Boo de Pielagos
to
Santillana del Mar

From Boo de Piélagos we took the train with a lot of other pilgrims one stop over the bridge to cross the river, and then went our separate way up to a hermitage. From there the way wound across country, with splendid ocean views across the river estuary. After a church on a hill (with a locked grill around the entrance porch as all churches here seem to have), we walked for what seemed like ages along a gas pipeline, and then crossed a railway goods yard to find a local cafe with delicious chocolate buns and coffee. After that is was unfortunately along a busy road, past a chemical factory and across a busy bridge. However, on the other side of the bridge there was a Chinese supermarket selling absolutely everything where we bought drinks and a replacement battery for Sue's penknife. The way improved slightly, along a winding road with views across to misty mountains, where we met a Swedish couple, the man, Lars being ex- army. We walked together for a while, and then separated again as our walking speeds diverged. At this point we missed a turning and ended up following a road leading directly to the converted convent we had booked at, the Convento Albergue in Santillana del Mar, bypassing the medieval village. After settling in to our own cell with bunk bed, and relaxing in the extensive gardens, we went for a stroll around the medieval cobbled streets, admiring the tourists and tourist shops. The Collegiata di Santa Juliana, a Romanesque church and former Benedictine monastery was, of course, closed on Mondays. After investigating the old town some more, Sue then attended mass and Angus went to the pilgrims blessing in the Albergue. We had communal dinner with the other pilgrims and then retired to bed.