Burgos to Leon

[Yossi Fuchs]

In 2016 I walked with two friends from Pamplona to Santiago and then on to Muxia and Fistera. We skipped the Burgos - Leon part (took a bus) and now I am thinking of doing just this section.
Any thoughts about it, anybody?

 

[SabsP]

In 2016 I walked with two friends from Pamplona to Santiago and then on to Muxia and Fistera. We skipped the Burgos - Leon part (took a bus) and now I am thinking of doing just this section.
Any thoughts about it, anybody?

Yes. Do it!
Beautiful and meditative.

 

[jsalt]

Any thoughts about it, anybody?

You either love it or hate it, and you won't know which one is you until you do it yourself .
Jill

 

[Anniesantiago]

I love that section

 

[nycwalking]

Go for it.

 

[linkster]

I walked with my shadow across the meseta. We had a great conversation. I am glad I did not skip it. It might be hotter in July, so you may want to consider a trekking umbrella.

 

[donalomahony]

Magnificent. Start just before first light and enjoy! “The lark in the clear air” comes to mind!

 

[Tincatinker]

Ah, the Meseta. Pure Camino. Sometimes you can see your destination when you start your walking day. Sometimes you can't see your destination till you trip over the edge of the arroyo. Sometimes the wild flowers and the birds will make you think you are walking in paradise; and sometimes the dust, or the mud, or the horizontal rain, or the parching heat will make you think that perhaps you are not.

I've walked the Meseta more than I've walked the Rua do Vilar and I know which I would choose to walk again if it was my last walk into glory.

But then Tinkers were never suited to cities

 

[Former member 42123]

In 2016 I walked with two friends from Pamplona to Santiago and then on to Muxia and Fistera. We skipped the Burgos - Leon part (took a bus) and now I am thinking of doing just this section.
Any thoughts about it, anybody?

This is my favourite section of the camino,I will go back in Sept this year to do it again extending it to Ponferrada.Go for it.

 

[Anamiri]

I did this section in spring/summer. The poppies and wild flowers were just beautiful

 

[John Finn]

Burgos to Léon? Magical. For me, the best part of the Camino.

 

[KinkyOne]

Another Meseta aficionado here.
Go for it and take your time. Late afternoon light and colors are magical.

 

[kaixo]

Ah, another personal preference topic. Similar to the boots vs shoes, sleeping bag vs liner, debate.
And I'll add there's really no middle ground on capers either.

I walked the meseta in July...it was scorching hot. I am acclimated to a hot climate so it didn't bother me. But I met up with a girl from Ireland who suffered. She was overheated, nursing a sunburn, covered from head to toe to prevent further burn, and she found the experience horrible.

I would absolutely walk the meseta again. I loved the expanse, the vastness of it all, the quiet, the long days, the heat, the solitude. But I don't think "little miss Irish" feels the same.

 

[Yossi Fuchs]

Two years ago I skipped this section due to lack of time. I was told it is the least interesting part of the camino and that's why I chose to skip it. Now I am thinking of walking it in mid-May with my wife.
I would like to read what you people who have walked it think of my idea of walking just this part in order to complete what I did not walk in 2016, and also what you think of doing it in mid-May.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Joziane]

Personally I did not find anything "least interesting" as one does not know what lays ahead. It may be
around a corner, along a path....what is not for one, is for another...follow your heart...if it calls to be done, then
by all means do it! Who knows where an "aha moment" appears for you either outward or inwards....and may be a life changer....
It was all beautiful...in its own way. It is to each individual to be open for the unveiling.. hope it helps...

 

[Dorpie]

I walked this section in Mid May three years ago and despite developing horrific blisters and having my longest walking day on the camino due to there being no room at the inn I loved it. The way the wind blows through the wheat at that time of year along with the big sky is just mesmerising to me.

So while it might be the least interesting part in soem people's eyes it's still interesting, you just maybe need to look a little harder to find the beauty.

Perhaps yuo'd lose a little just doing Burgos to Leon in isolation rather than in the context of a full Camino but I'd still say you can get a lot out of it.

