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Wise Pilgrim APPThe route from Mondoñedo to Gontán is a confusing affair. Two routes exist, both starting at the Cathedral, and the Galician authorities have muddied things by renaming the old route as complementaria (supplementary) and designating a newer route as official.
The Old Camino / Complementaria (15.7 km) is longer, follows paved roads over the mountain, and has minimal services. It remains preferred by several local hospitaleros. From the Cathedral, turn left, find the Fonte Vella, and climb the Calle de la Rigueira to Maariz.
The Official / Ruta Principal (11.9 km) is shorter but steeper and more scenic. It's also harder to find at the start. From the Cathedral, locate the pharmacy at the top of the stairs opposite and slightly right. Climb to the Rúa Lence Santar, take the first right, and follow the route through to the LU-P-3106 toward Zoñán.
The confusion around complementaria routes is a recurring theme in Galicia. In some towns the complementaria is the only route that exists.
