Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage - which section?

You don't mention how much time you have, and whether or not you're a good walker. Some people, not the majority, can walk 30 to 40kms per day but other, like me, manage barely 20kms. So your walking pace is important in considering how much time you should allow. In addition, if you only walk 400 kms now, is it likely you'll come back and complete the pilgrimage. If you're unlikely to come back to the Camino, I suggest you start walking from Leon, just passed the half-way mark, and finish in Santiago de Compostela.

The scenery from Leon is scenic and passes through a variety of terrains, including a mountain range. You also miss the Meseta, the flat almost treeless plain between Leon and Burgos, which many pilgrims consider rather boring. There are plenty of hostels, municipal and private, all the way along the Camino, so this won't be a problem wherever you start. Just remember to get your 'pilgrim's credenciel' which you'll need to stay in the albergues. In Leon, just go to the cathedral and ask at the desk on the right hand side of entrance. Or, pick one up at the Leon albergue.

The Confraternity of St James (CSJ) has a Guide to the Camino Frances, reprinted every January with feedback from the previous year's pilgrims. This has information on all albergues, including costs and facilities, and many hotels along the Camino, also distances between all towns and villages, and details of the facilities within each town/village such as bars and shops. The guide can be ordered from the CSJ's website: http://www.csj.org.uk/ The CSJ website also has plenty of useful information for new pilgrims.