 

[Galaxy1]

I walked that section as part of my 500 mile journey to Santiago in October. It was mentally challenging but I walked and worked through a lot of 'stuff' which proved invaluable to me, and positively resounds with me today. When I walked it, everything had been harvested and the landscape was dusty and blindingly yellow/bright. In May, the fields will be green and interesting. The only words of advice I'd give is: start out early (to avoid the heat of the day) and finish early; wear your shades to stop the glare. I'm glad I did it but a decision only you and your instinct can make. Buen Camino!

 

[Stroller]

I walked it in September and it was wonderful. In May I imagine that there will be grain crops so even more so with the constant changes in colour from the wind blowing through it and the cloud shadows crossing it. Less obviously spectacular than mountains but very subtle. Good for meditation.

 

[Yossi Fuchs]

thank you all for your thoughts, now it's up to me to decide....

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

In 2016 I walked with two friends from Pamplona to Santiago and then on to Muxia and Fistera. We skipped the Burgos - Leon part (took a bus) and now I am thinking of doing just this section.
Any thoughts about it, anybody?

Hi , go for it . It’s a wonderfull part of the Camino
Wish you a great time and a Buen Camino , Peter .

 

[Joziane]

If you are asking......you are being called to do it!! Enjoy the moments....the aha`s.

 

[Yossi Fuchs]

I walked this section in Mid May three years ago and despite developing horrific blisters and having my longest walking day on the camino due to there being no room at the inn I loved it. The way the wind blows through the wheat at that time of year along with the big sky is just mesmerising to me.

So while it might be the least interesting part in soem people's eyes it's still interesting, you just maybe need to look a little harder to find the beauty.

Perhaps yuo'd lose a little just doing Burgos to Leon in isolation rather than in the context of a full Camino but I'd still say you can get a lot out of it.

Just to set the record straight; in 2016 I walked from Pamplona to Santiago (excluding burgos - leon) and then muxia and fisterra. in 2017 I walked sjpp to Pamplona. so the missing part is burgos - leon...

 

[Yossi Fuchs]

thank you all for your input

 

[momof34man]

I walked this section mid-May in 2016. It was probably one of my most favorite and memorable sections along the Camino. Not because of the stunning views, but because of the people who became my family during that time. I stayed at the most interesting albergues through that section too. I heard stories that this section was flat and boring. Not true....day #1 out of Burgos there were hills. I met a man named Joseph from Spain that talked to me about the history of the region as we were walking through it. Take some of the "alternate routes" that are in this section and you will find dirt roads, creeks and rivers. (Lots of mud if it rains!)

I hope you get a chance to walk this portion. If you want, I can let you know which albergues that were my most memorable.

 

[JohnMcM]

Two years ago I skipped this section due to lack of time. I was told it is the least interesting part of the camino and that's why I chose to skip it. Now I am thinking of walking it in mid-May with my wife.
I would like to read what you people who have walked it think of my idea of walking just this part in order to complete what I did not walk in 2016, and also what you think of doing it in mid-May.
Thanks in advance!

Mid-May is great time to walk this beautiful stretch.
Not too hot,
wild flowers painting a landscape straight out of your dreams,
pilgrims at pretty much the mid-point of their adventure who are filled with and sharing the Camino spirit through radiant smiles, deeds and thoughts unspoken,
locals who appreciate what you are doing where you are going where you have come from and why,
the rhythm you have found to your walking,
the peace you have accepted in your own company,
the silence you have found in the noise of your mind,
the acceptance of you as you by others,
the truth you have found in yourself about you.

 

[hotelmedicis]

This is one of my favorite parts.. I love the Meseta! I walked in mid May 2017 and had a wonderful time. Highly recommended! I loved Castrojeriz!

 

[Suzanne S.]

I loved my mid-May 2015 saunter across the Meseta. Great weather, lovely long views, and brilliant wildflowers.

 

[Anamiri]

I loved the Meseta, we walked it in early June. Poppies, wildflowers, beautiful rivers to cross, birdsong. Lovely

 

[naplesdon]

I walked it last march just for the hell of it. It is the most beautiful part of the CF. Except maybe for crossing the Pyrenees and walking into Galicia which turn out to be only momentary events compared to the days of enjoying the landscape of the Meseta.

