December, 10-12 days

[Elizabeth Chois]

I am looking to do 10-12 days on the Camino this December. This will be my first time, and I have read many posts about what to pack and wear, but my question is where to start and end? Do I do the Leon to Santiago? Do I start closer because it's winter and I may go more slowly? Do I do an earlier segment and not end in Santiago de Compostela? Thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

 

[Kitsambler]

If this is your first Camino, I would advocate in the direction of starting at the "beginning" (yes, I know that's open to discussion). However, since crossing the Pyrenees by any route in December is not really advisable, that makes Pamplona worthy of consideration.

 

[HeidiL]

Is it important for you to get to Santiago, or do you just want to walk?

 

[Bradypus]

To walk from Leon to Santiago in 10 days would mean walking on average more than 30km per day. Many people would find that too much. Do you already have experience of walking days that long? There will probably be few other pilgrims around at that time and there will be less need to stop early in the day because of the "bed race". However, day length will be relatively short: in mid-December sunrise will be close to 9am and sunset before 6pm. Are you sure that you will be able to walk the daily stages that you have in mind in such short days? Something to be considered with winter caminos.

 

[HeidiL]

Astorga or Ponferrada might be easier, if you do want to get to Santiago.

 

[Elizabeth Chois]

Is it important for you to get to Santiago, or do you just want to walk?

I just want to walk. I am open to opinions on what would be better. I assumed that arriving in Santiago would be advised, but if there is a better stretch, I would happily do that.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

where to start and end? Do I do the Leon to Santiago?

Leon to Santiago normally takes about 14 days. Ponferrada to Santiago is nine to ten days. The Camino will be very quiet in December, so I would suggest the busiest part, which will be the last part. The scenery from Ponferrada is great all the way to Santiago. If you want to add a day, take a taxi to the Iron Cross, and start there.

Many places will close on October 31, so plan accordingly. None of the small albergues are likely to be open, so you will be locked into the larger towns and cities. That means that stages will be longer, and you will not have the option to stop almost every 5 km. Albergues will be reluctant to provide and excess of heat, so be prepared for indoors to be as cold as outdoors.

Buen camino!

 

[HeidiL]

I like falcon269's suggestion.

When things get a bit closer, http://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/ has information about which albergues are open in the winter.

 

[Elizabeth Chois]

Leon to Santiago normally takes about 14 days. Ponferrada to Santiago is nine to ten days. The Camino will be very quiet in December, so I would suggest the busiest part, which will be the last part. The scenery from Ponferrada is great all the way to Santiago. If you want to add a day, take a taxi to the Iron Cross, and start there.

Many places will close on October 31, so plan accordingly. None of the small albergues are likely to be open, so you will be locked into the larger towns and cities. That means that stages will be longer, and you will not have the option to stop almost every 5 km. Albergues will be reluctant to provide and excess of heat, so be prepared for indoors to be as cold as outdoors.

Buen camino!

Thank you so much. This is extremely helpful. I'll look into this option. I really appreciate it!