SPLIT: Scenic Route or Road Route

Camino Frances

To end of camino
298.4

La Virgen del Camino

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SPLIT: Scenic Route or Road Route

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3.80

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Valverde de la Virgen

When you get to the Basilica de la Virgen del Camino you will cross the busy road and continue on a small access road. In 300m you are presented with the choice between two routes. The painting of yellow arrows here is confusing, and there is zero official signage to indicate your options. Distances are indicated from La Virgen del Camino to Puente de Órbigo where they converge.

‌The SCENIC ROUTE - 27 KM

This variation is called the Scenic Route, and it adds < 3km to your journey. It is considerably more pleasant and there are now plenty of services and albergues along the way. To follow this route turn left onto a dirt track.

‌The ROAD ROUTE - 24.6 KM

The official camino route is often called the Road Route due to its proximity to the road. It is the shorter of the two and offers little to no peace from the traffic. To take this route continue straight.

Comments

3. October 2022 - 17:14

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Took the road route 3 October 2022. I started at about 7:30 AM. Most of it is a separate trail parallel to the busy highway. The traffic noise didn't pose a problem as I was listening to podcasts via an earbud. I had no issues finding breakfast or lunch. A good portion of the trail, maybe 20% was surprisingly easier on my feet, better than the gravel roads that constitute most of the Camino.

2. October 2022 - 18:46

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I walked the alternate route today. Generally glad that I did. So few walk it as they appear to be influenced by the above comments. Only thing I did not like was the stretch between Villar de Mazarife and Villavante. Sunday made it more difficywith no stores open. Certainly was peaceful.

22. September 2022 - 15:43

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The scenic route is along dirt roads or alongside paved country roads and there are multiple towns where you can get food on the route. Cars do go by fast but there aren’t very common, I would recommend this route over walking beside a highway, it was quite peaceful!

15. August 2022 - 12:41

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I made the mistake of taking this route. Despite the other comments, nothing could be worse than the road route. Walking alongside busy highway, walking through rubbish, toilet paper and dead animals for 20+ km. Mostly industrial area and when you hit a town they look like ghost towns. Scenic route would definitely be better than this.

6. June 2022 - 17:35

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Aside from two 2-3 kilometer stretches, this route is a long, shadeless walk on a paved road in flat farmland. There is not even a shoulder to walk on for many kilometers. Even on a comfortable early June day, our feet were miserable from the long sidewalk walking out of Leon and this long slog on a boring asphalt road. Some comments praising this route appear to be from cooler months.

15. July 2021 - 16:31

Camino de Sant…

You should warn people that there is no shade for three hours, and only two opportunities to even get drinks. This is honestly a horrible recommendation.

15. August 2021 - 21:15

Camino de Sant…

Yes, you won’t walk by the busy road but the scenic route is terrible! It is a long straight road in full sun, no shadow. Also most of albergues and shops are CLOSED because there are less people this year so you might not find a place to eat or sleep for 20km because most of people choose the main route. Very few water sources as well. This is a horrible idea to choose this route.

21. September 2021 - 15:00

Camino de Sant…

We just took the scenic route despite being scared by the above comments. We found multiple bars in every village along this well marked way. Potable water abounds. It was a lovely walk to Villar de Mazarife with half being on very sparsely trafficked rural roads. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this way.

3. August 2021 - 11:24

Camino de Sant…

Very dangerous road walking. Narrow roads and people driving way too fast!

14. April 2022 - 13:07

Camino de Sant…

I took the scenic route in April, during
semana Santa. It is a beautiful route, and very quite. Although it is still earlyin the season several
bars were open and there is also a vending machine next to an albergue. Highly recommended.