Question about day 1 in León

TooManyRiceCakes · May 10, 2018

Hello!

I have been posting a lot, and this should be my last post as I leave for León tomorrow! My last final exam was yesterday, so planning this camino while in school has been an adventure.

My last anxiety: Should I start hiking on the first day, or should I go to sleep early and start on the trail the next?

I arrive in León at 12:45pm tomorrow, and I must be O Cebreiro by 12pm on the 17th to make my bus back to Madrid.

I plan on taking a bus for the first 15 miles in the direction of Hospital d’Orbigo.

Do I go directly to the trail after buying my pilgrim passport, or should I wonder around Leon for the first day and get an albergue there before heading out as early as possible? I want to start on the first day but am worried about finding a place to stay near Hospital d’Orbigo because it will probably be around 5pm by the time I am done walking a little.

I am very nervous about this

Thank you!
Kate

Dorpie · May 10, 2018

Hi Kate,

If it were me I'd spend the night in Leon, it's a lovely city and worth taking a look at. When you say arriving at 12.45 I assume you mean at train/bus station? If so, by the time you've got your bearings and pilgrim passport and got to Hospital D'Orbigo it's going to be at the very earliest 2.30 pm at which point you'll at best have two hours of walking where I'd still be super confident of getting a bed.

In my view much better to get to Leon relaxed and start absorbing the atmosphere, then start the next day fresh and early. If you just start and finish each day 10 minutes earlier and later respectively than you would have done you'll have made up the lost time with way less stress.

Buen Camino,

Rob.

mspath · May 10, 2018

Usually I have stayed in pilgrim albergues. However late November 2014 when walking to Hospital de Orbigo and suddenly stricken with 'Delhi belly' while crossing the famous bridge I needed to find open private accommodation FAST! Luckily the pleasant casa rurale Nuestra Senora de Lourdes was centally located nearby and open that noon!! My comfy single room with breakfast and private bath/loo cost 30 euros. WiFi, homemade meals and a pleasant garden patio for warm weather were also availavle. If you are looking for a private room in Hospital de Orbigo do check out their web-- www.nuestrasenoradelourdes.es.

TooManyRiceCakes · May 10, 2018

Thank you! I think I will go with that plan, especially as I am feeling tiered after finishing my exams. The extra day to rest up should really help.

Do you have any experience with the buses there? I can get a direct 3 euro bus from León to Hospital online, but do you think it would be better I just fingered out how to get to Hospital when I get there?

Thanks again!

Kate

SabsP · May 10, 2018

Can I add another suggestion.Three k.further than Hospital de Orbigo is the Albergue of Villares de Orbigo.
Hospi Christine accepts reservations. Fixed price for the bed and a donativo for the food.

Anniesantiago · May 10, 2018

Leon is worth at LEAST one day, maybe two. There is so much to see there.
Don't have your nose down on the Camino so tightly that you don't enjoy the culture, art, and beauty all around you. My advice is to get some sleep, see the Cathedral and museum, and walk another day.