22.Foncebadon-Ponferrada

(1)Foncebadón-(2)Cruz de Ferro: 0-1.8 km

(2)Cruz de Ferro-(3)Manjarín: 1.8-4.2 (2.4 km)

(3)Manjarín-(4)Acebo: 4.2-11 (6.8 km)

(4)Acebo-(5)Riego de Ambros: 11-14.5 (3.5 km)

(5)Riego de Ambros-(6)Molinaseca: 14.5-18.2 (3.7 km)

(6)Molinaseca-(7)Ponferrada: 18.2-26.6 (8.4 km)

Elevation Gain: 358 m

Elevation Loss: 1228 m

This stage is divided into two parts. One is an ascent (with some small flat sections) until past Manjarín, and the other is a steep descent to Molinaseca. For cyclists, it is recommended to follow the road for the entire route. In this stage, we enter El Bierzo.

(1)Foncebadón-(2)Cruz de Ferro: 0-1.8 km

This section has the steepest incline of the climb to the pass. We pass through Foncebadón via its main street and take a path that climbs until it reaches the road and takes us to the Cruz de Ferro. The Cruz de Ferro consists of a tall wooden post with an iron cross at the top and a pile of small stones at its base. Tradition dictates that each pilgrim must bring and deposit a stone to receive divine protection on their pilgrimage to Santiago.

(2)Cruz de Ferro-(3)Manjarín: 1.8-4.2 (2.4 km)

Following the road trail, we reach Manjarín. Manjarín was an abandoned village until Tomás set up a small and unique shelter, open year-round, where he lives.

(3)Manjarín-(4)Acebo: 4.2-11 (6.8 km)

We continue on the same path parallel to the road, though there are still some slopes. When the descent begins, we face the most impressive descent of the entire route, which leads us to Acebo.

(4)Acebo-(5)Riego de Ambros: 11-14.5 (3.5 km)

We pass through Acebo via its main street, which leads to the road, and we exit with a steep descent. Before reaching the village, we take a path on the right that leads us to Riego de Ambros.

(5)Riego de Ambros-(6)Molinaseca: 14.5-18.2 (3.7 km)

We continue downhill on the same path, which meets the road, and after a few meters, we leave the road again to continue descending. Shortly before reaching Molinaseca, the path rejoins the road, which takes us into the village. Here the steep descent ends.

(6)Molinaseca-(7)Ponferrada: 18.2-26.6 (8.4 km)

We leave the beautiful village of Molinaseca and continue along the road. At kilometer 21.8 of the stage, we must leave the road for another that exits to the right. We pass through the village of Campo and enter Ponferrada by crossing the Boeza River over the Puente Mascarón.

Photos