Portuguese Way from Tui – Stage 1 – Walking Guide

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First day of walking from Tui, an adventure flavoured with rain.

A night of storms and torrential downpour. Dawn breaks as we leave the warmth of our beds and realise that very soon our adventure will begin. "You wake up quickly with the desire to take those first steps", enthusiastic and eager to hit the road. The rain doesn't frighten us! Quite the opposite – it invigorates our resolve, as if it were a challenge we're ready to conquer.

But no warrior goes into battle on an empty stomach, and we're not about to be any different. So we dash to the albergue café, where a familiar, homely atmosphere wraps around us. The warm yellow tones of the wooden walls fill us with joy and extraordinary energy, enhanced by the aroma of roasted coffee and delicious tostadas with jam, butter and hazelnut spread. Service was admittedly a bit slow – it took an hour – but it was more than compensated by the care and love poured into every detail. Rather than grow frustrated with the wait, we seized the chance to appreciate even more deeply the value of our time, the pleasure of being together, and the beauty of slowness – a genuine lifestyle that already seems to be becoming part of how we're experiencing this journey.

"We leave Tui quickly, our legs trembling with anticipation despite the rain. Our feet step on stone, then asphalt, then earth, while the scent of rain heightens the aromas of nature."

All of us sheltered beneath colourful ponchos, we continue along a path that alternates between woodland and more populated areas. Like an elastic band, we stretch out and regroup depending on the mood and whether each of us feels like chatting or prefers a moment of solitude.

Eight kilometres from O Porriño, right at the junction where the path diverges through the forest rather than past the city's cement works, a sudden hunger strike hits us. Half a kilometre back in the opposite direction there should be a bar. But we're still going strong and keen to keep moving, so we form a circle and pull out our food supplies – fruit, hazelnuts and chocolate.

Less than two minutes later and we're ready to go again. We follow the road, then a beautiful river, and a couple of kilometres from O Porriño we're caught by another burst of heavy rain. Our destination is near, and soon we spot the lovely municipal albergue right at the end of the path. A generous lunch break, and we settle into the albergue.

"Well-deserved rest. Tomorrow we'll be back out there... on the road."

A contribution from Claudia, carrying a lovely smile along the Way.

Go to stage 2 〉

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