Introduction

[Joe English]

On Tue, 1 Oct 2002 07:13:56 -0300, David Newton <nstn1755aCA.INTER.NET>
wrote:

>I hope to walk from Leon to Santiago next April - time constraints
>prevent a longer journey. I shall be seventy by then but reasonably fit
>and would like to do this before time's winged chariot gets too near.
>Practical advice will be appreciated. I expect to be travelling alone.
>David Newton.

I'm just back from the Leon area, so a few thoughts.
The easiest way to get to Leon from Madrid is to take the non-stop bus from
the South bus station. The fare is about €17, and takes three hours.
If you are coming from Barcelona there is an overnight train with sleeper
cars. The fare (including bed) is €45. It is a great way to travel.
As others have pointed out the walk from Leon to Virgen is a bit of a pain,
and one I would happily skip in the future.
I have some recommendations on accomodation (if you do not plan to use the
Refugios exclusively), which I will post when I have a look at my notes.
Best regards
Joe