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Scenic or traditional route

Travelingal

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances planned Aug 2022
I am in Leon and walking to hospital de obrigo tomorrow. Has anyone done the scenic route? Is the 7 km extra worth doing?
 
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Altus Poncho (ATMOSPHERIC H30)
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
The "traditional" is a senda type path beside a main rd. The "scenic" wanders through the countryside on lanes and quiet roads. Its the equivalent choice when driving a car of taking the motorway or winding country roads - each has a purpose but a different experience.
 
2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Travelingal,
You can find this more pleasant "scenic" route 7 km from Leon on the CF in the town La Virgen del Camino.

Opposite the contmporary church/Basilica one can choose to either continue on the main CF which parallels the noisy N120 road or follow that peaceful alternate camino going slightly SW towards Villar de Mazarife.

Whichever you choose do stop at Avda. de Astorga 87 to visit the splendid contemporary Basilica. Many pilgrims rush right past and miss a very special place.

Carpe diem and Buen camino!
 
The reason that I train so hard before my Camino is that it allows me to take the scenic route without worry that I can complete the 7 extra kilometer.


-Paul
 
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Oh, be careful, I've seen the way to Villar de Mazarife described as the main path somewhere (in a guidebook?). The way to Villar de Mazarife is the scenic way we liked. You don't want to miss it because by mistaking the name.
 
Thanks for the tip I will make sure I visit!
 
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Not to miss indeed! I prefer this basilica to the Gaudi Episcopal Palace in Astorga which reminds me more of a Disney castle. I edited my post because initially I was referring to the cathedral in Astorga but that one is gorgeous.
 
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