The stage, step by step
The start and its two climbs
You leave Chantada and immediately begin gaining height. The climb between km 0.3 and km 6.8 is long, gaining 365 m; after a brief respite, you tackle another 168 m between km 7.1 and km 9.3.
A Taberna do Peto
A Taberna do Peto is around km 5, making it a useful place to stop before the route becomes more isolated. Do not leave it until too late: after the two climbs, there are still several descents and short rises.
Descent towards Rodeiro
From the high point, the profile becomes more favourable, although it alternates descents with small changes of pace. Between km 9.3 and km 12.6, you lose 147 m, followed by another 163 m between km 14.7 and km 17.3.
Entering Rodeiro
The final section combines a small rise between km 17.3 and km 18.6 with the last descent into Rodeiro. Bar O Recanto is close to the finish and, in the village, you can refuel at Café Bar Centro, Café Bar Desito or Café Estraloxo.
What to see on stage 7
The highest point on the Camino de Invierno
The stage reaches 1094 m, the highest altitude on the entire Camino de Invierno. There is no monument to mark it: just open mountain, wind and the feeling of standing on the roof of the route. It is worth stopping for a moment before beginning the descent to Rodeiro, as the stage never climbs anything comparable after this point.
Rural scenery between Chantada and Rodeiro
The route crosses an inland Galician landscape of scattered villages, tracks and dirt paths. The first two climbs reveal how the scenery of the Ribeira Sacra gradually gives way to the southern comarcas.
Rodeiro
Rodeiro is the destination and the capital of the Deza comarca. It is the place to organise food, supplies and rest, as options are scarce during the day.
Where to sleep in Rodeiro
All the accommodation is in Rodeiro, at the end: the village’s municipal albergue and Hostal Parrillada Carpinteiras. There is nowhere to stop between Chantada and Rodeiro, so in the busier seasons arrive with your bed booked and do not count on a back-up plan halfway along.
Where to eat and refuel
The clearest intermediate stop is A Taberna do Peto. In Rodeiro, the options are concentrated at the end: Bar O Recanto, Café Bar Centro, Café Bar Desito and Café Estraloxo are suitable for food or breakfast, while Eroski is useful for topping up your supplies. Do not expect a succession of bars between Chantada and Rodeiro.
Practical tips for this stage
Carry water from Chantada
Do not plan the stage around finding a particular fountain. Leave Chantada with enough water and use Rodeiro to refill before continuing along the Camino de Invierno.
Take it steadily at the start
The first climb begins almost as soon as you leave and gains 365 m by km 6.8. The second, between km 7.1 and km 9.3, is shorter but considerably steeper; do not use all your energy in the first few kilometres.
Do not mistake a short distance for an easy stage
It is 20.8 km, but the total ascent reaches 584 m. The profile improves after the high section, although there are still some steep descents and a small rise before Rodeiro.
Buy supplies before setting off
If you need specific food, buy it in Chantada or take something prepared. The first named stop is A Taberna do Peto, and the next substantial group of services is in Rodeiro.
Frequently asked questions about stage 7
Is it an easy stage because it is only 20.8 km?
Not entirely. The distance is short, but it includes 584 m of ascent and two climbs at the start: 365 m by km 6.8 and another 168 m by km 9.3.
Where can I stop for refreshments?
A Taberna do Peto is the main reference in the first half. At the end, in Rodeiro, you have Bar O Recanto, Café Bar Centro, Café Bar Desito and Café Estraloxo.
Is there a supermarket in Rodeiro?
Yes. Eroski is in Rodeiro, close to the finish, and allows you to buy food for the following day.
Where can I sleep in Rodeiro?
You have the village’s municipal albergue and Hostal Parrillada Carpinteiras. Booking is advisable, as there is no alternative between Chantada and Rodeiro.