The Meseta on the Camino de Santiago’s French Way

Large, hot and flat fields between Burgos and Leon. That’s usually the description of the Meseta and the reason why people usually skip this part on their Camino de Santiago.

But is this part of the Camino really not interesting or are those things only rumours and it got a lot to offer? The answer is that it’s a challenging part of the Camino de Santiago. You will have to deal with the heat, the lack of rest stops and weather changes but it’s definitely going to be a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!

What is the Meseta?

Large flat plains located in the centre of Spain, between cities Burgos and Leon. At the same time, the Meseta is a section on the Camino de Santiago which people usually avoid.

The Meseta section is a part of two camino routes. The first one is Camino Frances which travels through the norrthern point of the meseta for 220 km. Vide de la Plata is the second route. People can walk through the western point of the Meseta for about 180 km there.

Why is the Meseta unpopular?

You’re wondering why people usually avoid walking through the Meseta? People are concerned about this section of the Camino de Santiago because it’s very hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter there. That is why people usually skip this part. But those who skip will miss long stages, empty landscapes and big skies which are totally worth to walk!

Preparation

Walking through the Meseta is definitely worth to try as long as you’re well prepared. You don’t have to be concerned about anything if you’re ready for the next day. The biggest problem are weather changes so if you will be prepared for them and you will have enough equipment for both the great heat and the winter then there’s nothing to be afraid of.

It is also smart to have some food with you to keep you going for the next days (fruit, nuts,…).

Most people who have already walked the Camino de Santiago can not say that they gained an experience of walking through the Meseta because they were to concerned to try it. But as long as you’re prepared for the Meseta, you’re going to have a wonderful time!

But if you’re still not sureand you would like to know more details about the Meseta, contact our Camino experts who will answer all of your questions!