Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 4
Esposende → Viana do Castelo
Distance: 16.7 miles
Time: 6h 08m moving
Steps: 38,000
Elevation gain: 1,254 ft
Today was the hardest day so far.
16.7 miles, but it wasn’t just the distance. The trails were technically difficult in sections, especially through the woods and forest. Uneven ground, climbs, and having to stay focused the whole time. It felt like proper hiking, not just walking.
The sun was brutal. Long exposed stretches with no real shade. It just wears you down over hours.
The system is still working. Break the day into thirds. Coffee early. Try for food in the middle. Push through the last section. But today even that felt like work.
The last third was one step at a time for sure. No flow, just keep moving forward and get it done.
Victor’s Instagram reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXKyBZqjiIU/?igsh=MTRqc3dhMXc4NWhldg==
Bob’s Strava activity: https://strava.app.link/YTt0i9VXp2b
Victor’s Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BWa5gD9Cb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The walk
Leaving Esposende, the route shifted. Still coastal in parts, but more inland sections through forest and rougher terrain.
That’s where it got hard. The elevation gain and technical footing made it a proper effort all the way through. Not a day where you switch off.
There were fewer places to stop again. You just keep moving and adjust.
Arrival
Viana do Castelo is a bigger town, and you feel that when you arrive. More going on, more energy. After a day like today, that matters.
Went into the city in the evening. Very quaint, easy to walk around, and a good contrast after the day.
Spent a couple of hours there and met people from Ukraine, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland. That’s part of the Camino. Different paths, same direction.
Body
Feet are holding up. That system is solid.
Knee started to play up a bit today. Not surprising given the terrain and distance.
Sunburn is building.
Everything is manageable, but you feel it.
Looking ahead
Tomorrow is about 15 miles to Caminha. Last full day in Portugal before crossing into Spain.
Will need to manage the pace with the knee.
Four days in.
Today took more out of me. Honestly, I’m tired enough that I don’t really feel like writing this.
But the day is done. That’s what matters.
