Via de la Plata in March

einoras · Mar 4, 2015

Hi everyone.
Things so happened that I'm almost sure I'll start this route. I've done Camino Frances 5 years ago, which is still greatest event of my life. Now what I'm concerned about is - is there enough albergues open at this time? Any other major problems I should expect? Last time I planned my trip more precisely, now I've got little bit messed up with my life, so decided just to go in the next few days, so time is insanely limited and any help is highly appreciated

viajero · Mar 4, 2015

In 2012 I walked the Via de la Plata starting from Sevilla in late February. I had no problems finding albergues that were opened. I think I stayed in a pension in one or two towns but apart from that the albergues were opened. (Again, this was in 2012 so I'm not sure if that would still be the case). As you probalby know, towns on this route are much more spread out so you do not have as much flexibility in choosing where to stay/how far to walk each day. There are not villages every few miles as there are on the Frances. Have fun.

einoras · Mar 4, 2015

Oh, thanks. I don't mind at all sleeping occasionally in the fields, the way I did in Camino Frances. Actually, in the way - is it worth carrying a tent, is it even legal, allowed in those regions, have you got an idea? I kind of like that way, being little bit more with myself

alexwalker · Mar 4, 2015

You should have no problems. Just pay attention to a couple of very long stretches after 3 days: You may want to skip them if 38-40 kms is to much for you.

And pay attention to weather: Although you are walking through Southern Spain, it may be cold. In May 2012, out of 23 days from Salamanca to SdC, I had 20 days of rain and wind, 2 days of snow (!) on 2 mountain passes, and 1 (!) day of sun...

Forget the tent, for several reasons (weight, not allowed, etc.). Stay in albergues.

But the route is great (but long), so:

Buen Camino!

einoras · Mar 4, 2015

Yeah I was living in Andaluzia back in 2010 which was one of the coldest winters in decades, so got to be ready. Good tip about the tent, big thanks. Starting 17th of March. Good times ahead, again.

Gracias!

loveandgratitude · Mar 5, 2015

I think a tent would be perfect for this route since there are such long distances between villages. I've searched the internet about wild camping in Spain and it appears to be tolerated by the authorities, and if you are discreet and leave your campsite the way you found it, I don't think anyone would even know that you were there. A lightweight tent or tarp might only weight a few hundred grams to 1 kg so it's not that much weight to carry. When I do the VDLP I will bring a tent with me. There's nothing like sleeping out and looking up at the stars.

LTfit · Mar 6, 2015

Hi @einoras
Weather is actually fairly good at the moment along the Plata from what I hear without the flooding problems which I faced last February. A few alberges were not yet open but we alway found aaccommodation. March should not be a problem.
The Plata is great. I have done it twice and would not hesitate to do it again.

Buen Camino!

einoras · Mar 9, 2015

Thanks a lot guys!
That both helped me and confused at the same time ((

In Camino Frances I was carrying a tent without even knowing local laws and never had a problem and these quite nights were some of the best experiences to remember. Now it's really up to me to decide whether it's worth carrying some additional weight, having in mind night are not very warm yet. I think I will decide day or two before walking as will spend few days in Barcelona before camino. What a strange feeling to come back to the road after five years! Done many one day 20-40km trips here and there after the 2010, but once you fit your life into the backpack and start walking, it's whole different story!

mieshka714 · Mar 10, 2015

Hi Einoras,

I too will be walking the VDLP route a few weeks after you. If possible, please keep us posted on any tips, weather challenges or any other information you think may be helpful.

Buen Camino!

einoras · Mar 10, 2015

Hi,
Will do my best updating, depending on internet availability of course

Yesterday started doubting if my choice of VDLP is the right one, today blood starts boiling - can't wait for it to start!

LTfit · Mar 11, 2015

Don't doubt, just do it as they say. Weather should be wonderful!

einoras · Mar 11, 2015

I always doubt everything haha. But all is good now, full of excitement . Oh, THAT feeling before Camino... Yay!

nalod · Mar 13, 2015

I have covered this route three times all in February and March. No problem with accommodation. One year it was sunshine all the way another it rained quite a lot. It is a lovely route. If there is a lot of rain you may have to cross or avoid streams that are flooded, common sense is the answer there. Enjoy.
Dermot

JohnnieWalker · Mar 13, 2015

Hola - I've walked this route in winter, spring and summer. You will love it. There is a very good list of accommodation available throughout the route in the Resources Section of the forum. If you can tolerate the weight there are many opportunities for wild camping. Personally I found the albergues to be excellent and the accommodation well placed so the tent may not be necessary.

Buen camino

John

Davey Boyd · Mar 13, 2015

A few years ago I spent 7 months wild camping around Spain and Portugal (with my dog too). Never had a problem. Camped at dusk, got up and gone by dawn. I heard that beaches in tourist places are off limit, and camping a few Km from an official campground. Like the UK, wild camping is not officially legal, but tolerated as long as you are moving on and leave no mess. Once got caught by Gardia Civil in Basque country, but they were checking we were not terrorists! They didn't even mention the fact I was camping. I dont think a Pilgrim would have a problem wild camping at all.

Buen Camino