Leon → Villadangos del Páramo
20 km | 5-6 hours | +226m / -169m
About This Stage
A straightforward stage leaving Leon and crossing the flat Paramo (high plateau) west of the city. The route navigates Leon's suburbs before entering open agricultural terrain that stretches to the horizon.
Two route options exist: the main road route through Valverde de la Virgen and a quieter variant via Villar de Mazarife. The main route is shorter but walks alongside the busy N-120 road for stretches. The Mazarife variant is more peaceful and recommended.
Villadangos del Paramo is a small Meseta town with basic services. The town sits on the flat plateau and offers adequate accommodation and a few restaurants. It serves primarily as a staging point for the walk to Astorga.
Terrain: Urban exit, suburban roads, flat Meseta paths, exposed agricultural terrain
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Elevation Profile
Things Along the Way
Leon is a Roman-founded city in northwest Spain and the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Leon. Famous for its French Gothic cathedral, the Romanesque Pantheon of Kings at San Isidoro, and the parador hotel at San Marcos. Has full city services.
Trobajo del Camino is a western suburb of Leon, on the outskirts of the city. Mainly residential and industrial today. Has bars, cafes, supermarkets, small shops. The Camino runs along the main road through the suburb on the way out of Leon.
La Virgen del Camino is a Leon town built around its 1961 Marian sanctuary, with bronze apostle sculptures by Subirachs (later of the Sagrada Familia Passion facade). The Camino splits here into two variants. Has albergues, bars, restaurants, supermarkets
Valverde de la Virgen is a small Leon village on the northern Camino variant, near La Virgen del Camino. Has a bar-restaurant. No albergue, shop, pharmacy, or ATM in the village itself. Most pilgrims walk straight through.
San Miguel del Camino is a small Leon village on the northern Camino variant, on the open paramo west of Leon. Has a bar-restaurant. No albergue, shop, pharmacy, or ATM. Most pilgrims walk through.
Villadangos del Paramo is a small town in Leon on the northern Camino variant, site of the 1111 Battle of Villadangos between Queen Urraca of Leon and her estranged husband Alfonso I of Aragon. Has albergues, bars, restaurants, a small shop, and bus stop.
Tips for This Stage
Accommodation between Leon and Villadangos del Páramo
23 places to stay between Leon and Villadangos del Páramo
Stay in Leon
Stage StartAccommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
No accommodation options available
Stay in Villadangos del Páramo
Stage EndAccommodation at the end of this stage
No accommodation options available
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