Burgos to Astorga

[LizzieW]

Hi again,

I am reworking our Camino for next June. Instead of starting in Sarria, I think my husband and I will start in Burgos and end in Astorga, then we will take a bus or train from Astorga to Santiago. I calculated the route is about 222km.
If we take the train/bus to Santiago, after arriving in Astorga, will we still qualify for the Compostela? We will have walked every stage from Burgos to Astorga. I can’t convince my husband to allow the full 21 days to walk Burgos to Santiago.
The Burgos route will allow for us to experience the Meseta and I feel that is an experience we don’t want to miss. Is it preferable to end in Astorga or is it more scenic to continue to O Cebreiro, and take the train to Santiago from there?

Thank you for advice…

 

[henrythedog]

Hi again,

I am reworking our Camino for next June. Instead of starting in Sarria, I think my husband and I will start in Burgos and end in Astorga, then we will take a bus or train from Astorga to Santiago. I calculated the route is about 222km.
If we take the train/bus to Santiago, after arriving in Astorga, will we still qualify for the Compostela? We will have walked every stage from Burgos to Astorga. I can’t convince my husband to allow the full 21 days to walk Burgos to Santiago.
The Burgos route will allow for us to experience the Meseta and I feel that is an experience we don’t want to miss.

Thank you for advice…

No.

The Compostela requires you to walk 100 contiguous kilometres to (not towards) Santiago.

I simply don’t understand why one should want, let alone expect, a certificate regarding a pilgrimage if you have not been to the site in question, other than as a souvenir - which is probably the motivation of the vast majority of claimants.

 

[J Willhaus]

That is a wonderful stretch to walk and June is a nice time on the meseta. You must walk the last 100 km (or bike the last 200 km) to be eligible for a compostela.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Sorry, you must walk the last 100km (and get at least two stamps a day in your credentials). We spent several days in Astorga due to an injury. It's a nice town and has a good number of sights to see.

 

[trecile]

As has been stated, the Compostela is for those who arrive on foot, bicycle, or horseback to Santiago. But, you will have your credentials full of stamps that you get along the way, which in my opinion is a much better reminder of my journey.

If getting a Compostela is important to you walk from Astorga to Santiago which I think is a nicer walk and takes you past Cruz de Ferro, through O Cebreiro, Villafranca de Bierzo, and other lovely towns and villages.

 

[J Willhaus]

Another idea is that you can keep your pilgrim credential and come back to finish another year from Astorga to Santiago! It does become habit-forming for many of us.

 

[LizzieW]

No.

The Compostela requires you to walk 100 contiguous kilometres to (not towards) Santiago.

I simply don’t understand why one should want, let alone expect, a certificate regarding a pilgrimage if you have not been to the site in question, other than as a souvenir - which is probably the motivation of the vast majority of claimants.

Thank you for your reply. We will stick with our original pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago. Maybe next time we can walk the entire Camino.

 

[J Willhaus]

Thank you for your reply. We will stick with our original pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago. Maybe next time we can walk the entire Camino.

It is an entire Camino and you will have a wondrous journey!

Edited: June is a good time to start in Sarria. Fewer school groups at that time so a little less crowded.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Sorry, you must walk the last 100km (and get at least two stamps a day in your credentials).

Sorry again. You only need two a day for the last 100km which for you would be from Sarria onwards (200 km if biking).

 

[trecile]

Thank you for your reply. We will stick with our original pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago. Maybe next time we can walk the entire Camino.

Burgos to Astorga is more than twice the distance as Sarria to Santiago. Perhaps start a little further back from Santiago.

 

[Juspassinthru]

Burgos to Astorga is more than twice the distance as Sarria to Santiago. Perhaps start a little further back from Santiago.

My thoughts exactly! Why not Astorga to Santiago? I don’t know exactly how much time you have. Whatever you do, enjoy every moment and step.

 

[LizzieW]

Ok. We have decided to travel to Burgos, and then Burgos to Hornillos. Will that stretch give us a feel of the wide open plains of the Meseta? We will not start our “official” Camino until Sarria. Burgos to Hornillos is to hopefully experience a bit of the Meseta, then we will take a long train ride to Sarria.
I understand we have to have a continuous walk of at least 100km, which is why we will start our official journey in Sarria. Pilgrims who have travelled the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is it a pretty walk? Thank you.

