< Rabanal del Camino – Hospital de Orbigo >

Today we start the hike at Hospital de Orbigo & arrive at the village of Astorga. Stay on the main N-120 Camino – see the map. The meseta ends at Hospital de Orbigo. The terrain changes. There are hills, mountains, trees, and forests. This is the start of El Bierzo. Astorga dates to Roman times. Astorga has a well preserved roman house excavation. The terrain leaving Hospital de Orbigo is mostly flat. A few kms later there is a forested hill climb. The hike leads to a medieval Celtic cross with a view of Astorga.

The village of Astorga is a tourist town & known for the locally produced chocolate, the Gaudi castle, the Spa’s and other unique attractions. Astorga has a Renfe train station & a bus station. You can take the train from Astorga to Ponferrada, but would miss out the medieval mountain villages of Rabanal & El Acebo which are in a league of their own. There is an albergue at the entrance of Astorga after the hill climb. The albergue is next to the medieval church. The albergue has a well equipped kitchen, washing machines and a nice terrace overlooking the hills. Astorga has good supermarkets & restaurants. Astorga is one of my preferred villages and a must stay.

If you have walked from Burgos to Astorga, you can now raise your arms & look at the sky and say .. “I walked the Meseta“.. Enjoy your day at Astorga.

Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga ~ 17 km. First portion is flat leading into hill country. There is a road crossing at the hilltop before arriving at the Celtic cross. Take your time and extra care crossing this intersection. There is a descent after the Celtic cross that leads to a small village – San Justo de la Vega. When you enter Astorga there is a train track crossing and another small climb to the village of Astorga. The albergue is next to the church. Difficulty 6 / 10.

Elevation