Camino Primitivo in January

[Francisco Diaz]

Hello,

I am doing the Camino in January and I have two options: Frances from Leon or Primitivo from Oviedo. Considering some albergues / hostels are closed in the Primitivo during this period, would these conditions make this option not as sensible as the Frances, or it would be relatively easy to structure the stages in such a way there is no risks involved (of not getting accommodation for example) ?
Thanks

 

[Tincatinker]

I wouldn't be worried, overmuch, about accommodation on the Primitivo in January. I would be very worried about the weather. The gaps in accommodation and the likelihood of encountering serious snow cover would lend me to the Frances.

 

[Francisco Diaz]

Thanks Tincatinker! But isn’t Cebreiro also subject to hard weather conditions?

 

[LTfit]

Having walked the Francés on various occasions during the winter and the Primitivo from Oviedo in April (and from Lugo in late December), I would definitely suggest walking the Francés. This due to the better infrastructure/accommodation options on the Francés.

Weather wise I would also go with the Francés. I would hate the numerous ascents and descents on the Primitivo with ice and snow! I had snow leaving O Cebreiro but that was no problem whatsoever. Way before we reached Tricastela the snow had disappeared.

When I walked from Lugo year end (the municipal albergue was almost full!) I did meet a few pilgrims who started in Oviedo but last year was very mild and they, surprisingly enough, encountered no snow. I wouldn't expect that though.