 

[trecile]

Burgos to Hornillos is one day of walking, so you still probably have enough time to start farther from Santiago than Sarria.

 

[LizzieW]

No.

The Compostela requires you to walk 100 contiguous kilometres to (not towards) Santiago.

I simply don’t understand why one should want, let alone expect, a certificate regarding a pilgrimage if you have not been to the site in question, other than as a souvenir - which is probably the motivation of the vast majority of claimants.

The more I read your reply, I find you don’t understand what we are doing. We want to experience the Meseta. Once we reach Sarria, we will continue on to Santiago. That is a continuous journey. If we only get stamps in our Credential from Sarria, that will suffice the requirement for the Compostela. It is more than a souvenir to us. It is an incredible reminder of an incredible journey.

 

[bestfootforward]

Pilgrims who have travelled the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is it a pretty walk? Thank you.

Beauty is highly subjective, but I think that stretch is absolutely beautiful. At the risk of waxing lyrical, every part part of the CF was my favourite.....but the Meseta is my most favourite

 

[henrythedog]

The more I read your reply, I find you don’t understand what we are doing. We want to experience the Meseta. Once we reach Sarria, we will continue on to Santiago. That is a continuous journey. If we only get stamps in our Credential from Sarria, that will suffice the requirement for the Compostela. It is more than a souvenir to us. It is an incredible reminder of an incredible journey.

I think I understood your initially described plan - which was in itself excellent - I’ve returned to the Frances numerous times just to walk the stretch from Burgos to Leon as it is by far my favourite part of that route and benefits from easy transport links to Madrid.

Your revised plan is also good and qualifies for a compostela.

Were a Compostela not a consideration I’d go with plan A and visit Santiago if time permitted, which is worthwhile in itself.

Buen Camino.

 

[lt56ny]

The more I read your reply, I find you don’t understand what we are doing. We want to experience the Meseta. Once we reach Sarria, we will continue on to Santiago. That is a continuous journey. If we only get stamps in our Credential from Sarria, that will suffice the requirement for the Compostela. It is more than a souvenir to us. It is an incredible reminder of an incredible journey.

I do not mean to sound negative but of course this is going to sound negative. You should put out of your mind when you are preparing (I know this is a natural thing to do) that you are embarking on an incredible journey. Leave all your expectations at home. The camino teaches simplicity and having the knowledge that all you have is the step you are taking, no future, no past. It is the rhythm of your body, the sounds of nature and the earth under your feet. Your camino may be wonderful, it may be horrible with blisters and pain, it may be so hot or so rainy. It also may not be any of these things. It may just fall somewhere in a space you did not even know you have. The camino does give you what you need, not what you want. You may want an incredible journey, you may only need simplicity and peace. Leave the expectations of incredible journeys and reminders at home. Just walk.

 

[Gthiker]

If you want to walk on the Meseta, depending on how much time you have, you might want to plan your starting and stopping points based on which towns have bus or train stations. You could start in Burgos or end in Leon . Between those two ( and I'm not sure how current my info is) there are bus stations in Castrojeriz, , Fromista, Villacazar, Carrion des los Condes, Sahagun, Bercianos, Mansilla, and El Burgo Ranero, and train stations in Fromista, Sahagun, El Burgo Ranero. So you might want to figure how many days you want to set aside for the Meseta and walk fom Burgos to a place with easy transportation access to speed you on your way to Sarria or start in a place is accessible by public transportation and walk to Leon, before heading to Sarria. Or combine walking and public transport so you can enjoy walking the Meseta and visit both Burgos and Leon.
Just a thought.

 

[MassNative]

Looks like Burgos to Astorga is about 10 days of walking.

If receiving the compestela is important to you, why not start about 10 days out of Santiago instead? Ponderrada is about 9-11 days out, depending on daily walking distances.

 

[Virginia G.]

