León
❯ San Martín del Camino
24,5km
STAGE DISTANCE
Stage 21 · French way
Information
The stage between León and San Martín del Camino has a distance of 24.6 km, an approximate duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, and very moderate elevation gain. It is a physically simple day, although some sections can become somewhat long due to constant proximity to the N-120.
You will depart from León’s historic center passing through some of its most representative places, such as the Royal Collegiate of San Isidoro and San Marcos. Later you will cross Trobajo del Camino and reach La Virgen del Camino, where one of the day’s important decisions appears.
Here the Way divides into two. In this stage we will follow the historic route via Villadangos del Páramo, which continues through Valverde de la Virgen, San Miguel del Camino, Villadangos, and finally San Martín del Camino. The other possibility deviates toward Villar de Mazarife and does not form part of this itinerary.
From La Virgen del Camino you will leave behind the more urban zones to gradually enter the Leonese plateau. The terrain is practically flat and alternates dirt paths and sections near the N-120.
Route map
Recommendation from The Way
Recommendation in stage 21: León – San Martín del Camino
The stage does not present great difficulties, but a good part of the route advances near the N-120, so you must pay attention at crossings and always follow the designated pilgrim areas.
From La Virgen del Camino you will find long open sections with little shade. If you do the stage during hot months, it is recommended to carry sufficient water and sun protection.
You should also take into account the section between San Miguel del Camino and Villadangos del Páramo, as it is about 7.5 km without passing through any village. It is wise to take advantage of San Miguel to rest or refill water if you need to.
If you do the Way by bicycle, the scarce elevation gain greatly facilitates the day. Even so, you will find dirt roads, some irregular surfaces, and several road crossings where you will have to reduce speed.
Stage profile
A stage of 24.6 km, with approximately 131 m of ascent and 96 m of descent. The profile is simple and practically flat.
The first part is mainly urban, from León to La Virgen del Camino. Later you will follow the historic route beside the N-120, passing through Valverde de la Virgen, San Miguel del Camino, and Villadangos del Páramo before arriving at San Martín del Camino.
Itinerary
· León
The stage begins in front of León’s Cathedral. From here you will take Calle Sierra Pambley to continue through the historic center and pass near the Royal Collegiate of San Isidoro.
The Way continues toward Plaza de San Marcos, where the ancient Convent of San Marcos is located, one of the most important buildings linked to the Way in León.
Later you will cross the Bernesga River via the San Marcos bridge and continue via Avenida de Quevedo. Little by little you will leave behind León’s center until entering Trobajo del Camino.
Km 3.8
· Trobajo del Camino
Trobajo del Camino currently forms urban continuity with León. You will follow for a section via the old national road and then turn via Calle Sira Sampedro to continue via Camino de la Cruz.
Among elements related to the locality’s Jacobean tradition stands out the Hermitage of Santiago.
The exit continues among residential and industrial zones until you meet the N-120 again, which will accompany you during much of the stage.
Km 7.1
· La Virgen del Camino
Entry into La Virgen del Camino is marked by the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Way, one of the most outstanding places of this day.
After passing in front of the sanctuary you will cross the road and continue via a street parallel to the N-120.
Shortly after you will reach a bifurcation. To the left goes the variant of Villar de Mazarife. To continue via this stage’s itinerary you must go straight via the historic route toward Villadangos del Páramo.
From here the landscape begins to open up and urban areas give way to the Leonese plateau.
Km 11.4
· Valverde de la Virgen
Valverde de la Virgen is a small locality situated beside the N-120.
The passage through the village is brief. At the exit you will again take a dirt path practically parallel to the road. The terrain continues to be comfortable and without major elevation changes.
From here approximately one and a half kilometers remain to San Miguel del Camino.
Km 12.9
· San Miguel del Camino
San Miguel del Camino is another small population historically linked to the French Way.
The route crosses the locality and returns afterward to the path beside the N-120.
Here begins one of the day’s longest sections: about 7.5 km to Villadangos del Páramo without passing through any other village.
Intermediate Section
· San Miguel → Villadangos
The Way continues practically straight across the Leonese plateau, always with the N-120 as a reference.
