Walking Camino de Frances in November 2012

[halerin]

i am trying to plan to do the Camino in end of October/November this year. but i do have some concerns regarding hostels being open and weather conditions. i would appreciate any feedback at all! im new to the Camino and am planning this a bit last minute, so all info. or advice is welcome!

 

[Plumber1000]

Planning the same trip last minute to

 

[halerin]

oh nice!! ... i have a friend that did it a couple years back in march, ive been 'quizzing' him constantly, but still trying to learn some 'details' about how it is in the fall/winter.

 

[Plumber1000]

I'm going to try my best to do this walk feel I need to do it

 

[Plumber1000]

Just a bit worried I don't find any where to sleep if some of the alberguines are shut

 

[halerin]

exactly, me too. im almost more concerned about that than the weather. im having a hard time finding 'clear-cut' information, atleast through the internet, about the hostels, which ones will still be open, and the mileage between, etc.

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Guys! I reckon you'll be fine. I've never walked early winter, but I walked this spring before some of the 'seasonal' albergues opened and finding accommodation wasn't a significant problem at all. If your budget stretches to staying in hostals every now and then that's great, and if you're happy to share a room with walking buddies it might not cost much more than an albergue anyway.

I was on the Camino last December doing some litter clearing and the weather varied from bright and crisp to rainy. Nothing to worry about if you are prepared for a bit of wet. That was just the Meseta, though, so the hills may be more extreme.

Buen Camino!

 

[mspath]

All of my caminos have been in late autumn/winter yet I have never had an unsolvable problem finding some pilgrim albergue open. However, not all albergues along the camino will be open; those that are usually know who is on the next etapa or halt. You can scan current opening information on line using the Eroski web site >> http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es./albergues/. Most open albergues will either be heated or have blankets.

The municipal albergue in SJPdP stays open throughout the year. Similarly on the Valcarlos alternative route that municipal albergue is also always open as is Roncevalles. If you wish send me a PM and I will send you a list of where I stayed last October/November year and plan to stay later this year.

Whenever you walk you must be prepared for VARIED weather. Days can be sunny and glorious. However nights can be cold and freezing rain, dense fog or even snow might occur. Layers are the solution for warmth without weight.

Stay warm and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[J.C.]

Hello,
If you start in St. Jean Pied de Port, there is an albergue just at the bottom of the castle / fort that will give you a sheet of paper that has a list of albergues that are open along the way after 31 Oct along with a sheet of paper that has each daily stretch mapped out showing he change in altitudes and distance between main points (kind of an extremely basic guide). You will likely also notice that in the albergues, particularly the municipal albergues, there is message board that outlines the rules of the albergue (time for lights out at night, lights on in the morning etc.)...the message board might also have announcements like albergue closings if any in other towns along the way. If you are unsure and want to double check, if you have a guidebook with you, they often have the telephone numbers to the albergues; you can call ahead.
Cheers!

 

[elanasunshine]

I'm excitedly planning a short notice Camino in November 2012, planning to start in Leon, though, as I can only take three weeks off of work, not five. I have done some research but never taken a trip like this and I'm just going to go with my heart... the camino is calling and I'm sure that there will be places to stay along the way. Hopefully I will see you out there!

-Elana

 

[MontanaWendy]

I am happy to see I am not the only one planning things at the last minute.
I too, just feel called to do this, and it feels like if I waited any longer the window for me to go would be past. Everything just came together... and so I said Yes, I will go.
I'll be starting out from SJPdP Oct. 18, on my own, with the Brierley guide for direction.
I'll be going slowly, especially at first, so can take my time.
I have found Margaret's blogs to be a wonderful source of information.
Even so... I am not the most organized person, not the most prepared pilgrim, and more than a little scared.
However, I'm used to camping and sleeping outdoors, and if I need to, I guess I'll sleep wherever I find myself.

Thanks JC for the suggestion about getting the list in St Jean. I hope to get one.