First comes the edge of León, then suddenly everything opens out and feels empty. Flat fields, a huge sky and country lanes that run straight towards the horizon. The meseta at its quietest.
After León, you have a choice. You can take the quieter route via Villar de Mazarife along country lanes, as described here. Or you can take the historic route alongside the road via San Martín del Camino, about 25 km to San Martín. Both meet again in Hospital de Órbigo.
The quiet option is a good 20 kilometres and almost completely flat. You’ll cover it easily and arrive in Villar de Mazarife early. Take your time, you’ve left the city behind anyway. Enjoy the silence, you’ve earned it.