The stage, step by step
Leaving Grandas and passing through Castro
Leave Grandas with water and some food, even though services are still available at the start: Otero y Otero, Alimentación Martinez and Albergue de Peregrinos El Salvador are close to the departure point. After the first short climbs, you reach the area around Castro, where Albergue Juvenil de Castro and Restaurant Polavila can be found.
The long climb through the hills
The most sustained climb comes between km 4.5 and km 14.5: you gain 462 m at an average gradient of 4.6%. It is a long ascent without one single wall-like ramp, but it is enough to set the rhythm for the whole stage. Casa Federico is a possible stopping reference in this area.
Rural terrain and an isolated stop
After the high point, the profile alternates between descents and gentle undulations. Between km 20.5 and km 22.8, you lose 95 m, and Mesón Catro Ventos appears as an isolated stop before the final section.
Arriving in A Fonsagrada
You need to keep moving all the way to A Fonsagrada, where accommodation, shops, a pharmacy and places to eat are concentrated again. Save some energy for the finish: just before entering A Fonsagrada there is a short but steep rise, averaging around 9%, which makes itself felt after so many hours.
What to see on stage 7
Hospital Real de Santiago de Montouto
This medieval hospital was built on the orders of King Pedro I in the mid-14th century to receive pilgrims. Its presence explains why this crossing between Asturias and Galicia was so important on the pilgrimage route.
A Fonsagrada
The name comes from the Latin fontem sacratam, meaning sacred spring. The town stands at 952 m and retains a mountain atmosphere even within Galicia, with fog, rain and cold nights all possible.
Castro
Castro breaks up a long day and provides a useful reference before the most isolated section of the hills. It is the point to check your water, food and pace before continuing towards A Fonsagrada.
Where to sleep in A Fonsagrada
In Grandas, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos El Salvador or Albergue Porta de Grandas. Halfway along the route, Castro has Albergue Juvenil de Castro. Most of the accommodation is in A Fonsagrada: Albergue Os Chaos, Albergue Casa Cuartel, Albergue Pensión Cantábrico, Albergue de Peregrinos Ramón Rodríguez and Albergue Casa De Pasarín. If you prefer to split the stage, there is also Albergue do Padrón in O Padrón.
Where to eat and refuel
Grandas allows you to have breakfast and shop before setting off: Café Bar Jaime, La Barra, Bar Francisquin, Restrepo Ultramarinos, Hostal Bar Occidente, Otero y Otero and Alimentación Martinez. On the route, options are occasional, with Restaurant Polavila near Castro and Mesón Catro Ventos further on. A Fonsagrada has plenty of clear options again, including Pulpería O Candal, A Parrilla, Pulpería Caldeira, Restaurante Cantábrico, O Bodegón, Café-Bar Demetrio, Onde Leo, Dia and Covirán.
Practical tips for this stage
Treat it as a long day
An average walking time of 8.4 hours leaves little room for a late start. Set off early, keep a comfortable pace on the long climb and take breaks before the tiredness catches up with you.
Fill up with water in Grandas
There are long distances and few places to stop between Grandas, Castro and A Fonsagrada. Fonte d'El Cardo is near the beginning; do not expect a continuous chain of fountains through the hills.
Do not run short of food
Restaurant Polavila and Mesón Catro Ventos are isolated reference points, not a succession of bars. Carry a snack even if you plan to eat at one of them, as a closed establishment could leave you without an alternative.
Prepare for high-altitude weather
A Fonsagrada is at 952 m and the weather can change quickly. Carry an extra warm layer and protect your pack from rain, even if you leave in sunshine.
Frequently asked questions about stage 7
How much elevation gain does the stage have?
There are 770 m of ascent and 345 m of descent over 25.1 km. The main climb gains 462 m between km 4.5 and km 14.5, at an average gradient of 4.6%.
Can I do the stage without carrying food?
It is not advisable. There are options at the start in Grandas, a stop around Castro and Mesón Catro Ventos further on, but the middle section is rural and food stops are not continuous.
Where should I sleep if I cannot reach A Fonsagrada?
Castro is the clearest place to stop, with Albergue Juvenil de Castro. O Padrón also has Albergue do Padrón, although the full stage finishes in A Fonsagrada.
How much walking time should I allow?
The average duration is 8.4 hours. The mountainous terrain, 770 m of ascent and lack of services make an early start advisable, and the descents should not give you a false sense of security.
