Today was an excellent day. The skies were blue and we were  rested after the night at Albergue Cañaveral, which was a better experience than the 4 star hotel.  The walking was almost entirely on dirt paths or roads through light forest and farms.

We took the “new” route at the double gate at “Cuatro Terminos”,  which added 4 km to the distance, but we were expecting to stop in Riolobos rather than push on to Galisteo.

Now we are happily installed in a double room at the Riolobos Camping Las Catalinas for €15 each.

Still in hydration stage of the day, upon arrival

The manager/hospitalero is Nacho, who also manages the albergue in Galisteo. He is very helpful and enthusiastic about the camino and has explained the following information, which also covers some of the next section to Galisteo.

For a few years there were some “issues” on the section leading to Galisteo. Signage went missing and some fences weren’t maintained, so pilgrims were more likely to get lost or encounter livestock and working dogs, etc.

Now it is NOT necessary to take the longer route to and around Riolobos. As of 2016 Nacho says the traditional route is all fixed and ready for pilgrims. You should go straight ahead at the double gate at “Cuatro Terminos”, 8 km after the turnoff to Grimaldo.  Don’t turn left. After 4 or 5 km you cross a highway and continue about 6 km more  to Galisteo. (When you reach a junction with a big concrete marker, turn left.)

I have more information about how to manage the stages from Cáceres through Extremadura and will put it in a separate post when I have time to organize it.