Day 17 Carrion de los Condes – Sahagun -35.5km
This is another long day, however it is easy going and almost all flat. The few ups and downs of the Camino today are not steep or hard going. The first part of the route is somewhat incongruous as it feels very remote but the main motorway runs close by on the right hand side – though it is generally far enough away to remove the traffic noise.
Before leaving Carrion de los Condes make sure you have plenty of water, some food, and money – you might not find a bank machine until Sahagun. There is a small village, Villotilla, after about 4km but the Camino does not go into the village, it is 17km before you are guaranteed water and food at Calzadilla de la Cueza. There was a water fountain build halfway along the route during 2005 – it is easy to miss though.
The 12/13km stretch between Villotilla and Calzadilla is along an old Roman Road. I was stunned the first time I was walking this as I had just finished my first year at University and part of my study was Greek and Roman history – I was walking where Julius Caesar had once walked – amazing.
The first building you come to in Calzadilla is the Albergue, they have some drinks for sale and a swimming pool! There are various small places to buy lunch.
After Calzadilla the Camino follows the N129 again. Every 4 – 5kms there is a small village. We finish this day in the province of Leon.
What to see:
- The Roman Road
- Hermitage de Nuestra Senora del Puente – Just before Sahagun and the right of the way
- Convent La Peregrina – Sahagun
- Arco de San Benito – Sahagun
- Church of San Lorenzo – Sahagun