Dec or February best to walk

[The 5 McC's]

Hello we’re looking a a bit of advice on the best time to walk from St Jean Pied De Port to Estella. We’ve walked it in sept a couple of years ago and would like to walk it again just would like advice on week either 27th December to 3 Jan or we could do 16 February to 24 February. Advice on which month would be best. Has anyone stayed in Roncesvalles around 28 dec and any bother on getting a bed thank you any advice appreciated

 

[mspath]

Roncesvalles where I have had ten exhausted but memorable stops during past caminos in winter was exceptional. Staying there one sensed history in the continuous monastic tradition of welcome to all.

January 2009 I walked 18 k in 5 hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery ! Saw few people and no other pilgrims; I was the only one staying in the old winter albergue.

The monk who stamped my Credential invited me to the evening benediction for pilgrims. It was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silver sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and asked me to stand with them at the altar. ...In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time. ...

For many current posts/ tips/links re walking in winter see
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-camino-frances-during-dec-jan-2018-19.57406/

 

[The 5 McC's]

Roncesvalles where I have had ten exhausted but memorable stops during past caminos in winter was exceptional. Staying there one sensed history in the continuous monastic tradition of welcome to all.

January 2009 I walked 18 k in 5 hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery ! Saw few people and no other pilgrims; I was the only one staying in the old winter albergue.

The monk who stamped my Credential invited me to the evening benediction for pilgrims. It was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silver sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and asked me to stand with them at the altar. ...In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time. ...

For many current posts/ tips/links re walking in winter see
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-camino-frances-during-dec-jan-2018-19.57406/

Sounds brill it was either the first week walking in the winter or O Cebreiro which unfortunately will have to be in summer. Roncesvalles now sounds good. Thanks so much