You will not encounter great gradients or technical difficulties. It is, however, one of the stage’s most monotonous sectors due to the distance between villages and the open landscape.
Shortly before Villadangos you will approach the road again to enter the locality.
Km 20.4
· Villadangos del Páramo
Villadangos del Páramo is the main population of the stage’s second half and a good point to pause before facing the final kilometers.
Its most outstanding monument is the Church of Santiago Apóstol, built between the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. In the interior stands out its Churrigueresque altarpiece with a great equestrian carving of Santiago.
After crossing the village you will continue toward the Villadangos canal. Once crossed, you will return to the path that runs close to the N-120.
Final Section
· Villadangos → San Martín del Camino
From Villadangos about four kilometers remain.
The route is again simple and practically flat, advancing beside the road via open terrain.
As you approach San Martín del Camino you will be able to distinguish its characteristic elevated water tank, a clear reference that the stage’s end is near.
Km 24.6
· San Martín del Camino
The stage ends in San Martín del Camino, a small locality of the Leonese plateau closely linked to the passage of pilgrims.
Its main monument is the parish Church of San Martín, built in stone and brick. In its interior are preserved images of San Martín, San Miguel, San Roque, and San Antonio Abad.
The locality has lodgings and different services for the pilgrim, so it is a good place to end the day before continuing the Way the next day.
What to See
Royal Collegiate of San Isidoro
The Royal Collegiate of San Isidoro is found at the beginning of the stage and is one of León’s great historic monuments.
The Way passes very near the ensemble before continuing toward San Marcos and progressively leaving the city center.
San Marcos
The ancient Convent of San Marcos is located beside the Way at the western exit of León.
Its relationship with the care and welcoming of pilgrims makes it one of the most representative buildings of the city’s Jacobean past.
After passing in front of its facade you will cross the Bernesga River via the San Marcos bridge.
Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Way
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Way marks one of the most recognizable points of the stage’s first half.
The current building stands out especially for its contemporary architecture and the large sculptures on its facade.
It also serves as a reference for the pilgrim, as shortly after you will find the bifurcation between the historic Way via Villadangos and the Villar de Mazarife variant.
Church of Santiago Apóstol
The Church of Santiago Apóstol is located in Villadangos del Páramo and was built between the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
Its interior preserves a notable Churrigueresque altarpiece presided over by an equestrian carving of Santiago, accompanied by numerous elements related to Jacobean tradition.
Church of San Martín
It is the main monument of San Martín del Camino.
It is a construction of stone and brick whose interior houses different images of saints traditionally related to the protection of travelers and pilgrims.
Localities
León
León is one of the main cities of the French Way and the starting point of this stage.
The route begins in front of the cathedral and crosses part of the historic center before continuing through San Isidoro, San Marcos, and the bridge over the Bernesga River.
Trobajo del Camino
Trobajo del Camino is located immediately after leaving León and currently forms part of its urban environment.
Its relationship with the Way remains visible in elements such as the Hermitage of Santiago and in the very Jacobean route that crosses the locality.
La Virgen del Camino
La Virgen del Camino is one of the stage’s most important points.
Besides its well-known sanctuary, here is found the bifurcation between the historic Way via Villadangos del Páramo and the variant that continues toward Villar de Mazarife.
Valverde de la Virgen
Valverde de la Virgen is a small locality situated beside the N-120.
The Way crosses it quickly before returning to the dirt path that leads toward San Miguel del Camino.
San Miguel del Camino
San Miguel del Camino is a small population situated on the very historic route of the French Way.
From here begins the long section without intermediate villages that leads to Villadangos del Páramo.
Villadangos del Páramo
Villadangos del Páramo maintains a strong relationship with Jacobean tradition.
Its main monument is the Church of Santiago Apóstol, where the apostle has a prominent presence both in the altarpiece and in the temple’s decoration.
The locality also has different services, so it is one of the most practical points to rest during this stage.
San Martín del Camino
San Martín del Camino is the end of this day’s journey and belongs to the municipality of Santa Marina del Rey.
Its main monument is the parish Church of San Martín. The locality also has lodgings, dining, a shop, and other services intended for those traveling the Way.
Route map
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