Day 21 Leon – Villadangos del Paramo – 22km
It is fairly easy to lose the Camino leaving Leon, most of the way marks on the ground so care has to be taken not to miss any. Fortunately the locals are great with pilgrims and will stop you and point you in the right direction if they see you walking in the wrong direction.
The way out of Leon is fairly uninspiring though rubbish dumps and industrial areas. The Camino once again hugs the N120 all day. If you are jumping parts of the Camino due to time constraints this is a day to miss.
After Virgen del Camino, (about 7km), the route is less industrial and more like the countryside once again. Virgen del Camino is a good place to stop for lunch with a few cafes, also it is worth stopping to visit the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Camino – about half way through the town on the right side.
After the Camino passes the A66 motorway between Virgen del Camino and Valverde de la Virgen the route becomes seclude again and you leave much of the traffic noise behind.
This day is easy walking with a long up hill at the start, however it is easy going all day – except on the eyes.
What to see:
- Puente de San Marcos – 16th Century bridge leading out of Leon
- Sanctuary of the Virgen del Camino
- Church of Santiago – Villadangos