CAMINO PORTUGUÉS – Day 6: Sunday 31 May 2026 – RUBIÃES to TUI (20 [+4] kilometres)
Eviva España – I crossed over the Rio Minho from Portugal and into Spain this afternoon . . .. . . and, what’s more, according to this signpost near the village of Paços, I passed the halfway point of my Porto to Santiago trek
With a shorter section of the Camino Portugués in prospect today I allowed myself a lie-in until 7.30 am, emerging a half hour later into sapphire-blue skies and already warm air: no mist today! No matter, with time on my side I was able to amble, stop three times for coffee, water and snacks, and to socialise along the path with a fair number of other pelegrinos. All whilst taking in the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of this rolling green countryside. Another fabulous day, with many highlights. But first the maps:
On the border . . .
. . . and a little more detail of my day’s trek from Rubiães
Early morning, clear air . . .. . . and long shadowsJust a couple of kilometres into my walk I happened upon Connor and Owen tucking into breakfast, though I chose a large coffee as my viceFor a short while the trail ran alongside the small Coura stream . . .. . . before a cobblestone track headed into the trees on a 150-metre ascent . . .. . . to the hilltop church at Alto San BentoI popped in for a Pilgrim’s Passport stamp . . .. . . and for some moments of calm and cool air after my climbWith the day’s principal exertion completed, I followed some wonderful woodland ways gently downhill through stands of eucalyptus, chestnut, holm and cork oaks . . .. . . before enjoying some first glimpses of the Rio Minho valley and the Spanish hills beyondBack into the woods . . .. . . and wine country again . . .. . . then another stream-side path . . .. . . leading to Fontoura village . . .. . . where I had brunch in a café overlooking the churchOn the road againApproaching Valença I took a water break in the shade . . .. . . with Chris, Denise, Carolyn and Brent – friends from London and Vancouver taking on the Camino together: we have in common the fact that we are all part of the same fan club, following Welsh songsmith Martyn Joseph across two continentsReaching the gates of the fortress town of Valença . . .. . . through the narrow pedestrianised streets . . .. . . to the North GateI climbed the outer battlements, that are amply confusing for tourists and invaders alikeSuper views from the battlements across the Rio Minho to the town of Tui, in Spain – my destination for the dayAn old chestnut, now a part of the fortificationsCrossing the Minho bridgeOn arriving into Spain, the metal plaques on these two milestones (or perhaps kilometre-stones) both denote the distance to Santiago with unnecessary accuracy at 118.464 km: presumably one of them is a metre out!The view from my bedroom window in the centre of Tui this evening – looking back on Valença, the green hills of northern Portugal, and a fabulous week of camaraderie and walking.
Another super day has flown by, and with a relaxed schedule I have decided to stay over in Tui for two nights, in order to see the town’s attractions tomorrow. A good night’s sleep beckons!
Quality graffiti on the walls of Tui
The song ‘Easy’ that I have adopted as my Blog heading today, was a hit for The Commodores in 1977 from their eponymous fifth studio album, on the Motown label. Lead vocalist Lionel Richie wrote the number as a follow-up crossover hit to ‘Just To Be Close To You’ for the US funk and soul band, and ‘Easy’ duly hit the top of the US Billboard chart, paving the way for similar ballads ‘Three Times A Lady’ and ‘Still’ (both also penned by Richie). The relaxed vibe of the song suits the mood of today’s slower walk rather well.
An early drink in an outdoor equipment store seemed quite appropriate for this reunion with old friends Vivek and Daniel – before we headed off together for a delightful alfresco tapas supper in front of the Cathedral
Walking for Fun, Challenge and Charity! 