The Camino Francés El Camino desde Burgos

Take some time to explore Burgos: admire the beauty of its historic centre, enjoy a stroll along the magnificent promenade by the river and taste delicious local tapas in the old town. Burgos has been referred to as the Gothic capital of Spain and the citys cathedral is probably one of the most impressive in the country. After your night in Burgos, your Camino will continue along earthen tracks, among the immense crop fields of the region. On your way to Hornillos del Camino, you will cross small woods of holm oak and conifers but in general there is little shade along this stretch of the Camino de Santiago so make sure you take enough water with you, as well as hat and sun cream. Hornillos del Camino, with only 70 inhabitants, is a classic Camino village of medieval origin.

After your night in Hornillos del Camino, you will continue walking in the peaceful vastness of the Meseta, with only nature and huge crop fields around you. After leaving Hornillos, the Camino de Santiago gradually climbs up a plateau before descending to the valley of the River Bol and the pretty town of Castrojeriz. In Castrojeriz, you can visit the 9th century hilltop castle, recently reopened to visitors. Castrojeriz celebrates its Garlic Festival in July.

After your night in Castrojeriz, your Camino will leave the final plains of the Burgos region and reach the highest point of the Meseta: Alto Mosterales. After crossing the Pisuerga River you will enter the Palencia province and the vast plains of ‘Tierra de Campos’, the Land of Fields, and you will soon understand why. Stop to visit the 14th century church ‘La Asunción’ in Boadilla, famous for its Gothic architecture and the gorgeous carved baptismal font. Approaching Frómista you will walk along a stretch of the Canal de Castilla, a 18th century canal.

Visit the beautiful 11th century Church of St Martin in Frómista. After your night in the town, your Camino trail takes you along a track parallel to the road, but you can take an alternative more scenic route at Población de Campos, via Villovieco, along the peaceful banks of the Ucieza River. You will rejoin the Camino at Villalcázar de Sirga and finish your day’s walk at Carrión de los Condes.

After your night in Carrion de los Condes.  Visit the impressive San Zoilo Monastery.  For 13km, your Camino will follow natural tracks along the old Roman road called ‘Via Aquitania’ and also along a stretch of the original paved road. The ‘Via Aquitania’ used to link Bordeaux and Astorga and was frequently used by French pilgrims on their way to Santiago.

After your night in Calzadilla de la Cueza, your Camino today is full of ‘cuezas’ or little valleys, so some of the walking may be slightly tougher than the previous days.  The Camino route moves away from the road and continues along nice peaceful oak woods before emerging to cereal fields. You will cross the river Valderaduey into the León province and head to Sahagún where the church of San Lorenzo is well worth a visit.

After your night in Sahagun, your Camino leaves the vast ‘Tierra de Campos’ behind and continues across cereal and grain crops, taking pilgrims to the plateau of León.

Today, you will pass the pretty village of Reliegos on your way to El Burgo Ranero. Also on this section of the Camino, you will have the opportunity to take the ‘Vía Traiana’ which is another trail to Santiago, starting in Bordeaux.

After your night in El Burgo Ranero, an easy walk awaits you today.  Your path continues through the village of Reliegos before descending slowly into the town of Mansilla de las Mulas.

After your night in the town of Mansilla de las Mulas, you will walk passed crop fields before spotting the first signs of industrial activity further on, as you approach the city of León.  From Portillo Hill onwards you will be able to spot the beautiful city of León ahead.