The stage, step by step
Leaving Rodeiro
You leave Rodeiro with Bar O Recanto and the nearby cafés still within reach. The profile alternates small climbs and descents, including a 49 m climb between km 8 and km 9.8 and another, longer climb of 82 m between km 12.3 and km 15.6.
Rivers and country paths towards Lalín
The terrain combines dirt paths, uphill tracks and sections of tarmac. In this part, you cross the Arnego and Pontiñas rivers, while scattered villages mark your progress towards Lalín.
A longer stop in Lalín
From around km 22, you enter Lalín’s main service area. You can refill at Fonte de Lalín de Arriba or Fonte do Campo da Feira, shop at Gadis or Aliprox, and eat at Casa Currás, Restaurante Cabanas or Bar O Polo.
Bendoiro and arrival in A Laxe
As soon as you leave Lalín, you pass through Bendoiro, with its pilgrims’ albergue right beside the route: this is the last place where you can realistically consider stopping. If you continue, you still have around ten kilometres to A Laxe and its albergue.
What to see on stage 8
Iglesia de San Xulián de Pedroso
This Romanesque building has a rectangular nave, a small apse and a doorway with a round arch. The plant and figurative motifs around the entrance are worth a pause if you pass nearby with time to spare.
Puente Medieval de Pedroso
This 12th-century bridge stands near Ponte do Hospital. Historically, it connected the western territories, and today it provides one of the most recognisable views of the day.
The Arnego and Pontiñas rivers
The route crosses these waterways several times, breaking up the sense of a long, open section. They are also useful landmarks for gauging your progress before reaching Lalín.
Lalín
Lalín is the capital of the Deza comarca and the stage’s main service centre. Here you can eat, shop and organise your rest before tackling the final section to A Laxe.
Mámoas of Deza
These burial mounds form part of the comarca’s distinctive archaeological heritage. Do not expect a single monument beside the path, but rather traces of an ancient landscape appearing among villages and woodland.
Where to sleep in A Laxe
In Rodeiro, you can set off from Hostal Parrillada Carpinteiras or the village’s municipal albergue. If you prefer to split the stage, the pilgrims’ albergue in Bendoiro is just after leaving Lalín; in A Laxe, you have Albergue de Peregrinos Laxe. Booking is advisable during busy periods.
Where to eat and refuel
In Rodeiro, you can have breakfast at Bar O Recanto, Café Bar Centro, Café Estraloxo or Café Bar Desito. The widest choice is in Lalín: Casa Currás, Restaurante Cabanas, Bar O Polo, Café-Bar Siglo XXI and Churrasquería Modesto are useful references, and you will also find Gadis and Aliprox there. Near the end, there is Café Bar A Adega and Casa Ruliña - Comidas y Habitaciones.
Practical tips for this stage
Make sure you have water before Lalín
Leave Rodeiro with enough water to reach the next clear group of services. Near Lalín, you can refill at Fonte de Lalín de Arriba and Fonte do Campo da Feira.
Plan for a long day
It is 33.6 km and around 6.2 hours of walking. The total ascent is moderate, but the distance makes itself felt: set off early and do not delay your stop in Lalín too much.
Use Lalín for everything
Lalín is the best place to shop, eat and deal with any practical problem. After leaving it behind, there are still several kilometres to A Laxe and the services become more scattered.
Vary your pace on the mixed surfaces
You will encounter dirt paths, tracks and tarmac. This is not a technical stage and the elevation is spread out, but the mixture of surfaces can tire your legs towards the end.
Frequently asked questions about stage 8
Is the stage from Rodeiro to A Laxe difficult?
The main difficulty is the distance: 33.6 km. The total ascent is 251 m, so there are no major climbs, but it is worth setting off early.
Where can I buy food?
Lalín is the most reliable place to restock. You will find Gadis, Aliprox and other services there, as well as restaurants and cafés.
Where are the main accommodation options?
You can sleep at the start in Rodeiro, split the stage at the pilgrims’ albergue in Bendoiro, just after Lalín, or continue to A Laxe and stay at Albergue de Peregrinos Laxe.
Are there fountains along the stage?
The clearest references are around Lalín: Fonte de Lalín de Arriba and Fonte do Campo da Feira. It is best to leave Rodeiro with water and refill there.
