Friday 12th May 2023
Distance 20km / 12.4 miles
Bercianos del Real Camino – Reliegos
Today’s walk was primarily along tree lined paths along the road. I was wanting to make sure I had enough distance in the bank so I could be more flexible towards the end. The walking was easy and I had plenty of time to think. This was however one of those days where I hadn’t booked anything so part of my thinking was will I get a bed.
It was rolling countryside but there was a real sense that the Meseta was almost over. I would be in the City of Leon the next day and I could look forward to some more varied scenery. I had my first sightings of mountains in the distance. I saw a beautiful rainbow as I walked over the brow of the hill before the village of Reliegos.
It was threatening rain as I entered the village. I walked through the streets until I found the Municipal hostel and was pleased to discover I was one of the first to arrive so I knew I would get a bed. The dormitory was one of these where they crammed as many bunk beds in as physically possible. I was glad I was able to get a bottom bunk in the corner out of the way.
I had time after I got showered to go into the town, have something to eat at a bar and get some snacks for later at the local shop. Whilst I was in the shop there was a heavy shower of rain but it soon passed. I was pleased to see April who I had seen at Zabaldika and Burgos was at the same hostel. She had decided to get a bus into Leon the next day as the walk into the city was supposed to be uninspiring, through suburbs and city streets.