The stage, step by step
Leaving Luarca
You leave Luarca and Lluarca with an initial climb between km 0.3 and km 1.4, gaining 60 m at an average gradient of 5.7%. The day begins with changes of pace, so do not be lulled into complacency by the first few kilometres.
Villapedre and the central descent
The route passes through Villapedre before tackling the climb from km 6.6 to km 8.9. A marked descent follows between km 8.9 and km 10.7, dropping 127 m at an average gradient of 7.1%.
Navia and El Espín - Cuaña
Navia is the best place on the route to stop, shop and regain your strength. You then continue towards El Espín - Cuaña and Mohías; Ca Falo, in El Espín - Cuaña, is a specific reference point for a break.
Arboces and arrival in A Caridá
The final section is still long and includes another climb between km 20.9 and km 22.1. You pass through Arboces, where Albergue de peregrinos de Arboces is located, and finish in A Caridá after several short climbs and a final descent.
What to see on stage 26
Luarca
Luarca is the starting point and the last sizeable centre before a very long day. Take the opportunity to have breakfast, fill your pack and set off without relying on finding services halfway.
Navia
Navia lies in the middle section of the stage and offers useful places to rest and replenish your supplies. It is the town that best divides the 30.5 km in your mind.
Arboces
Arboces appears in the final section, before A Caridá. It is an important reference point because it has Albergue de peregrinos de Arboces, and you can decide whether you need to shorten the day.
A Caridá
A Caridá is the destination and the place where it is worth having your overnight stay sorted. You arrive after a day with considerable, spread-out elevation changes and few long breaks.
Where to sleep in La Caridad
In Luarca, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos Villa de Luarca. During the stage, there are Albergue San Roque de Navia in Navia and Albergue de peregrinos de Arboces in Arboces; at the finish in A Caridá, you will find Albergue La Xana and Albergue de Peregrinos A Caridá. There are also La Casona and Albergue Piñera along the route. On a 30.5 km day, booking before you leave saves you from having to walk on because there are no beds left.
Where to eat and refuel
Luarca offers the best breakfast and a chance to buy supplies for the start. Further on, there are occasional options such as El Salón in Villapedre and Ca Falo in El Espín - Cuaña; in Navia, you can use Bar La Isla and Alimerka. In A Caridá, there are Valkemburg Café and Dia, but do not plan the day as though there were continuous services between one settlement and the next.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off early
With 30.5 km and an average duration of 6.8 hours, this stage calls for an early start. If you leave late, the final climbs and arrival in A Caridá can feel very tough.
Buy supplies before setting off
Take food and water from Luarca, or replenish your supplies in Navia. It is more than 30 kilometres with services spread widely apart: between settlements, there are long stretches where you will not find anything open.
Watch the steep sections
The descent between km 8.9 and km 10.7 has an average gradient of 7.1%, and there is still a 65 m climb between km 20.9 and km 22.1.
Consider Arboces if you are running short on energy
Arboces comes before the destination and has Albergue de peregrinos de Arboces. If your pace drops, it may be a more sensible alternative than forcing yourself through the final kilometres.
Frequently asked questions about stage 26
How long does it take from Luarca to La Caridad?
It is 30.5 km, with an indicated average duration of 6.8 hours. The terrain is mountainous, with 429 m of ascent and 403 m of descent.
Where can I stop halfway through the stage?
Navia is the clearest support point on the route. You also pass through Villapedre, El Espín - Cuaña, Mohías and Arboces, but you should not expect continuous services between all these places.
Is there one particularly difficult climb?
The descent between km 8.9 and km 10.7 includes 127 m at 7.1%, and there is still the climb from km 20.9 to km 22.1, gaining 65 m.
Where can I sleep if I do not reach La Caridad?
You can consider Navia, with Albergue San Roque de Navia, or Arboces, where Albergue de peregrinos de Arboces is located. In A Caridá, you will find Albergue La Xana and Albergue de Peregrinos A Caridá.