 

[Phil Smith]

Walked from Viana last April. Did the Burgos to Castrojeriz section of the meseta and loved it. I'll let you know when I return from our next instalment - Castrojeriz to León - on 14 April how the rest of it goes - though that's probably a little late in the day! Buen Camino

 

[alexwalker]

I walked it last march just for the hell of it. It is the most beautiful part of the CF.

Couldn't agree more. I always look forward to that part. So much so, that I am now seriously considering doing it this April, instead of the Camino Mozarabe.

 

[John Sikora]

I'll add my vote on the plus side as well. Different from most parts of the Camino. It was hot, somewhat lonely, but very beautiful in it's own way. Glad I walked it and would (and will) do it again.

 

[Suzanne H]

Walked it last September, and would love to see it in the Spring. Can’t recommend it enough. LOVED the Meseta. Buen Camino~!

 

[josephmcclain]

I walked that section as part of my 500 mile journey to Santiago in October. It was mentally challenging but I walked and worked through a lot of 'stuff' which proved invaluable to me, and positively resounds with me today. When I walked it, everything had been harvested and the landscape was dusty and blindingly yellow/bright. In May, the fields will be green and interesting. The only words of advice I'd give is: start out early (to avoid the heat of the day) and finish early; wear your shades to stop the glare. I'm glad I did it but a decision only you and your instinct can make. Buen Camino!

I second your posting. Walked it the same time in 2017! Did I meet you? I wouldn´t miss it. And it was hard in every way, physically, mentally. Yes, start early when you will be freezing (in October at least) and get ready for brutal sun by just after noon. Ah, the meseta!

 

[Sailor]

Team Sailor [my wife and me] walked the CF in September-October 2017, and La Meseta "saved" our camino. Sigamos caminando, y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.

 

[Americanperegrino]

I'll be on that exact route/section mid April. When I walked the first time, I believe the Meseta is where I realized why I was actually walking the Camino, as opposed to why I thought I was walking, or at least what I told myself...and others. I began many days before sunrise and walked completely alone following the beam of my headlamp. Yes, even though the Camino is marked by more than 1000 years of feet beating a path, I still got lost in the dark. However, I was there at sunrise to watch a few villages wake. Which, if you have never done so, I highly recommend it. The Meseta can be magical, if you let it.

 

[Lua]

The Meseta is beautiful, to some people and not so, to others. Go with what feels right for you. I have walked the Meseta twice while on my way to Santiago and in April 2018, I am just walking the Meseta section, Burgos to Leon. Go for it, I would recommend it.

 

[jungleboy]

There are definitely wide-ranging opinions about the Meseta. My own is that the landscape did become monotonous and a bit boring after a while, but there are some fascinating places and churches along the way and so overall it was a memorable and worthwhile stretch.

A few of the places and things I enjoyed were: the ruins of the San Antón monastery (which someone posted a photo of above and which is also an albergue!), which was perhaps the most evocative place on the entire camino for me; the Puente Fitero San Nicolás, marking the historical boundary between Castille and León, and the Italian religious albergue (Ermita de San Nicolás) just before it; the Romanesque church of San Martín in Frómista which is just spectacular, probably my favourite church on the entire camino except perhaps for the cathedral at Burgos; starting to walk before dawn each day and seeing deep red sunrises every morning ("blood has been spilled this night" - Legolas); and the towns of Castrojeriz (especially), Sahagún and Mansilla de las Mulas.

 

[Irish Bernie]

Really enjoying this thread,I have decided to finally walk the Meseta on my 7th Camino,I always bused across this stretch but come mid May I will walk Burgos-Finnistaire

 

[KinkyOne]

Really enjoying this thread,I have decided to finally walk the Meseta on my 7th Camino,I always bused across this stretch but come mid May I will walk Burgos-Finnistaire

And beer on the Meseta is as good as anywhere on CF especially when cold

 

[Irish Bernie]

And beer on the Meseta is as good as anywhere on CF especially when cold

You know me too well

 

[Robo]

I walked that section in mid May 2015.
My daily blog might give you an idea. (text, pics, video)
Burgos starts here: http://robscamino.com/13th-of-may-a-day-off-in-burgos/

I'll be there again mid May this year
A great time of year.

All parts of the CF have their good points

I loved that section, with the 'crop waves' in the breeze.

 

[JudiAnne]

Thank you. You have all given me hope. I am starting 21 May.

