One of the long days, walking almost 2 stages trying to ‘buy’ a day so that I can finish sooner.
An early morning start from the hotel and a long, pretty boring walk today and no cafes or bars until Reliegos. A light breakfast of an apple, banana and yoghurt at the hotel, bought the night before at the ‘super’market would do for now.
Leaving at 6:00, before sunrise and then having the sun appear over El Burgo Ranero behind me was a great site, but then – on with the rather dull, but easy, walk.
El Burgo Ranero
Reliegos
13 kms later, the first albergue/cafe of Reliegos appeared. Time for a 40 minute break and a good breakfast. Apart from the bigger towns, this is the first recognisable place since Fromista; the path and other villages, I could not recall.
I also remembered the strange sports area just beyond the town and it held an equal curiosity now as before.
Mansilla de las Mulas
The day was warm with a cool breeze – fantastic for walking.
I do remember the bridge crossing, into Mansilla de las Mulas, where, back in 2016, I saw Trevor from Australia the first time.
Mansilla is the same as many villages. Quaint. Seemingly semi-deserted, buildings a mixture of disrepair and repair.
Puente Villarente
It’s natural to draw comparisons to the last time I walked; last time I walked from El Burgo Ranero to Puente Villarente, this time I wanted to close this stage at Leon but not before having a good lunch break around what seemed to be the most popular bar in town.
The Dutch guy and his gang turned up for lunch as well.
From here there was a further 12 kms to walk to Leon. As with Burgos, walking through the approaches to the city tedious.
Finally arrived at hotel about 5:00 pm but not before bumping into Ryan, and then Daniel, in the old town.
Leon
An hour’s rest and a shower then off to meet the el Camino group for a few beers and a pizza.