Terrain through the meseta

[Jeepl8d]

I’m days away from entering the meseta. I’ve struggled a bit with the rock filled paths. Any insights to the terrain of the meseta? I’m finding it takes me much longer to walk and will plan accordingly. Grateful to any insight and experience.

 

[Bradypus]

Mostly broad farm tracks or asphalt or gravel pavements alongside minor roads. Easy surfaces underfoot. Not entirely flat - there are significant hills before and after Hontanas and Sahagun - but mostly gently rolling landscapes.

 

[Jeepl8d]

Seems promising! Thank you.

 

[John Sikora]

You can take a look at the stages here. I video'd most of the Camino, so you can see what you'll be walking on.

Camino de Santiago Frances Day by Day GoPro Footage full day's walk

****Latest version of edits just uploaded. This is a series of videos from the Camino de Santiago in 2015. Each video contains a google earth tour of the sta...

www.youtube.com

 

[t2andreo]

Almost flat, with some low rolling hills. Nil trees and shade. Dry - and HOT. Be sure to pack extra water out of Carrion de los Condes.

Also, be sure to wear a broad brimmed hat and use a wet bandana or Buff around your neck and wrists to help keep you cool. Soaking your hat and allowing evaporation to cool you is also recommended.

There are few fountains that are potable. Over the decades, agriculture has contaminated some but not all of the shallower wells. Knowing which ones are safe is sometimes dicey.

I usually pack at least three liters of spring water coming out of Carrion de los Condes, as I usually wind up helping out other pilgrims who did not get the memo - and run dry. I find that one 1.5 liter bottle of water in each side pocket works well.

That said, the tap water supply in any bar, cafe, restaurant, or home is considered potable and safe to drink. There are just not many places to top off between Carrion de los Condes and Moratinos - about 9 km before Sahagun.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[JerryStroebele]

If it rains there could be mud. Even if it doesn't rain you may appreciate an umbrella to carry your own shade in the afternoon. Buen Camino

 

[OlyCat]

I’m days away from entering the meseta. I’ve struggled a bit with the rock filled paths. Any insights to the terrain of the meseta? I’m finding it takes me much longer to walk and will plan accordingly. Grateful to any insight and experience.

Just returned from the Camino Francés, and the meseta is a wonderful section. As far as walking terrain, I don’t recall any major rough paths.

 

[Tom Hagger]

The advice to carry an umbrella, mainly for protection against the sun, is very sound. If you can get one with an extra long stem so that you can attach it to your rucksack chest and waist straps, even better. EuroShirm is one of a few companies that make such an umbrella.

As several pilgrims have remarked above, the Meseta is fairly flat for the most part, with no particularly demanding hills, and is generally easy underfoot except after heavy rain. Ignore the scare stories about it being tedious - it is peaceful and delightful, and very different from most sections of the Camino.

 

[Jeepl8d]

Thank you everyone. I have a hat and an umbrella (that will attach to my backpack for hands free walking. ) the walking aspect on rocky paths has been a little tough and much slower than expected. Planning will be key especially with the sun and temperatures.

 

[Tom Hagger]

Buen Camino!

Tom

 

[trecile]

EuroShirm is one of a few companies that make such an umbrella.

This umbrella can be purchased from the forum store.

The telescopic and handsfree trekking umbrella

Please note: All umbrellas sold here do have the Silver UV protection. This means that the color of the umbrella is silver on the outside and black on the inside. The handsfree trekking umbrella as compact version can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on nearly all kind of...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

 

[David Tallan]

Nil trees and shade.

Speaking from recent experience, the sendas after Sahagun are often lined with trees. Of course, those trees are to your left and if you walk in the morning as most pilgrims do, the sun is on your right, so they offer minimal shade. But if you find yourself walking in the afternoon, that's when you'll really need the shade and be glad for them.