Ok. We have decided to travel to Burgos, and then Burgos to Hornillos. Will that stretch give us a feel of the wide open plains of the Meseta? We will not start our “official” Camino until Sarria. Burgos to Hornillos is to hopefully experience a bit of the Meseta, then we will take a long train ride to Sarria.
I understand we have to have a continuous walk of at least 100km, which is why we will start our official journey in Sarria. Pilgrims who have travelled the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is it a pretty walk? Thank you.

I can relate, because I had some of these same questions on my first Camino. But last Spring, on my second Camino, I found that you don't really get into the big spaciousness of the Meseta until after Castrojeriz. Though there are some tastes of that between Hornillos and Hontanas. There is no train service from that stretch, so you would need to take a bus back to Burgos and then take the train to Sarria from there. You will still be going through beautiful countryside, no matter what you decide to do! Buen camino!

 

[Anamiri]

Ok. We have decided to travel to Burgos, and then Burgos to Hornillos. Will that stretch give us a feel of the wide open plains of the Meseta? We will not start our “official” Camino until Sarria. Burgos to Hornillos is to hopefully experience a bit of the Meseta, then we will take a long train ride to Sarria.
I understand we have to have a continuous walk of at least 100km, which is why we will start our official journey in Sarria. Pilgrims who have travelled the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is it a pretty walk? Thank you.

My opinion only, but I dont get a sense of the Meseta until after the hill leaving Castrojeriz.
I think the walk from Burgos to Hornillos is pleasant but not remarkable.

 

[Gthiker]

I agree with Virginia G. But another option would be, bus from Burgos to Castrojeriz, then a few days walk to Sahagun, then train to Leon. Enjoy Leon, then train to Sarria. Both Burgos and Leon are too good to miss. The climb out of Castrojeriz ends at a spectacular overlook and the walk from there to Sahagun is protypical Meseta.
Whatever you choose, Buen Camino.

 

[Virginia G.]

Ok. We have decided to travel to Burgos, and then Burgos to Hornillos. Will that stretch give us a feel of the wide open plains of the Meseta? We will not start our “official” Camino until Sarria. Burgos to Hornillos is to hopefully experience a bit of the Meseta, then we will take a long train ride to Sarria.
I understand we have to have a continuous walk of at least 100km, which is why we will start our official journey in Sarria. Pilgrims who have travelled the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is it a pretty walk? Thank you.

I agree with Virginia G. But another option would be, bus from Burgos to Castrojeriz, then a few days walk to Sahagun, then train to Leon. Enjoy Leon, then train to Sarria. Both Burgos and Leon are too good to miss. The climb out of Castrojeriz ends at a spectacular overlook and the walk from there to Sahagun is protypical Meseta.
Whatever you choose, Buen Camino.

This is a great option! You will be immersed in the Meseta for a few days and still get to experience Burgos, León, and gorgeous Galicia all the way to Santiago. I think it's quite doable in 15 days.

 

[Tincatinker]

I know I’m odd but I cannot get my head around going for a walk by bus or by train. If I’m going for a walk I like to walk; from starting point to destination. If I have limited time I like to start from a point within reasonable walking distance of my destination. I can calculate Santiago minus X days with ease. Lucky bugger ain’t I.

The Compostela is available to anyone that walks 100km, on a recognized route, into Santiago. Every moment of the thousand roads to Santiago is available to anyone who chooses to seize an opportunity.

 

[Blue Tang]

Ok. We have decided to travel to Burgos, and then Burgos to Hornillos. Will that stretch give us a feel of the wide open plains of the Meseta? We will not start our “official” Camino until Sarria. Burgos to Hornillos is to hopefully experience a bit of the Meseta, then we will take a long train ride to Sarria.
I understand we have to have a continuous walk of at least 100km, which is why we will start our official journey in Sarria. Pilgrims who have travelled the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is it a pretty walk? Thank you.

