From Boo de Piélagos to the Convento Albergue in Santillana del Mar
We took the train one stop over the bridge to cross the river with a lot of other pilgrims, and then went our separate ways up to a hermitage. From there the way wound across country, with splendid ocean views of 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 e 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, 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 and the-most a Swedishcouple, the man, Lars being ex- army. We then missed a turning and ended up directly at the converted convent we had booked at, where we got our own cell with bunk bed!
After settling in, we went for a stroll around the medieval cobbled streets, admiring the tourists and tourist shops. The church was, of course, closed on Mondays. Sue then attended mass and angus went to the pilgrims blessing, we had communal dinner and retired to bed.