Your legs will barely notice any hills, but your head will certainly notice the kilometres. The profile is almost flat, yet you are on the move for well over 8 hours. It is the distance that makes it hard, not the climb. Find your rhythm and let the walking take care of itself.
In Hospital de Órbigo you cross the long medieval bridge. It’s a lovely spot for a break. After that the landscape drifts quietly by, until Astorga and its cathedral come into view. This is where the Vía de la Plata joins the route. Pilgrims from that route will walk with you from here on, so the path gets a little busier. Set off in the cool of the morning and you will reach Astorga with daylight left to explore the city.