Judging from your original post and replies, earning the compostela is an important goal, but experiencing the meseta is also uppermost. I walked from Burgos to Santiago in June, 2024. If I had about 2 weeks to do it again, with those goals in mind, I would walk from Burgos to Sahagun, and then take the train to Leon–about a 45 minute ride. From there, I’d go to Sarria and walk the final stage into Santiago. I was 73 when I walked in June, and I preferred to keep my daily distances from about 12 to 16 miles. I made it to Sahagun in 6 days as follows:

Burgos to Rabe de las Calzadas– 8.2 miles
Rabe de las Calzadas to Castrojeriz–16.5 miles
Castrojeriz to Fromista–16.1 miles
Fromista to Carrion de los Condes–12.6 miles
Carrion de los Condes to Ledigos–14.8 miles
Ledigos to Sahagun–9.7 miles

The day before arriving in Sarria, I stayed in Samos at A Casa da Botica. The next day, I walked 11.5 miles, passing through Sarria and staying in Barbadelo at Casa Barbadelo. (Very nice albergue.)

From Barbadelo, I walked to Portomarin–11.6 miles
Portomarin to Palas de Rei–15.3 miles
Palas de Rei to Ribadiso–15.9 miles
Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo–14.1 miles
O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela–12.2 miles

I loved the walk from Burgos to Sahagun in June at the height of the poppy blooms,and I highly recommend it for experiencing the meseta. I enjoyed that section much more than the post-Sarria section. You asked if the stretch between Burgos and Hornillos is a pretty walk. I thought so. I also think the walk from Burgos to Hornillos del Camino will give you "a feel of the wide open plains of the Meseta," although that's a very short introduction. Walking at least as far as Sahagun would be much nicer!

Here is a picture of the area near Rabe de las Calzadas.

 

[Freesoul]

Hi again,

I am reworking our Camino for next June. Instead of starting in Sarria, I think my husband and I will start in Burgos and end in Astorga, then we will take a bus or train from Astorga to Santiago. I calculated the route is about 222km.
If we take the train/bus to Santiago, after arriving in Astorga, will we still qualify for the Compostela? We will have walked every stage from Burgos to Astorga. I can’t convince my husband to allow the full 21 days to walk Burgos to Santiago.
The Burgos route will allow for us to experience the Meseta and I feel that is an experience we don’t want to miss. Is it preferable to end in Astorga or is it more scenic to continue to O Cebreiro, and take the train to Santiago from there?

Thank you for advice…

Hi Lizzie,

I did the Camino de Santiago passing through the places you mentioned, I did approximately 300 km. I saw some beautiful places, and it was an experience that I will always remember.
As I did the Camino from Sarria to Santiago last year and I liked it so much, this year I did it from Burgos to Sarria.
I started in Burgos and went through Hornillos del Camino, Frómista, Sahagún, León, Mazarife, Astorga, Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Triacastela and finished in Sarria.
In my case, the first time I did it on my own, but this year the agency Orbis Ways organized the trip, as I preferred to do it more comfortably without luggage and to rest in a room just for us.
I recommend you to live this experience, it is something you have to do once in your life.

I hope you find my experience useful.

Greetings!

 

[LizzieW]

Hi Lizzie,

I did the Camino de Santiago passing through the places you mentioned, I did approximately 300 km. I saw some beautiful places, and it was an experience that I will always remember.
As I did the Camino from Sarria to Santiago last year and I liked it so much, this year I did it from Burgos to Sarria.
I started in Burgos and went through Hornillos del Camino, Frómista, Sahagún, León, Mazarife, Astorga, Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Triacastela and finished in Sarria.
In my case, the first time I did it on my own, but this year the agency Orbis Ways organized the trip, as I preferred to do it more comfortably without luggage and to rest in a room just for us.
I recommend you to live this experience, it is something you have to do once in your life.

I hope you find my experience useful.

Greetings!

Thank you for your kind reply. How long did it take you to walk from Burgos to Sarria? If my hubby doesn’t want to do that entire journey this time, I know we will do it another time. I feel it is calling to me.

 

[lt56ny]

My opinion only, but I dont get a sense of the Meseta until after the hill leaving Castrojeriz.
I think the walk from Burgos to Hornillos is pleasant but not remarkable.

