SPLIT: Scenic Route or Road Route

The road route (according to the map at sight) is right branch and the scenic route is left branch. We took the left branch and had a lovely walk through the countryside. Another pilgrim didn’t read map and took advise as above and had to cut through a field to get to reserved accomodation. Read the signs at split routes. App please recheck info.

It's crap, if you take it then I recommend splitting it and stopping in Villadangos at La Santa siesta, best albergue on the camino by far. Make sure you have noise cancelling ear phones and it makes the trip a little more bearable

The road route was not as bad as I expected it to be. Was it noisy? Yes was it loud? Yes. But you get little rest bites and it’s fine!

Why are you walking? For the sake of walking?!! Take the scenic route and get off the road. Many gorgeous stops along the way, particularly the bed and breakfast at the old flour mill.

Those taking the road are in too much of a hurry. No need!

It was a little loud but other than that not bad! Plenty of places to stops and the whole time you’re on a path.

I am not sure why someone said the scenic route was next to a 4-lane road. It *crosses* the 4-lane highway and then heads into the country on a gravel road. That person did not take a left at the split. Nearly all of the route to Mazarife is on a dusty gravel road and the last few km on a road.
I thought it was a lovely route! I highly recommend going left!

I’ve been walking since SJPP and this walk from Leon to San Martin was by far the worst walk in the entire Camino. By a busy highway with trucks roaring past, path strewn with garbage and litter, walking through industrial wastelands. Just awful. Take the scenic route or if you are not a purist (ie must have continuous footsteps) take a bus to San Martin and spend the extra time in León. But do something to avoid this road walk. You’ve been warned!

Do take the scenic path! there are so many beautiful flowers along the road. Have taken lots of pictures.

We took the route on the road which was horrible, noisy and dirty. Not taking the scenic route meant we stayed in Villadangos.The food at the Pradera was just awful and the hostess at the Hostal Alto Paramo was so rude that we couldn’t recommend it as a place to stay. In summary, the town of Villadangos should be avoided.

Ok, I’ll admit, I read the reviews and thought ‘that’s just tired pilgrims’ opinions, how bad can it be!’ It’s bad, take the scenic route.. imagine not taking the river route to Burgos and multiply it by 50. There is no reason at all I can think of for anyone taking the ‘traditional’ route. There is nothing on this route people, I mean nothing. I stayed in Avenida Three hostel, if you don’t believe me then read that review too!

Unless you need urgent access to a highway or you are fond of studying international industrial building architecture, take the Scenic Route.

The Road Route says what it means on the tin. It’s by the road the entire time. It’s loud, busy & not much fun.

I got hassled for cash coming out of “Virgin” while I was popping thru the underpass. It was a little lonely & not super fun.

Can anyone tell me if the scenic and road routes are marked as to which is which? On the map it looks like the road route is the north one but hard to tell. I’m heading out of Leon tomorrow morning early and like to be prepared. Gracias!

Although not next to a buddy road this route is rough on feet due to being mostly on paved road. 😔

There was a map and then when paths separated signs in each direction

I took the scenic route and it was pleasant. Not sure why people complained? Not the petite walk off the Camino but perfectly fine.

Both routes lead to Santiago :)

I took the road route and it was very hard for your feet

Took the road route 3 October 2022. I started at about 7:30 AM. Most of it is a separate trail parallel to the busy highway. The traffic noise didn't pose a problem as I was listening to podcasts via an earbud. I had no issues finding breakfast or lunch. A good portion of the trail, maybe 20% was surprisingly easier on my feet, better than the gravel roads that constitute most of the Camino.

I walked the alternate route today. Generally glad that I did. So few walk it as they appear to be influenced by the above comments. Only thing I did not like was the stretch between Villar de Mazarife and Villavante. Sunday made it more difficywith no stores open. Certainly was peaceful.

The scenic route is along dirt roads or alongside paved country roads and there are multiple towns where you can get food on the route. Cars do go by fast but there aren’t very common, I would recommend this route over walking beside a highway, it was quite peaceful!

I made the mistake of taking this route. Despite the other comments, nothing could be worse than the road route. Walking alongside busy highway, walking through rubbish, toilet paper and dead animals for 20+ km. Mostly industrial area and when you hit a town they look like ghost towns. Scenic route would definitely be better than this.