The stage, step by step
Leaving A Laxe
A Laxe is behind you, and the start is relatively favourable. Between km 3 and 4.3, there's a short 30 m climb, followed by a 153 m descent towards Silleda. Along the way, you have Fonte de Campo and the Alfredo Ramos López pharmacy.
Silleda and Bandeira
Silleda brings together many of the options on this stage: Albergue Santa Olaia, Albergue De Peregrinos Da Bandeira, restaurants such as Casas Novas and O Camiño, and shops such as Froiz. If you need to shop or stop, this is the most convenient point.
Towards A Estrada
After Silleda, the profile descends again before gaining 48 m between km 15.3 and 18. The route crosses the municipality of A Estrada without entering the town itself, and offers a stop at Finca Anduriñas around km 21, before you head towards Ponte Ulla.
Ponte Ulla and the arrival in Outeiro
The main descent comes between km 19.5 and 24.5: you lose 280 m over 5 km. You pass through Ponte Ulla and Vedra, and the section ends with a 41 m climb between km 24.5 and 25.1, at an average gradient of 6.8%.
What to see on stage 12
Silleda
Silleda is the first town with a clear choice of accommodation, food and shops. You reach it after a long descent, making it a good place to pause before continuing.
A Estrada
The route crosses A Estrada in the second half of the day. From here, the landscape continues towards the Ulla basin and the profile begins to prepare for the final descent.
Ponte Ulla
Ponte Ulla is one of the last landmarks before Outeiro. The town lies within the final descent and offers places to eat and sleep.
The Ulla river valley and basin
The stage generally descends towards the Ulla valley, through areas of farming and livestock. The change in altitude is particularly noticeable during the final kilometres.
Where to sleep in Outeiro
Silleda has the most convenient choice: Albergue Santa Olaia, Albergue Turístico Silleda, El Gran Albergue del Peregrino and Albergue Trabazo. In Bandeira, you have Albergue Municipal da Bandeira and Albergue De Peregrinos Da Bandeira. Further on, there's Albergue - Cafetería "Casa Leiras", followed by O Cruceiro in A Ponte Ulla. Outeiro is very small and doesn't offer the same choice, so decide in advance where you want to finish the day.
Where to eat and refuel
The first half has plenty of choice in and around Silleda: Casas Novas, Pizzería Galega Do Gato, O Camiño, Cuppedia Café, Café Avenida and Café Bar Parque. Further on, you can stop at Viñoteca Cadeira, Parrillada El Gaucho, Treixada or Porta do Sol de Lamela. Near A Estrada and Ponte Ulla, you'll find El Emigrante, Finca Anduriñas, Villa Verde, O Cruceiro and Quenllas. You also have Froiz, Dia, Spar Express and Covirán for supplies.
Practical tips for this stage
Make the most of Silleda
Silleda comes early and brings together many of the services. It's the best place to have breakfast, shop and check your accommodation before entering the second half.
Don't underestimate the descent
Between km 19.5 and 24.5, you descend 280 m in just 5 km. Protect your knees and control your pace, as you still have to reach Outeiro afterwards.
Carry water for the different sections
You have Fonte de Campo, Alfredo Ramos López, Fonte do Peregrino, Fonte dos Carballiños and A Fonte at various points. Even so, leave Silleda carrying enough water not to depend on all of them being available.
Book before Ponte Ulla
If you want to sleep towards the end of the stage, O Cruceiro in A Ponte Ulla may be a useful reference. Don't wait until you reach Outeiro to start looking for a bed.
Frequently asked questions about stage 12
How long does it take to walk from A Laxe to Outeiro?
It's 25.1 km and takes about 7.4 hours on average. The ascent is moderate at 276 m, but cumulative descent reaches 550 m.
Where can I replenish my food supplies?
Silleda is the most comprehensive stop, with restaurants, cafés, Froiz and Dia. Further on, there's also Spar Express in Vedra and Covirán.
Which is the toughest section?
The descent between km 19.5 and 24.5 loses 280 m. The final climb lasts just 0.6 km, but gains 41 m at an average gradient of 6.8%.
Where can I sleep if I don't reach Outeiro?
You can arrange your overnight stop in Silleda, Bandeira, near A Estrada or in A Ponte Ulla. Options include Albergue Santa Olaia, Albergue Municipal da Bandeira, Albergue - Cafetería "Casa Leiras" and O Cruceiro.