I can't agree more. Walking up that hill first thing in the morning is not on my list of favorite things to do. But when I get to the top I always take off my pack and sit on the bench, have.a snack and some water and rest for a few minutes. Then I put my pack back on and approach one of the most breathtaking views anywhere. I love to leave before dawn. The sunrise going up the hill is pretty spectacular also.

 

[TrvlDad1]

I’ve walked five Camino sections (CF & CP) of 2-3 weeks (work & family limits). My favorite by far was Burgos-Rananal. I went in March and the Meseta was cold, windy, uncrowded (one day the only other thing I saw was the Guarda in a car driving down the Camino) and delightful. Most nights, I was the only pilgrim in the albergue and several nights I had to scrounge up a room through a bar because nothing was officially open. But the Camino provided, scenery, solitude, spiritual uplift (the reason I go), and accommodations. Try something different.

 

[Duntrune]

No.

The Compostela requires you to walk 100 contiguous kilometres to (not towards) Santiago.

I simply don’t understand why one should want, let alone expect, a certificate regarding a pilgrimage if you have not been to the site in question, other than as a souvenir - which is probably the motivation of the vast majority of claimants.

Chill my friend, she was just asking a question.

 

[LizzieW]

Chill my friend, she was just asking a question.

Thank you. I appreciate your response. We have decied to walk from Burgos to Fromista or Castrojeriz, or some other point. Just to get the feel of the Meseta. We will not be collecting stamps in the credential until we arrive in Sarria. The previous walk will be for enjoyment, enlightenment, and serenity.

 

[sillydoll]

You won't qualify for a Compostela if you don't walk to the cathedral. As the Cathedral website says, it's not about the walking, it's about arriving at the Cathedral and reveering the relics of the Saint is the goal.

 

[J Willhaus]

Thank you. I appreciate your response. We have decied to walk from Burgos to Fromista or Castrojeriz, or some other point. Just to get the feel of the Meseta. We will not be collecting stamps in the credential until we arrive in Sarria. The previous walk will be for enjoyment, enlightenment, and serenity.

Sounds like you've made a great choice for the two of you!

 

[LizzieW]

You won't qualify for a Compostela if you don't walk to the cathedral. As the Cathedral website says, it's not about the walking, it's about arriving at the Cathedral and reveering the relics of the Saint is the goal.

Yes, I know. That is why we are walking continuously from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. The credentials won’t be started until Sarria. The walk from Burgos to Fromista is for our enjoyment. We are not using our credentials while we walk that journey. Only from Sarria to Santiago, which will qualify for the Compostela.

 

[trecile]

Yes, I know. That is why we are walking continuously from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. The credentials won’t be started until Sarria. The walk from Burgos to Fromista is for our enjoyment. We are not using our credentials while we walk that journey. Only from Sarria to Santiago, which will qualify for the Compostela.

There is no reason not to use your credentials for the first part of your journey.

 

[henrythedog]

Chill my friend, she was just asking a question.

Have we met?

 

[SabsP]

Yes, I know. That is why we are walking continuously from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. The credentials won’t be started until Sarria. The walk from Burgos to Fromista is for our enjoyment. We are not using our credentials while we walk that journey. Only from Sarria to Santiago, which will qualify for the Compostela.

But why? The sellos in your credencial are such wonderful mementos of your Camino.
And yes, I walk all my Caminos for enjoyment , amongst other emotions.
I hope you will also " enjoy 'our Camino after Sarria?

 

[Ballari]

I totally agree!
Collecting stamps is a lovely souvenir of your time walking. Looking back over the stamps brings back so many happy memories.
Maybe something to consider as there will be empty pages in your credential if you choose only to collect stamps from Saria onwards.
Buen Camino!

 

[alexwalker]

Thank you. I appreciate your response. We have decied to walk from Burgos to Fromista or Castrojeriz, or some other point. Just to get the feel of the Meseta. We will not be collecting stamps in the credential until we arrive in Sarria. The previous walk will be for enjoyment, enlightenment, and serenity.

IMHO, the Meseta starts for real after Castrojeriz, when you stand on top of the hill after Castrojeriz (Alto del Mostelares) and can see the vast (promised) land unfolding in front of you. That is where the real Meseta starts, IMHO.