- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances SJPP to SdC Oct/Nov 2015
Frances Burgos toSdC March/April 2016
W. Highland Way August 2016
Camino Somewhere September 2017
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But the again, the walk into Burgos is on a pavement clearly separated from the road, so in my opinion there is no real safety issue there. However, you may consider bussing in and out of Burgos and Leon, if this feels the better thing to do.
There's actually a lovely alternative route into Burgos - I think Brierley's guide now shows this as the preferred route. You walk through a city park alongside the river all the way in to the city, where you cross a bridge into the old town - it's beautiful, and no traffic.
I love Clare!! thank you for pointing out that blog post.Hi @CaminoDebrita, IMO the road sections aren't something that you need to avoid - it's more a matter of taking extra care, especially when crossing a busy road.
Re. the alternative route to Burgos - the directions in the Brierley guide are a little confusing and many of us have ended up accidentally walking through the industrial area (which is totally safe BTW). Here's a brilliant guide from another forum member http://tritetales.com/2014/10/31/camino-how-to-enter-burgos/ which will help you avoid that mistake.
Buen Camino!
get a taxi before coming into Leon
Villafranca Montes de Oca has a narrow spot where a major road doesn't have enough room for trucks to pass each other. You must walk through this gap too.
When my companion and I walked along this narrow spot (actually I believe it is a bridge across the Rio Oca) into Villafranca, we walked on the left, facing the oncoming traffic. At the same time we were crossing, there were three or four pilgrims crossing the bridge on the other side of the road, with the traffic coming up behind them. Every time a truck came by from behind and passed us I expected someone would be hit. To me, that was the most hair-raising section of the Camino. My advice to anyone crossing this bridge is that if there are pilgrims also walking across the bridge on the wrong side, that you wait until they have got across before you yourself cross over on the left side. There just doesn't seem to be enough room for a truck to go by safely if there are pilgrims walking on both sides of the bridge at the same time.Where there is road walking, the main thing to remember is to walk facing the oncoming traffic (ie on the left hand side), in a line.
I appreciate your sweet sentiment, but there have been road deaths. I'm not that much of a worrierDebrita, hi there. I'm not so much a seasoned caminoer (I recently finished my first from just north of Porto to Santiago, June-July this year), but I am seasoned at worrying. I vividly recall my own pre-camino 5:28am moments. I was so...hyper thinking all the time. Wow!!! Looking back, of course, I know that those moments were/are just part of the camino. But, when my eyes saw the first yellow way marker (very cool moment!!), and my feet started walking, I was perfectly fine. My heart seemed to take over the adventure, which is basically much calmer than my mind. There were several times that I simply needed to pay more attention and if I'd needed to grab a taxi, I would have, but the need never even crossed my mind. I wish the best for you!! A positive note: your 5:28am moments are numbered!!!! You'll be there soon and your heart will carry you.
we walked for an awfully long way on that busy, rather unattractive route.
It was probably at least as long on the river route but a more pleasant walk. I found that since I thought I was in Burgos and "almost there", I was surprised not to arrive faster. Next time I would try to relax and take my time. Maybe stop and look at the river. Even pop over one of the pedestrian bridges to look at the city side but come back to the park route.I'm wondering now if anyone knows how long it takes to walk that entire route through the park
Thank you @C clearly for taking the time to put those excellent instructions in your blog. I'm sure they will help a lot of people to find the more pleasant entry to Burgos.It was probably at least as long on the river route but a more pleasant walk. I found that since I thought I was in Burgos and "almost there", I was surprised not to arrive faster. Next time I would try to relax and take my time. Maybe stop and look at the river. Even pop over one of the pedestrian bridges to look at the city side but come back to the park route.
It has a nice drama to walk all the way on the green side until the final bridge and approach to the cathedral.
Great! I've got a good one too. I'm glad you got one!I've just ordered an ultra lightweight reflective vest, because of this thread.
I have just re-read the attached link about the road deaths and will certainly now pack my reflective vest. Thanks to all those who responded about the "Camino friendly" routes into Burgos and Leon. Cheers
I've just ordered an ultra lightweight reflective vest, because of this thread.
Really interested to read this comment - that was the only place on the Camino I felt really unsafe too. I'd completely forgotten this bit when I posted above. It was a Saturday morning when we walked it and traffic was quite heavy and fast. Very glad to get off this stretch! Next time we'll stick to the main route. Didn't like the path the other side of Castrillo to rejoin the Camino either, but not due to traffic. Just felt a bit too isolated.Hi-vis is always a good idea. So is paying attention. The only place on the CF that I felt in danger (and I walked every step from SJPP to SdC) was the alternative route after Astorga. THAT was an adventure that I won't repeat as it was along a road where there was no way of getting out of the way if someone swerved toward me. When I came to a bridge I actually stopped, waited until no traffic was in sight, and then RAN across while it was clear.
Hi, Deb,
The one real danger point I would worry about is coming into Arca do Pino on what is likely to be your last or next to last day before Santiago. Two pilgrims have been killed in different years, one this year: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/pilgrim-death.34354/
The danger points are few and far between, IMO. Buen camino, Laurie
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