 

[Irish Bernie]

I walked that section in mid May 2015.
My daily blog might give you an idea. (text, pics, video)
Burgos starts here: http://robscamino.com/13th-of-may-a-day-off-in-burgos/

I'll be there again mid May this year
A great time of year.

All parts of the CF have their good points

I loved that section, with the 'crop waves' in the breeze.

Many thanks for sharing.

 

[Irish Bernie]

Is there a list of Alberques on the meseta and does anyone have any faves I shouldnt miss ??

 

[Derrybiketours]

Is there a list of Alberques on the meseta and does anyone have any faves I shouldnt miss ??

Did you ever get a response to that list or having done it what would you recommend?

I'm planning walking 4th Camino in October and this time intend to discover the emotional stage and try to stay off the bus but remains to be seen if I have longing to reach Santiago after Leon

 

[Anamiri]

The best bit is still to come- from Astorga onwards

 

[henrythedog]

If you’ve got any serious thinking to do, this is the place to do it.

Loved it x 2

 

[trecile]

Did you ever get a response to that list or having done it what would you recommend?

I'm planning walking 4th Camino in October and this time intend to discover the emotional stage and try to stay off the bus but remains to be seen if I have longing to reach Santiago after Leon

Gronze.com usually has the most up to date list of albergues.

Camino Francés | Gronze.com

El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...

www.gronze.com

 

[Derrybiketours]

Gronze.com usually has the most up to date list of albergues.

Camino Francés | Gronze.com

El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...

www.gronze.com

I appreciate the signposting but I much prefer the spontaneity and embarrassment of riches one receives from others personal experiences. I am not an advocate of guide book's and it has served me well up until now but I'm grateful and familiar with most resources mentioned here

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

This is one of my favorite parts.. I love the Meseta! I walked in mid May 2017 and had a wonderful time. Highly recommended! I loved Castrojeriz! View attachment 39845

Nice Albergue to.

 

[Derrybiketours]

I appreciate the recommendation, is it the San Esteban de Castrojeriz municipal pilgrim hostel @Peter Fransiscus

 

[Derrybiketours]

I appreciate the recommendation, is it the San Esteban de Castrojeriz municipal pilgrim hostel @Peter Fransiscus

After further investigation looks like San Antón monastery, sounds lovely. Does anyone know if it is open mid October and is it possible to reserve?

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Two years ago I skipped this section due to lack of time. I was told it is the least interesting part of the camino and that's why I chose to skip it. Now I am thinking of walking it in mid-May with my wife.
I would like to read what you people who have walked it think of my idea of walking just this part in order to complete what I did not walk in 2016, and also what you think of doing it in mid-May.
Thanks in advance!

I absolutely loved the Meseta. May, bring a hiking umbrella.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

thank you all for your thoughts, now it's up to me to decide....

Yes! It’s your Camino.

 

[jungleboy]

There are definitely wide-ranging opinions about the Meseta. My own is that the landscape did become monotonous and a bit boring after a while, but there are some fascinating places and churches along the way and so overall it was a memorable and worthwhile stretch.

A few of the places and things I enjoyed were: the ruins of the San Antón monastery (which someone posted a photo of above and which is also an albergue!), which was perhaps the most evocative place on the entire camino for me; the Puente Fitero San Nicolás, marking the historical boundary between Castille and León, and the Italian religious albergue (Ermita de San Nicolás) just before it; the Romanesque church of San Martín in Frómista which is just spectacular, probably my favourite church on the entire camino except perhaps for the cathedral at Burgos; starting to walk before dawn each day and seeing deep red sunrises every morning ("blood has been spilled this night" - Legolas); and the towns of Castrojeriz (especially), Sahagún and Mansilla de las Mulas.

Since this old thread has just been bumped, I'll quote what I wrote here three years ago. To expand on these points, I subsequently published an article titled Six Reasons not to Skip the Meseta, which is still the most popular post on my website.

 

[cheekyaussie]

Really enjoying this thread,I have decided to finally walk the Meseta on my 7th Camino,I always bused across this stretch but come mid May I will walk Burgos-Finnistaire

did you walk it? Was it worth it? No one ever seems to have a negative thing to say ..... on anything .... lol