From Pendueles the Camino is now officially diverted onto the E-9 coast path, to avoid roadworks, and this added about 5kms to the expected distance.
The track is very steep in places, but is very well worth all the effort needed. It passes the Bufones de Arenillas, which would need passing with care if the spout was blowing. When we stopped for a while here the tide was low so it was possible to walk up to the stone guarding the hole and look down into the upper section.
Walking on along a road to Andrín we stopped in the village for coca cola and a very good tortilla in the bar (just to the left off the Camino). There is a steep climb out of Andrín to the cliff top and the viewpoint. Then the Camino is signed on across a road and up a track. Two pilgrims behind us turned right here and took the road which we could later see below us. It may well be an easier and quicker way, through Cue and into Llanes. However we followed signs and went on the fairly windy track up and down until we reached the Ermito de Santo Cristo del Camino. The old Camino is rejoined here and then leads downhill and on into Llanes. We finally reached the Hotel Gran Paraiso at 15.00, so went for lunch opposite before a siesta.
The recent rain and the late snow this year makes the route through the mountains from Llanes to Covadonga seem inadvisable. The rivers are high with both rain and melt water and the route goes over stepping stones. The final decision has to be made here but the day planned for sightseeing and a rest will be welcome anyway.
The bufones de Arenillas are just off the track. When blowing it is not safe to go near, but the tide was low and although the booming of the waves below was loud there would be no spouts for at leat 2 hours. A large upright stone made a good protected place to stand and look into the top of the hole.
The track led down to the Rio Purón. We were amused to see the sign at the wooden bridge
The E-9 gives good views along the coast and also towards Llanes
Santo Cristo de Camino:- The ruins of part of the monastery, which provided a pilgrims' hostel, and the remaining chapel.
From the Ermita de Santo Cristo the Camino turns downhill on a track through the woods and then continues into Llanes along the road.
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