Which route in the winter?

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J Willhaus

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Nov 3, 2014
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The CF probably has the most infrastructure in the winter just as it does in summer. I have served as a hospitalera on both the Via de la Plata and the CF in December. On the VDLP we had very few pilgrims in Zamora and sometimes none. On the CF we were at Granon and usually had 5 or more guests each night in December. Both are open all winter to pilgrims.
 
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mspath

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Nov 25, 2009
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Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Check out this earlier but still relevant post re walking the CF in winter.
Winter is a fine time to walk but you must be prepared.
Happy planning and Buen camino.
 

jungleboy

Spirit of the Camino (Nick)
Feb 4, 2018
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As a counter to the very valid ‘CF has the best infrastructure for winter’ argument, you could look at trying to go further south where it’s warmer, and on a route that doesn’t rely on seasonal albergues and instead has other accommodation options that are open. This might lead you to the Vía Serrana, which I am currently walking. This recent thread discusses some of the southern options for winter.
 
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Nov 14, 2022
520
671
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Gers, France
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05/24 CF, planning Estrecho, Augusta VDLP 09/24
Am thinking of a Camino in January and February .
which one ?
I would love advice .
I cannot give you advice as I haven't done any camino yet but plan on starting out in April.
You might want to check out the weather forecast with this link, www.meteofrance.com and or www.weatherchannel.com.
It is currently -4 (-28F)at the Col du Somport and -12C (10.4F at night. AT Roncevaux, it is between 0°C degrees ( 32F) and -6C (21F) with rain forecast all week. Hey, it's winter!
Buen Camino
 

Pafayac

On the way...
Aug 2, 2022
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Paris
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On the CF we were at Granon and usually had 5 or more guests each night in December. Both are open all winter to pilgrims.
Grañon donativo is fantastic: both priest and hospitalero are very kind. It is located in the same building than the church, and when pilgrims are not so many, they can visit the bell tower.
Last but not least, I particularly like the stamp of this donativo... ;)
 
Nov 14, 2022
520
671
71
Gers, France
Time of past OR future Camino
05/24 CF, planning Estrecho, Augusta VDLP 09/24
I cannot give you advice as I haven't done any camino yet but plan on starting out in April.
You might want to check out the weather forecast with this link, www.meteofrance.com and or www.weatherchannel.com.
It is currently -4 (-28F)at the Col du Somport and -12C (10.4F at night. AT Roncevaux, it is between 0°C degrees ( 32F) and -6C (21F) with rain forecast all week. Hey, it's winter!
Buen Camino
I have decided to start my camino in March from AUCH, France to Jaca, Spain to Pamplona, return home and start on the Camino Francès in April. That should avoid the snow if it ever falls in the Pyrenées. Last news I heard, they had to shut down many ski resorts in the Pyrenées..same in the Alps. Incredible weather and definitely not seasonal.
 
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