The stage, step by step
Leaving Mondoñedo
You start beside Catedral de Mondoñedo and leave the town behind through the Galician inland valleys. Make the most of the services at the start for breakfast, shopping and filling your water bottles.
Towards the long climb
The path gains height gradually until reaching the decisive section. Between km 7.3 and km 11.3, you climb 209 m at an average gradient of 5.2%.
The high section
After the sustained climb, you reach the stage’s highest point at 554 m. The main effort is now behind you, although you still need to maintain your pace until the descent begins.
Descent towards Gontán and Abadín
Between km 12.8 and km 15.3, you descend 64 m at an average gradient of 2.6%. The route passes through Gontán and ends in Abadín, where it is worth having your overnight stay arranged before you arrive.
What to see on stage 30
Catedral de Mondoñedo
Catedral de Mondoñedo, a 16th-century Gothic cathedral, is the great starting landmark. If you did not visit it on arrival during the previous stage, set aside a few minutes before beginning.
Galician inland valleys
The stage continues through the Galician inland valleys, gaining height steadily. The landscape changes gradually as you move away from Mondoñedo.
Gontán
Gontán appears in the final section, before Abadín. It is a practical reference point for gauging the last kilometres and arranging accommodation.
Abadín
Abadín is the stage destination. You arrive after a long climb and a relatively gentle descent, so it is worth reaching the town with your bed already confirmed.
Where to sleep in Abadín
In Mondoñedo, you will find Albergue De Peregrinos De Mondoñedo and Albergue Público de Peregrinos de Mondoñedo before starting, with Albergue O Bisonte a couple of kilometres away. In the final section, up on the plateau, Gontán has its pilgrim hostel and, very close by, Albergue Xabarín and Albergue Goas. There are few beds for the many pilgrims who split the climb here: if you plan to sleep in Gontán or Abadín, book before setting off.
Where to eat and refuel
Mondoñedo is the best place to leave with food prepared. You can shop at Supermercado Onda, AMK Super Mondoñedo or Claudio, and eat at A Horta da Paula, O Palique, O Petisco, Pulpería Suso or Taberna O Valeco. For a break towards the end, you can stop at O Valdés and El Paso, but do not rely on wide opening hours in the smaller villages.
Practical tips for this stage
Take water for the climb
On leaving Mondoñedo, you will find Fonte dos Pelamios; along the stage, you pass A Fonte Cega and Fonte da Fraga. Even so, start with a full bottle: the climb lasts 4 kilometres.
Save energy for 4 kilometres
Between km 7.3 and km 11.3, you climb 209 m at an average gradient of 5.2%. It is a sustained climb that calls for consistency rather than tackling one isolated ramp.
Do not relax on the descent
The descent between km 12.8 and km 15.3 loses only 64 m. You still have to walk on to Gontán and Abadín, so do not use up all your energy on the high section.
Book in Gontán
The final section has specific accommodation options, including Albergue De Peregrinos De Gontán. Having a confirmed bed is particularly useful if you do not want to improvise on arrival.
Frequently asked questions about stage 30
Where is the longest climb?
The main climb starts at km 7.3 and ends at km 11.3. It gains 209 m, with an average gradient of 5.2%.
How much elevation change does the stage have?
Over 16.6 km, it includes 439 m of ascent and 104 m of descent. The minimum altitude is 166 m and the maximum is 554 m.
Where can I replenish my water?
The marked fountains are Fonte dos Pelamios, A Fonte Cega and Fonte da Fraga. The sensible approach is to leave Mondoñedo with enough water for the entire climb.
Where can I sleep at the end?
In Gontán, you will find Albergue De Peregrinos De Gontán and Albergue de Peregrinos de Gontán. In Mondoñedo, there are Albergue De Peregrinos De Mondoñedo and Albergue Público de Peregrinos de Mondoñedo.
