SPLIT: Scenic Route or Road Route

Camino Frances

To end of camino
298.4

La Virgen del Camino

⇣

SPLIT: Scenic Route or Road Route

⇣

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.

City Map

Comments

15. April 2024 - 22:05

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Ok, I’ll admit, I read the reviews and thought ‘that’s just tired pilgrims’ opinions, how bad can it be!’ It’s bad, take the scenic route.. imagine not taking the river route to Burgos and multiply it by 50. There is no reason at all I can think of for anyone taking the ‘traditional’ route. There is nothing on this route people, I mean nothing. I stayed in Avenida Three hostel, if you don’t believe me then read that review too!

16. March 2024 - 14:48

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Unless you need urgent access to a highway or you are fond of studying international industrial building architecture, take the Scenic Route.

The Road Route says what it means on the tin. It’s by the road the entire time. It’s loud, busy & not much fun.

I got hassled for cash coming out of “Virgin” while I was popping thru the underpass. It was a little lonely & not super fun.

3. September 2023 - 20:55

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Can anyone tell me if the scenic and road routes are marked as to which is which? On the map it looks like the road route is the north one but hard to tell. I’m heading out of Leon tomorrow morning early and like to be prepared. Gracias!

19. May 2023 - 11:50

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Although not next to a buddy road this route is rough on feet due to being mostly on paved road. 😔

6. April 2023 - 16:49

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

There was a map and then when paths separated signs in each direction

I took the scenic route and it was pleasant. Not sure why people complained? Not the petite walk off the Camino but perfectly fine.

27. March 2023 - 9:44

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Both routes lead to Santiago :)

28. October 2022 - 0:14

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I took the road route and it was very hard for your feet

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!