Video Stage 7: Los Arcos to Logrono | Camino Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Stage 7: Los Arcos to Logrono | Camino de Santiago Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios shares today his experience on Stage 7 of the Camino de Santiago Frances, which runs from Los Arcos to Logrono, a stretch of 28 kilometres. He walked the whole route between 26 April and 26 May 2022.
In the following video, Jhonatan describes his journey along this route in detail. Along the way, you discover the charming villages that mark this stage, as well as taking in the beautiful landscapes full of fields and vineyards. This particular stage was especially meaningful for him, since he was able to stay in a welcoming parish hostel. The experience was so rewarding and significant that it marked a turning point in his life.
Stage 7: Los Arcos to Logrono with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios left the hostel where he had spent the night in Los Arcos, and set off for Logrono. It was half past six in the morning and he had 28 kilometres ahead of him, six more than the day before. The clear sky meant they would have sun, so he decided to hurry to avoid the heat. The temperature was 8 degrees, but he expected it to rise as the day went on. He set off out of Los Arcos alongside other pilgrims, enjoying the green scenery typical of April and May, unlike what you find in July and August.
On reaching Sansol, Jhonatan left Los Arcos behind. The sun stayed with them, and on entering the village he looked for somewhere open to eat before continuing on toward Viana. With fields and vineyards all around, he headed toward Logrono, about 20 km away, passing the Ermita del Poyo. He crossed Torres del Río, where he crossed the Linares river, remembered in the Codex Calixtinus for its poor-quality water in ancient times.
At the Saint Andrew bar, Jhonatan enjoyed a good breakfast and lunch before carrying on toward Viana. He marvelled at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Romanesque in style, with an octagonal structure similar to that of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. He found an oasis for pilgrims, a place to rest and take in the architecture.
The Ermita de la Virgen del Poyo, located between Torres del Río and Viana, was another stop. Built in the 16th century, with alterations in the 19th, the chapel watches over the village of Bargota and protects pilgrims. Leaving the fields and woods behind, Jhonatan carried on his way until he crossed into La Rioja. 13 km from Viana, he passed vineyards and hills, enjoying the scenery.
Finally, Jhonatan reached Logrono, crossing the Ebro river on an 11th-century stone bridge. He reflected on solitude and the need to belong, as he made his way to the parish hostel where he would spend the night. In Logrono, he visited a modern café and met up with other pilgrims, enjoying a communal dinner. The day ended with a Mass, at which the prayer of Saint Teresa of Jesus was recited: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, everything passes.” This experience reminded him that, although he set out on the Camino alone, he would always feel accompanied. With that thought, Jhonatan settled in to sleep and get ready for his eighth stage of the Camino de Santiago.
