Walking the Camino in Fall 2021

[Linda P]

Would appreciate thoughts and feedback on viability of walking the Frances Camino this year (2021) starting last week of September through October into early November. It appears weather would generally be okay, but wondering what will be open as far as alburgues, restaurants, etc., especially as we approach November? Have heard Santiago shuts down beginning of November. Thanks!!

 

[Peter Nordberg]

I´m planning for Camino Portugues in October. As it looks today I think it will be possible to walk in September. The infection rate is low already and by end of summer I think they will have most adults vaccinated. With that said, you never know what new virus variants will come and how the vaccin works on them. Another thing that is important for me is that most restrictions are gone. With social distancing and face masks I will not do it. The social part of the camino is important for me (solo walker) and it will not be the same with that type of restrictions. I did the Frances in Sep/Oct 2019 and it was fantastic. Very nice weather, but last week more rain but not a problem. And best of all: so many nice and intersting people. Buen camino.

 

[mspath]

Past years many places including private albergues and hotels along the CF started to close mid-October for a well-earned vacation. However who knows how 2021 will go ?

Generally autumn is a great tme to walk with cooler sunny days but late October can be very chilly and cold at night. When I walked during happier years in my kit light weight layers plus thermal underwear were very practical/useful.

Happy planning and Buen camino.

 

[jpflavin1]

Would appreciate thoughts and feedback on viability of walking the Frances Camino this year (2021) starting last week of September through October into early November. It appears weather would generally be okay, but wondering what will be open as far as alburgues, restaurants, etc., especially as we approach November? Have heard Santiago shuts down beginning of November. Thanks!!

My current plan is to walk in the same time frame. Waiting till end of June to make reservations.

 

[jpflavin1]

I´m planning for Camino Portugues in October. As it looks today I think it will be possible to walk in September. The infection rate is low already and by end of summer I think they will have most adults vaccinated. With that said, you never know what new virus variants will come and how the vaccin works on them. Another thing that is important for me is that most restrictions are gone. With social distancing and face masks I will not do it. The social part of the camino is important for me (solo walker) and it will not be the same with that type of restrictions. I did the Frances in Sep/Oct 2019 and it was fantastic. Very nice weather, but last week more rain but not a problem. And best of all: so many nice and intersting people. Buen camino.

I have no problem with social distancing and face masks, if local communities require. I have my shots and want to walk. Municipalities have every right to request behavior that protects their residents.

Have shots and masks, will travel.

 

[rojasa]

Would appreciate thoughts and feedback on viability of walking the Frances Camino this year (2021) starting last week of September through October into early November. It appears weather would generally be okay, but wondering what will be open as far as alburgues, restaurants, etc., especially as we approach November? Have heard Santiago shuts down beginning of November. Thanks!!

I'm going for it; it feels far more viable than ever. Keeping an eye on all things Camino and COVID via websites - GRACIAS, IVAR y camino familia! - and apps. (I've misplaced my crystal ball.) The Camino will provide, one way or another...I've felt like I've been on pilgrimage for a long time, and that the last 500 miles are finally approaching. Buen camino!

 

[lt56ny]

Would appreciate thoughts and feedback on viability of walking the Frances Camino this year (2021) starting last week of September through October into early November. It appears weather would generally be okay, but wondering what will be open as far as alburgues, restaurants, etc., especially as we approach November? Have heard Santiago shuts down beginning of November. Thanks!!

This is very simple advice. Things have been changing alot and very rapidly.I assume this is your first camino. The only thing you can count on is that what is happening today will not be happening when you walk. NO ONE KNOWS. Follow updates here on the forum to hear what people are reporting in terms of albergues, availability, albergues closed, prices and number of beds. Weather can generally be completely unpredictable. I walked one year on the Meseta and it was 90+ every day. 2 Years later I walked at almost the same time in October and I had stiff 25+ mph winds and horizontal rain in my face, a good part of every day. In 2019 I was there in the end of November and half the time was rain and sleet and higher winds and the other half of the Meseta was perfect walking conditions. Walked up to O'Ceibrero in perfect walking conditions one year, torrential rain another year and pretty heavy snow a third time. So never say the weather will generally be ok. But the other side of that equation just take what you need and nothing else. If the weather turns out to be alot different then you packed for you are not in the Sahara you can buy what you need along the way.
I have no idea what you mean by Santiago shuts down in November. It is a big and vibrant city with a major university. There are restaurants, hotels, hostels and albergues everywhere, tons of shopping and plenty of things to experience.
Finally if you have specific questions ask. There are plenty of pilgrims who have walked many times. I have walked over 5000k and there are others who have far more Camino kilometers under their trail runners.
Read and you will soon discover the Perigrino/as that really have a lifetime of knowledge that you should listen to. But of course you will be nervous and after a few days or so you will know you got it!

