LIVE from the Camino Walk into Leon

[caminorobin]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi @caminorobin, welcome to the forum. Not sure which edition of St John’s book you have. Mine makes no reference to safety, just the tedium of a long stretch of commercial premises and offices. No hazards. A lot of people find the big city feel a bit of a shock after the Meseta. Just be aware of traffic!! You’ll be in a busy place full of busy people so stay alert, pay attention at road crossings, don’t rush. You’ll get to the cathedral and the pilgrim heart of the city soon enough.
Buen Camino

 

[Former member 42123]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

I have walked 6times into Leon,even when blue bridge over motorway was closed and never had an unsafe journey.Hope you have a good trip.Buen Camino

 

[Walkerooni]

When I walked in 2018 the trail was a bit chewed-up on the descent into the city, but nothing of concern. If someone has a problem with that, then they are really going to hate the descent into El Acebo and Molinaseca!

 

[mspath]

Here is a post about the
bridges as you enter the city on the camino from the east.

 

[jsalt]

It is perfectly safe. Don’t skip it. It is just as much a part of your pilgrimage as any other part. Stay focused on the way markers, embrace it all, and stop at a few of the cafes as you enter the city, taking your time. It is all part of the experience.

 

[domigee]

I have walked 6times into Leon,even when blue bridge over motorway was closed…

oh yes, that was a pain!

 

[nathanael]

It is perfectly safe. Don’t skip it. It is just as much a part of your pilgrimage as any other part. Stay focused on the way markers, embrace it all, and stop at a few of the cafes as you enter the city, taking your time. It is all part of the experience.

I agree it is safe and many places to stay at and great place to eat.

 

[TAASHLEY]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

I just got back from doing the Camino Frances and did the whole thing. Yes, you have to be very careful when walking on the stones and rocks, especially when they are wet, and always be alert to where you step and make sure you are balanced. Some parts were harder than others, but you don't want to skip it. Don't even skip the Meseta, as some people do. It has it's own beauty. I felt very safe the whole way, plus there's other Pilgrims you'll see.

 

[Kathar1na]

Yes, you have to be very careful when walking on the stones and rocks, especially when they are wet, and always be alert to where you step and make sure you are balanced

Agreed and welcome to the forum, @TAASHLEY but you are not talking about the walk into Leon here, are you?

Do you remember anything particular about this part of the Camino trail just before Leon?

It would be particularly interesting to hear from recent pilgrims like you. Because this section has changed significantly over recent years. When I walked several years ago into Leon, I followed the official detour trail because of major roadworks on the actual trail; the large blue metal pedestrian bridge was closed at the time. These works were finished last year or the year before (2020 or 2019) and I would suspect that this part is now particularly safe to walk for pilgrims.

I am assuming that any concerns about "safety" refer to road safety / safety of pedestrians in relation to car traffic.

 

[Kathar1na]

Just to illustrate it, here are photos of the two pedestrian bridges just before Leon that form part of The Camino Frances trail.

You walk from right to left over these two bridges. I assume that crossing such wide dual carriageways was dangerous in the past but with all the improvements of path and road design this is no longer the case.

The descent into Leon mentioned in an earlier post in this thread - it was in fact iffy when it was raining or had rained; I remember it vividly - was part of the detour trail. It is of no importance anymore as it is no longer part of the Camino trail.

 

[Gearóid]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

It’s perfectly safe ….. I walked here this morning …… under the bluest of skies. Buen Camino!

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Cindi and I hiked into Leon this morning. Various parts including the pedestrian bridge, commercial areas, hiking through university areas then finally the old town. This is our 4th CF so know our way but found it easy to follow the flechas and would never skip this segment. Bob

 

[Barbara Whelan]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

We did it yesterday and it’s absolutely fine. I was dreading the long walk on hard pavements but it’s much easier than the walks into Logroño or Burgos. Hope that helps.

 

[Hilarious]

Completed the Frances in late October 2019. No problems walking into Leon. Just take care coming out of Leon if it is raining. I slipped on wet tiles and broke my wrist (as I could wiggle my fingers didn’t realise it was broken until two days later when I saw a GP in Astorga). Picture of me early the following morning getting ready to hop in a taxi to Ponferrada hospital.

Of course I wasn’t using my poles at the time as I was in a city.

We ended up getting a couple of taxis prior to Sarria as two sections were not doable for me with a sling and cast on in the pouring rain with backpack and one pole. Didn’t want to risk a broken leg or hip as well

Cindi and I hiked into Leon this morning. Various parts including the pedestrian bridge, commercial areas, hiking through university areas then finally the old town. This is our 4th CF so know our way but found it easy to follow the flechas and would never skip this segment. Bob

 

[c0484]

Hi, we're currently walking the Camino Frances and a bit concerned by our copy of John Brierley's guide advising pilgrims to skip the walk into Leon as it's unsafe. Really don't want to skip any part of the Camino, but can anyone advise if it's safe to do this section on foot? Thanks in advance for your help.

I walk into Leon every time I walk the Camino. I have never had a problem. If you have walked the Camino before, then with a little map study you will find a way that cuts 2/3 of the in-town walk.

 

[caminorobin]

Thanks for all the encouraging replies, what a lovely community this is. Walked into Leon today and didn't find it dangerous at all. A nice day's walking and far less tiresome than the official route into Burgos. Possibly the situation was different in 2018 when our guidebook edition came out. Must get an up to date one!

 

[John A Richard]

Good Luck the rest of the way. Buen Camino.