to Sevilla

Via de la Plata

Tuesday 27 March 2012

 

Heading for the Start.

 

I had to complete my 100th consecutive day of running before getting ready to make for Sevilla and the beginning of the Via de la Plata. I ran quite well all though there was still an annoying wind blowing. It was alright when I had it helping me, I could fairly sprint along but it was like running on the spot when I was hitting it head on. I'm hoping that this wind is only local around Conil, and we are not going to be bothered with it on our walk. I was out for an hour and was satisfied with that for my final part of the sequence, I'm glad that it is over.

 

When I got back it was breakfast then packing up the 'van, Moira had done most of it over the last few days, it was only the satellite dish and bikes to get stored inside. I moved the motorhome up to the storage area on the site and it was on to our backs with the rucksacks and we were off for the bus.

 

The wind was still strong as we made our way along the lane from the back gate of the campsite and we could feel that it was going to take a few days before we become accustomed to our packs. Luckily we had only a 40 minute walk to the bus stop to slowly break us in. We were about half an hour early for the bus, better safe than sorry, and had time for a coffee in a nearby cafe. The bus arrived on time and it was now definitely the start of our latest adventure.

 

It took two and a half hours to get to Sevilla. From Conil it took detours from the highway into Chicana, Puerto Real, Puerto Santa Marie, and Jerez before sticking to the toll road the rest of the route into Sevilla. The wind seemed to have dropped as we made our way north, the trees weren't bending in the gale force gusts. It was also getting warmer and when we reached Sevilla we were still wearing our fleeces, we were sweltering as we walked the couple of kilometres to the hostel where we were staying.

 

The hostel, Triana Backpackers, in a quiet back lane near the river. It was very nice and we were in a six bedded dorm where we managed to get two bottom bunks, we don't like climbing at our time of life. The

first thing that had to be done was get our bunks made up, we didn't have to use our sleeping bags, all the bedding was supplied, then it was a nice cup of tea. There was a kitchen in the hostel and this means that we don't have to eat out tonight, Moira brought a little food with her and we are going to have pasta for dinner.

 

When we finished out tea we decided to head out and explore some of the city. There was a map and a guide leaflet in reception and we used this for a tour of the city centre. It took us to where we start the Camino in the morning and the road was marked by the familiar shell symbol. From there we crossed the river and had a delightful walk along the river bank. There were lots of people all along the river side picnicking and sunbathing, it was really hot now and the cold strong wind had disappeared. Sevilla seems to be a sporting and keep fit city going by the numbers of people cycling and running while on the river there were canoeists paddling, some were very serious by the speed they were sprinting over water. The river was crossed by four bridges on the section of our walk, a few modern, with one in particular that resembled the millennium bridge on Newcastle.

 

Our route left the river after the Barqueta Bridge and made for the Alameda de Hercules, an area originally marshland that was reclaimed in the 16th century, the lagoon was drained and the place became a promenade. The square is decorated with two big sculptures of Hercules and Julius Caesar. From there we made our way down Velazquez Street, a pedestrian walkway along the most important commercial street in Sevilla and one of the most expensive streets in Spain. At the end of this thoroughfare we reached the cathedral and the outside was most impressive with its large pointed tower and magnificently carve doors and archways. We had a stroll inside but it was quite small and not particularly interesting. Outside I managed to get a few good photos of the building and also incorporated one of the many old fashioned horse and carriages that take tourist round the attractions.

 

After the cathedral we head down to the river again and along the esplanade to the bridge crossing that led us back to the hostel. It was a lovely walk through a beautiful city and if this is a foretaste of what's to come it is going to be a grand trip.