Walking from Leon in September

[Josie]

G'day! I'm from Brisbane, Australia, and my husband & I are setting off from Leon on the 12th of September. We’ve got about 14 days to complete the hike, and I've read bits & pieces that if that is the case it might be worth avoiding the stretch from Leon to Astorga as it runs next to a highway, and commence in Astorga instead, what is the view here? I’m only concerned that the next leg of the journey looks to be uphill and the preparation of the flat might be a smart option, any suggestions?

 

[shell]

Hi Josie, my partner and I are walking from Leon to Santiago next spring, hopefully in 14 days. We would be interested to find out how you get go.

Buen Camino
Shell

 

[aussiejames]

Hi Josie,

As you said, the Camino between Leon ans Astorga flollows a highway much of te time and isn't overly exciting. But the section between Hospital de Orbigo and Atorga was very pretty and I enjoyed this section. As you also said this easier walking for the first day or two may be useful to get into the swing of things, but be sure to do plenty of long walks in Brissy before you go. Also make sure you allow some time in Leon, a fascinating city with plenty to see before you head off.

This year I am starting my Camino in Lourdes in France and expect to be passing through Leon only couple days after you. I will look out for you and your husband - there aren't too many Aussies walking, but usually pretty easy to spot!

Buen Camino, Josie

James

 

[Josie]

Thanks Aussie James

Thanks for your reply, I was hoping to see Hospital de Orbigo, might even catch a bus and commence there. I have a silly question for you though, I won't be able to stay in the pilgrim hostel or get a stamp on my passport in the town I start in because I'd be catching the bus there, right?

Well you never know I'll have to keep an ear out for the Aussie accent! Hope you enjoy your trip James.

 

[aussiejames]

Hola Josie,

From memory, you probably won't be able to stay in the pilgrim refugio in Hospital de Orbigo but there are other hostels to stay in , for a price of course. Just looking through my guide book, they name one as "Hostal Kanguro Australiano"! (not a very good recommendation though).
You should be able to get a sello (stamp) in your credential though.

Good luck,
James

 

[sillydoll]

Hospital de Orbigo

I don't see why you can't stay in a refuge on your first day? I did when we started at Roncesvalles and people do when they start in Pamplona or Sarria or any other starting place. You are a peregrino from the day you start.
You can get a sello in the place you start from. You can get sellos from refuges, cafe-bars, churches, tourim offices - just about anywhere - so do get one there.
The other places to stay are the Municipal campsite in the woods.
There is also a new albergue San Miguel just beyond the parish refuge.
Have a wonderful journey!

 

[William Marques]

I second or is that third the idea of starting in Hospital de Orbigo. It is an interesting place to see and the walk into Astorga is good and will set you up for the hills, though the day to Rabanal is a very easy gradient.

I agree with Sillydoll that in theory you should be able to start and get accommodation at the Refugo as well as the stamp, but it may be best not to as you could start off on the wrong foot with people that you may be walking with for the next two weeks.

Buen Camino
William

 

[Petteri Kauppinen]

Hi, Josie!

There are actually two alternative routes from Leon to Hospital de Obrigo. From Virgen del Camino some kilometres after Leon one can choose either to follow the route along the main highway via Villadangos del Paramo or a country road via Villar de Mazarife.

The Villar-option takes you to the left from the road and over the undulating hills and fields. There is a slightly run down refugio in Villar de Mazarife about half way to Hospital d O. This route is much more beautifull and peacefull.

My knowledge of the alternative route dates back a few years, so it would be nice, if someone with more recent experience could comment on this.

Buen Camiño!

 

[Ursus Arctos]

G'day! I'm from Brisbane, Australia, and my husband & I are setting off from Leon on the 12th of September. We’ve got about 14 days to complete the hike, and I've read bits & pieces that if that is the case it might be worth avoiding the stretch from Leon to Astorga as it runs next to a highway, and commence in Astorga instead, what is the view here? I’m only concerned that the next leg of the journey looks to be uphill and the preparation of the flat might be a smart option, any suggestions?

It would be an awfully tight schedule to complete the walk from Leon in 14 days; it can be done, you would have to be a very fast walker and it would leave you no time in Santiago.
By the by the walkers route from Virgen del Camino to hospital Orbigo and then on to Astorga is completely away from the highway.
The route from Astorga to Molinaseca has the highest point on the whole Camino Francis approx 1500 meters it is then another day to the climb to O'Cebeiro which in my opinion is the hardest climb on the Camino so I don't see where you are gaining any "flat".
You will also loose a day geting from Leon to Astorga so not much gain, you might consider Ponferrada as a starting point.

 

[Paulus]

Hi, Josie!

My knowledge of the alternative route dates back a few years, so it would be nice, if someone with more recent experience could comment on this.

Buen Camiño!

Petteri,

correct info about the route: I liked the Villar-option.
As I recall there's a good refugio when you enter Villar at the right but I slept (in 2005) in a private-refugio some hundred meters further and than you go to the left: don't know the name anymore. Upstairs there were 4 rooms with 4 beds with two bathrooms...yes with a bath! Downstairs there was a cafe where you could get a pelgrims-menu.

Paul