 

[Robo]

Thank you everyone. I have a hat and an umbrella (that will attach to my backpack for hands free walking. ) the walking aspect on rocky paths has been a little tough and much slower than expected. Planning will be key especially with the sun and temperatures.

You will love the Meseta.
Fairly flat, good surfaces, and Oh those big skies!

 

[isawtman]

I have a series of 7 videos from Burgos to Leon that covers the meseta. They are located
here: http://tmanshikes.com/the-meseta-series/ No Drones, no fancy production, just one man
with a camera in his hand.

 

[t2andreo]

Speaking from recent experience, the sendas after Sahagun are often lined with trees. Of course, those trees are to your left and if you walk in the morning as most pilgrims do, the sun is on your right, so they offer minimal shade. But if you find yourself walking in the afternoon, that's when you'll really need the shade and be glad for them.

I was referring to the terrain BEFORE Sahagun. David is correct about the trees AFTER Sahagun. In my view, the Meseta, per se, ends at Sahagun.

It's all good.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Richmond Gardner]

This umbrella can be purchased from the forum store.

The telescopic and handsfree trekking umbrella

Please note: All umbrellas sold here do have the Silver UV protection. This means that the color of the umbrella is silver on the outside and black on the inside. The handsfree trekking umbrella as compact version can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on nearly all kind of...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

The umbrella queen has spoken…

 

[Richmond Gardner]

I was referring to the terrain BEFORE Sahagun. David is correct about the trees AFTER Sahagun. In my view, the Meseta, per se, ends at Sahagun.

It's all good.

Hope this helps.

Tom

I’d say Leon is included in the meseta…

 

[JerryStroebele]

What do the Spanish people say?

Buen Camino

 

[isawtman]

The problem with umbrellas and with ponchos as well is that Spain has a lot of wind. I just covered myself up with long sleeved sun shirts and long pants. Worked fine

 

[JerryStroebele]

Agree. But when I hang on to mine, I get a nice cool breeze under it. Buen Camino

 

[t2andreo]

I’d say Leon is included in the meseta…

I always considered that the Meseta started at Carrion de los Condes, and lasted until Sahagun. At least, IIRC, that is what I learned from Mr. Brierley's' guide to the Camino Frances, early on in my Camino adventures.

But, it might start at - or slightly after Leon. Whatever. The main point is that after Carrion de los Condes, the route is a long, dry almost but not quite level, treeless, slog.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Since meseta translates to plateau or tableland I've considered that on the Camino Francés the meseta stretches from Burgos to Astorga (as can be seen on this elevation profile of the CF):

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/camino-photos/profile-map-camino-frances.7440/full?d=1514976484

 

[isawtman]

I think this spot right before San Justo (near Astorga) is the end of the Meseta.

 

[trecile]

I’d say Leon is included in the meseta…

I agree - I think that it ends around Astorga. There's still lots of Meseta after Sahagún.

 

[pjacobi]

On the flat sections of the Meseta, I was able to walk more than expected. In one case I was able to combine 3 Briarly stages into 2 days. This allowed me a stay at the off-stage San Nicolás de Puente Fitero with the foot washing ceremony.


-Paul

 

[Richmond Gardner]

I always considered that the Meseta started at Carrion de los Condes, and lasted until Sahagun. At least, IIRC, that is what I learned from Mr. Brierley's' guide to the Camino Frances, early on in my Camino adventures.

But, it might start at - or slightly after Leon. Whatever. The main point is that after Carrion de los Condes, the route is a long, dry almost but not quite level, treeless, slog.

Hope this helps.

Tom

According to Rome to Rio, Carrion de los Condes to Sahagun is about 24.1 miles. Somebody’s shrinking the meseta

 

[Karl Oz]

If it rains there could be mud. Even if it doesn't rain you may appreciate an umbrella to carry your own shade in the afternoon. Buen Camino

Indeed, my experience was unremitting mud during the wet late-Spring of 2013. It is difficult to predict, although it is now summer so it should be dry...