Following St. Elmo's steps

Galicia is a land of lagoons, but today's stage is along a single river: the Louro. We see it just after leaving Tui, at Ponte da Veiga, and we only leave it at Os Valos, almost 30 Kms later, when the way turns towards Redondela and departs from the Galleiro Mountain.

The itinerary has only one climb, but its more than 30 Kms can take their toll. If you leave Tui, you will pass Rebordans church, the oldest church in the city, and also the Veiga bridge while it's still dawn. At the confluence of the São Simão and Louro rivers, we find the Febres Bridge and St. Elmo's Cross, an ideal place for a stop, in meditation for the crowds of pilgrims who passed by that place before us and for those who will certainly pass by long after our memory is gone.

In Os Eidos, before the industrial area of O Porriño, take the bypass on the left. You won't pass through the city, but you will avoid the Gándaras Polygon, a monotonous, dangerous and shadeless straight stretch. The following section is more comfortable, but be prepared for the climb after Mós, up to Monte de Santiago, at 230 m altitude. The last kilometres, with the Vigo lagoon on the horizon, are always downhill to Redondela, but on tarmacked road that can be uncomfortable for the legs. If you get a place, don't miss the opportunity to sleep at Casa da Torre.