Traffic on the Camino

[NHawes]

I have 2 inquiries: In the advent of the "The Way" has it been found that the traffice on the French Way from Leon to Sarria has greatly increased? I have heard it has and will chose another route if need be but I am so looking forward to this route.
We may not be able to travel the entire section from Leon to Sarria so can others point out the more beautiful parts? We have about 8 days of walking and will look to walk around 12 - 14 miles a day. I understand I should take a cab several miles outside of Leon to start.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Leon to Sarria is not overcrowded. Instead of a taxi out of Leon, take the city bus to the airport and get off at the end of the line.

 

[grayland]

.......or as long as you are on the Camino...you could walk. 8)

I don't think there is any particular reason not to walk out of Leon.
Not sure why people give that advice. It may just mean that they did not enjoy it.
Since you have never done it before it will all be new and interesting. You will pass by a great Parador (San Marcos) that is worth a bit of a look.


Either way...Buen Camino

 

[JennyH94]

Consider starting at Hospital de Orbigo ... from there it's about 17 kms to Astorga. You'll miss the industrial areas that fringe Leon and the ancient bridge there - the Puente de Orbigo - is one of the longest and best-preserved medieval bridges in Spain. The history of the bridge makes fascinating reading and there's quite a bit in the Brierley Guide about it. Our Camino group started there last year and we all felt it was a very appropriate place to start our Camino.
From Hospital de Orbigo you will walk through some beautiful countryside - you might also meet the famous David at his Cantina of the Gods. He's a really cool hippy kind of guy who lives on the Camino and has a refreshment stand with drinks, fruit and home-made biscuits.
It's an easy walk through to Astorga and a it's great way to start your Camino.
Best of luck with your decision - Jenny

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Walking out of Leon could not be easier, never saw any industrial area, alternative route, go to bus station on river, walk along river until the bridge, about 10 mns walk, a few steps up to bridge, turn left, you are on camino, about 30 mns walk to la virgin del camino,.

 

[NHawes]

Thank you for you input - my first concern was the traffic on the Camino - I so loved my walk from Sarria to Santiago a few years ago but near the end it did get congested. Additionally we are mature women who have been training and did you find that section to be be hard at all as far as the hills? It seems such difficult decision. Out other choice was to walk the Porto Costal Way but I was afraid to miss a lot of this historical things and beautiful paths.

 

[roving_rufus]

I did Leon to Santiago at the end of April, the big problem was the day at Sarria, as you suddenly had a ton of new pilgrims. But this could be tempered a little by trying to stop before Sarria and after it to avoid the worst of the crowds as there tends to get a bunching up of people. However, after that day things tended to spread out a bit more.
And I had no problem with the walk out of Leon, I actually kind of enjoyed that move out of the heaving city centre to the countryside.