The stage, step by step
Leaving Santa Marta de Tera
Leave Santa Marta with your water and food organised. In the first few kilometres you can pick up supplies at Alimentación y Tabacos and, if you need a break, the Venta Medieval is very close to the start.
The first section to the rest point
The route remains fairly comfortable, and between km 11.5 and 17 it gains 37 m gradually. Fuente La Ribera lies in the first third, making it a good place to check your water before carrying on.
Towards Rionegro del Puente
Between km 19.3 and 23.5 you face another gentle climb of 52 m, followed by a 43 m descent to km 26.3. Rionegro del Puente then appears as a natural place to pause, with Me gusta comer and Albergue de Peregrinos Virgen de la Carballeda.
The final climb to Mombuey
From km 26.3 to 34.9 the route climbs 117 m without any major ramps, but after so many kilometres it feels long. The arrival brings together La Ruta, El Porvenir, El Destino, Covirán, Dia and La tienda de Ana.
What to see on stage 26
Santa Marta de Tera
Little more than a small village beside the Tera, but it is where one of the longest stages on the Sanabrés begins. Set off with the day’s food already bought: the first proper stop is more than twenty kilometres away.
Fuente La Ribera
It lies in the first third of the route and provides a useful break before the path moves further away from Santa Marta. Do not wait until your bottle is empty before reaching it.
Rionegro del Puente
This is the most important intermediate village on the stage. It allows you to rest, eat at Me gusta comer and decide whether you need a longer break before the final effort.
Mombuey
The arrival makes up for the length of the day because it brings together accommodation, restaurants and shops. You can end the day at El Destino, La Ruta or El Porvenir and buy what you need at Covirán, Dia or La tienda de Ana.
Where to sleep in Mombuey
Accommodation is spread along the stage. In Santa Marta de Tera you have Albergue de Peregrinos and Casa Anita; further on there are Albergue de Calzadilla, Albergue de Peregrinos, Casa Julia and Albergue Rehoboth. Rionegro del Puente has Albergue de Peregrinos Virgen de la Carballeda, and near Mombuey you will find Albergue de Peregrinos and Alojamiento El Pajat. If you want to reach the end, book ahead.
Where to eat and refuel
In Santa Marta de Tera you can stop at the Venta Medieval. Along the route there are La Trucha and El Torero, while in Rionegro del Puente you have Me gusta comer. El Empalme comes before the final section; once in Mombuey you will find La Ruta, El Porvenir and El Destino, as well as Covirán, Dia and La tienda de Ana.
Practical tips for this stage
Start early
At 36.1 km and with an average duration of 8 hours, this is not a stage for a late start. Allow extra time if you want to stop in Rionegro del Puente or reach Mombuey with time to find accommodation.
Do not rely on the fountain alone
Fuente La Ribera is still a long way from Mombuey. Leave Santa Marta with enough water and use any shop or intermediate stop to replenish your supplies.
Save your strength for the end
The climb between km 26.3 and 34.9 has an average gradient of only 1.4%, but it gains 117 m after a very long day. Do not underestimate it simply because it is gradual.
Decide where you will sleep beforehand
There are places to stay at several points, but the stage is too long to improvise at the end. Rionegro del Puente can serve as an intermediate stop; if you continue, book Mombuey in advance.
Frequently asked questions about stage 26
Is it a difficult stage even though the terrain is flat?
The main difficulty is the distance: it is 36.1 km and the average duration is 8 hours. The total elevation is 223 m uphill and 54 m downhill.
Where can I take a substantial break?
Rionegro del Puente comes after the middle section and before the final climb. There you have Albergue de Peregrinos Virgen de la Carballeda and Me gusta comer.
When does the longest climb begin?
The most sustained section runs from km 26.3 to 34.9: it climbs 117 m with an average gradient of 1.4%.
Are there services when I reach Mombuey?
Yes. In Mombuey you can eat at La Ruta, El Porvenir or El Destino and shop at Covirán, Dia or La tienda de Ana.