 

[TomasWS]

I'll be walking El Camino in October and the first few days of November. I'm just doing the Camino in short segments of a few weeks each time - taking a lot of time to sightsee along the way. I've found autumn a very good time to walk. I've also booked a few stays along the way already (only choosing places with free cancellation). Buen camino a todos!

 

[Kev&Kath]

Appreciate the advice from this thread. Booked to fly out of the US on 22 Oct to start walking out of SJPdP on 27 Oct. Being so late in the season have pretty much decided the Valcarlos route is likely optimum for us...allowing a relatively easy introduction to walking under load. Hopefully, there will be a good number of pilgrims walking late this year! Thanks again for the info/advice above.

 

[lt56ny]

Appreciate the advice from this thread. Booked to fly out of the US on 22 Oct to start walking out of SJPdP on 27 Oct. Being so late in the season have pretty much decided the Valcarlos route is likely optimum for us...allowing a relatively easy introduction to walking under load. Hopefully, there will be a good number of pilgrims walking late this year! Thanks again for the info/advice above.

If Covid doesn't upset your plans I think you will be just fine. I think the Valcarlos route is the way to go that late in the year. Even if it is open things can change very quickly on that mountain so better to be safe. I walked starting a few days later in 2019. About November 6 or 7 the owner of the albergue I was staying in said there were already more pilgrims in those 6 or 7 days tha in the whole month of November previous to 2019. That is not to say there were alot of Pilgrims but there were some and the spirit is just as strong. Weather can be really, really changeable. Lots of people got sick. I had bronchial spasms but with a couple of trips to the hospital for some steroid sprays and oxygen and a few days of rest here and there I made it. Be prepared for everything but do not overpack as you can buy whatever you need. I had a small sleeping bag that was good to 40F and we had plenty of freezing nights and I was never cold. You can always sleep in a little extra clothes. A good beanie, buff, poncho, rain pants, gloves and warm socks and layers and you are good to go. Remember don't overpack as Merino wool and the synthetics don't smell Have fun.
I start in Sevilla on October 14th and hope to be in Santiago by about December 2 or 3 and make it to Muxia this time too. One last thing. Check ahead about albergues. Even in 2019 I used Gronze.com and the Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino apps. All free. None were more than about 60% accurate on whether or not albergues were open. So the more resources you have the better. Buen Camino

 

[Kev&Kath]

If Covid doesn't upset your plans I think you will be just fine. I think the Valcarlos route is the way to go that late in the year. Even if it is open things can change very quickly on that mountain so better to be safe. I walked starting a few days later in 2019. About November 6 or 7 the owner of the albergue I was staying in said there were already more pilgrims in those 6 or 7 days tha in the whole month of November previous to 2019. That is not to say there were alot of Pilgrims but there were some and the spirit is just as strong. Weather can be really, really changeable. Lots of people got sick. I had bronchial spasms but with a couple of trips to the hospital for some steroid sprays and oxygen and a few days of rest here and there I made it. Be prepared for everything but do not overpack as you can buy whatever you need. I had a small sleeping bag that was good to 40F and we had plenty of freezing nights and I was never cold. You can always sleep in a little extra clothes. A good beanie, buff, poncho, rain pants, gloves and warm socks and layers and you are good to go. Remember don't overpack as Merino wool and the synthetics don't smell Have fun.
I start in Sevilla on October 14th and hope to be in Santiago by about December 2 or 3 and make it to Muxia this time too. One last thing. Check ahead about albergues. Even in 2019 I used Gronze.com and the Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino apps. All free. None were more than about 60% accurate on whether or not albergues were open. So the more resources you have the better. Buen Camino

it56ny...thank you so much for this additional advice....much appreciated! And yes...having already postponed this trip three times I'm feeling that nothing is certain until we head off from StJPdP. Your perspective on seasonal infections is noted. Definitely a flu jab for us next month, and reasonable precautions when in larger groups. Our accommodation options will be a range of 'private' facilities across albergues, pensions and hotels.

Buen Camino for your VdlP....which I'm sure will be a brilliant walk. Cheers, Kev

 

[Ronald Boivin]

Past years many places including private albergues and hotels along the CF started to close mid-October for a well-earned vacation. However who knows how 2021 will go ?

Generally autumn is a great tme to walk with cooler sunny days but late October can be very chilly and cold at night. When I walked during happier years in my kit light weight layers plus thermal underwear were very practical/useful.

Happy planning and Buen camino.the ca

 

[Ronald Boivin]

I walked the Camino Frances Sept to October and encountered overly hot weather and several days of very cold weather (even saw snow flakes). Great walking but mountainous night can be cold. Bring layered clothing and rain gear. I walked the Camino Tolosana also in September and October encountering a few days of cold rain. I appreciated my dry warm clothes and local places to dry my gear. Worth walking but be prepared.

 

[Kev&Kath]

Thanks Ron...very much appreciate your advice! I'm thinking the 'be prepared' statement is likely the one to keep in the back of the mind.