrilla or stop at Bar Francisquin, Occidente, Hostal Bar Occidente, Café Bar Jaime and La Barra. For supplies, there are Otero y Otero and Alimentación Martinez.
Practical tips for this stage
Protect your knees
The descent from km 1.5 to km 5.8 is the section that takes the greatest toll. Use trekking poles from the start, shorten your stride and do not try to make up time by rushing downhill.
Set off with water and food
There are few services outside Grandas. The named water stop is Fonte d'El Cardo, close to the finish, so do not rely on finding a convenient stop during the descent.
Book ahead in peak season
The distance may make the stage seem easy, but the final climb can slow you down. If you want to sleep in Grandas, secure a bed before leaving La Mesa.
Take protection from the damp
As you enter Galicia, humidity increases and drizzle can appear even if the day starts clear. Keep your waterproofs within easy reach, rather than at the bottom of your pack.
Frequently asked questions about stage 6
Is it an easy stage because it is only 13.9 km?
No. It is short, but includes 445 m of ascent and 837 m of descent. The initial descent loses 584 m at an average gradient of 13.7%, and the finish demands another effort.
Where is the hardest section?
The descent between km 1.5 and km 5.8 is the most punishing section for your legs. The other demanding stretch comes at the end, between km 9.3 and km 13.9, with 282 m of ascent.
Are there services during the stage?
Services are concentrated in La Mesa and Grandas de Salime. Fonte d'El Cardo is on the route, but it is best to set off with enough water and food rather than rely on an intermediate stop.