From Leon to Santiago - 1st day - Interesting or not ?

[scubajunky]

I'm starting sunday so would appreciate a quick response, I heard the first day out of Leon is pretty boring ? I only have twelve days walking from Leon to Santiago, would I be missing much if I did not start in Leon and possibly started a little closer to Santiago ? if so which place would you pic and does the Alsa bus go there as I am taking an Alsa bus from Santiago to Leon on Sunday morning.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Astorga is more suited to a 12 day Camino. Leon is a bit far. There are lots of buses, and a train, too.

 

[Dutch]

You do realize that you can start where ever you want?

I cant remember the walk out of Leon being so bad, but if you dont want to walk it, just take a taxi to the outskirts. Or walk to the Parador. Thats a Nice place to see and then hop in a cab from there.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

 

[C clearly]

Astorga is an excellent start.

 

[mikevasey]

Hospital de Obrigo is a good place to start. Its about 30-40 km after Leon depending which route you have taken. There are two options after it, one is the quicker shorter route alongside the road mostly and the other is the higher, more green way, 13-16 km respectively to Astorga. Check where your bus stops on the way to Leon, more likely than not it will stop in Astorga and maybe Hospital de O as well.

 

[Mark Lee]

Leon is great, but the walk out not so much. A bit of an urban sprawl.
Starting in Astorga is probably better for you and your time schedule.

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks guys, will the Santiago - Leon bus stop at Astorga ?

 

[Mark Lee]

Thanks guys, will the Santiago - Leon bus stop at Astorga ?

Looks like it goes there.
http://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa/template.PAGE/menuitem.a2b8c42c4264a03c66c766c7421000e5/?javax.portlet.tpst=28b12525bd34c9fec845c845421000e5&javax.portlet.prp_28b12525bd34c9fec845c845421000e5=_spageview=%2FSearchExpeditions.do&_kraview=1&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

Station Of Origin Station Of Destination Departure Arrival Duration Retail PriceDeparture Retail Price Return Offer From Service Seats Itinerary Observations
Santiago Compostela -Astorga -08:00 Santiago Compostela Astorga 08:00 13:20 5h 20min 23.08€ 43.85€ normal yes showitinerary Santiago Compostela - Astorga - 08:00 (new window will open)
Santiago Compostela -Astorga -09:45 Santiago Compostela Astorga 09:45 15:25 5h 40min 23.08€ 43.85€ normal yes showitinerary Santiago Compostela - Astorga - 09:45 (new window will open)
Santiago Compostela -Astorga -13:45 Santiago Compostela Astorga 13:45 18:15 4h 30min 23.08€ 43.85€ normal yes showitinerary Santiago Compostela - Astorga - 13:45 (new window will open)
Santiago Compostela -Astorga -16:00 Santiago Compostela Astorga 16:00 20:15 4h 15min 23.08€ 43.85€ normal yes showitinerary Santiago Compostela - Astorga - 16:00 (new window will open)
Santiago Compostela -Astorga -21:30 Santiago Compostela Astorga 21:30 02:15 +1day 4h 45min 23.08€ 43.85€ normal yes showitinerary Santiago Compostela - Astorga - 21:30 (new window will open)

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Good choice to start from Astorga I agree- especially with 12 days- but have a quick look around some of the treasures of Leon before you leave if you can. In 2008 I walked out of Leon on a very hot day, and found it very trying so close by the road. In 2012 I wasn't walking the whole Camino Frances and took a bus to Hospital de Orbigo and loved the alternative countryside walk from there to Astorga- but with 12 days I think starting in Astorga sounds wiser.
Margaret

 

[annakappa]

Astorga is probably your best bet, but allowing one more day, Hospidal de Orbigo is also a possibility.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I would astorga too. Buen camino!

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks all, just realized I have left my guidebook ( no big drama) and my pilgrim passport from my previous Camino( sjpdp to burgos ) in the house, does that mean I cannot stay in the alberge etc ?

 

[mspath]

Thanks all, just realized I have left my guidebook ( no big drama) and my pilgrim passport from my previous Camino( sjpdp to burgos ) in the house, does that mean I cannot stay in the alberge etc ?

Not at all. You can obtain a new pilgrim passport from the parish albergue in Hospital de Orbigo or in the albergue Siervas de Maria in Astorga when you stop the first night. Buen camino.

MM

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks, was having a minor drama there, thanks for your quick response, I can relax now !

 

[williamlittig]

If you are beginning your Camino in Leon, great. I did take the city bus to Virgin de Camino avoiding the industrial area, then I personally liked the long days walk through corn to Hospital de Orbigo. Some low hills then Astorga, lunch and walk to you chosen village a good night sleep and towards the mountains. This would be the part I would recommend if the person has two weeks to walk. Buen Camino........ Willy, Utah

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Is it interesting? Yes. Every day on the camino is interesting, if you are interested.

 

[lahyre]

Well, my information is not usefull for you right now, but it may help others.

I started in León and walked to SDC in 12 days. In my first day a made a mistake and walked too long way to Hospital de Orbigo, mas it was possible to walk to Villar de Mazariffe and in the next day walk to Astorga that would be nice.