First Camino from Sarria - November 2021

[Abigail_UK]

Hello from a long time lurker but first time poster!

I’ve dreamed of being able to walk the full Camino Frances for several years but have reconciled myself to the fact that for now having time to walk the whole thing isn’t realistic! I have a week off in November and have decided that I want to use it for my first Camino experience - I’m planning to walk from Sarria to Santiago (and then in future years I can go back to the beginning and walk the full route in stages from SJPP).

As November is out of the main season, combined with Covid, I’m assuming that I’ll be safest planning and booking ahead? Are there any other planning/equipment recommendations for a first time pilgrim walking slightly out of season? I’m incredibly excited but also nervous so would love to hear from people who have had similar experiences!

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi @Abigail_UK, welcome to the forum. If you have sorted out your transport logistics - flight to Santiago, buses to Sarria or flight to Madrid, train to Sarria you are pretty good to go. Galicias (public) Xunta Albergues are open, albeit with reduced capacity, so you are unlikely, in November, to need pre-booked accommodation unless you want that additional comfort. The issue with pre-booking is, of course, that you are tied to your destinations.

My only thought on equipment - make sure that you have good rain-gear that you can walk in without melting. It rains in Galicia in November, much as it does at most other times of year but more so. I've always carried an umbrella.

 

[henrythedog]

It’s a very good time of year to choose in my opinion, my first venture onto the Camino Frances in November 2015 was from Leon to SdC.

In normal years there was no lack of accommodation, although there was a reduced choice - the free market balanced supply and demand very well.

Recently it has been reported that booking ahead was advisable - but that was largely in (many) posts in July and August with lots of Spanish peregrinos and many more Spanish folks choosing to holiday at home. Those months are renowned for the ‘bed race’ in any case.

A reasonable compromise may be to book your first couple of nights and take advice from the hospitaleros with respect to your future plans. Spontaneity is an important part of many people’s experience of the Camino.

November through March is my usual Camino season. I book my first night, wherever I’m starting out from, then take it as it comes. I’ve never failed to find a good bed.

Be prepared for rain.

Budget for a couple of (relatively) up-market stays.

Don’t over-think the logistics. Even some who I thought must have evaded their full-time carers somehow managed without drama.

Try to spend a couple of days in Santiago. It’s where you’re going and worth experiencing in a relaxed manner.

Check out the excellent recent thread on the virtual queuing system for a compostella, if you want one. You might be the only one in town who understands the system.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/compostelas-for-dummies.71496/

 

[mspath]

Besides being prepared for rain as noted in the answers above also be prepared for cold.
Many who walk in late autumn wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking. Walking I always wore a short sleeved polyester undershirt topped by a polyester longsleeve shirt. Furthermore I also carried an extra set of the same combo.

Here are a kit list and tips
from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in late autumn/winter.


Happy planning and Buen camino.

 

[CaptBuddy]

Have a wonderful journey. Stay warm and dry. Give my regards to the cows. Take lots of photos.
Eat something new, everyday. Look for ripe chestnuts and a place to roast them. Be curious.
Buen Camino

 

[KevinC]

Hello from a long time lurker but first time poster!

I’ve dreamed of being able to walk the full Camino Frances for several years but have reconciled myself to the fact that for now having time to walk the whole thing isn’t realistic! I have a week off in November and have decided that I want to use it for my first Camino experience - I’m planning to walk from Sarria to Santiago (and then in future years I can go back to the beginning and walk the full route in stages from SJPP).

As November is out of the main season, combined with Covid, I’m assuming that I’ll be safest planning and booking ahead? Are there any other planning/equipment recommendations for a first time pilgrim walking slightly out of season? I’m incredibly excited but also nervous so would love to hear from people who have had similar experiences!

Enjoy your Camino! It's hard for some to get the time to walk the full Camino Frances... Enjoy the Camino you do walk. And know you'll be back for more one day! Buen Camino!

 

[lt56ny]

It’s a very good time of year to choose in my opinion, my first venture onto the Camino Frances in November 2015 was from Leon to SdC.

In normal years there was no lack of accommodation, although there was a reduced choice - the free market balanced supply and demand very well.

Recently it has been reported that booking ahead was advisable - but that was largely in (many) posts in July and August with lots of Spanish peregrinos and many more Spanish folks choosing to holiday at home. Those months are renowned for the ‘bed race’ in any case.

A reasonable compromise may be to book your first couple of nights and take advice from the hospitaleros with respect to your future plans. Spontaneity is an important part of many people’s experience of the Camino.

November through March is my usual Camino season. I book my first night, wherever I’m starting out from, then take it as it comes. I’ve never failed to find a good bed.

Be prepared for rain.

Budget for a couple of (relatively) up-market stays.

Don’t over-think the logistics. Even some who I thought must have evaded their full-time carers somehow managed without drama.

Try to spend a couple of days in Santiago. It’s where you’re going and worth experiencing in a relaxed manner.

Check out the excellent recent thread on the virtual queuing system for a compostella, if you want one. You might be the only one in town who understands the system.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/compostelas-for-dummies.71496/

I wonder if walking in November if you need to even worry about the new system. I walked in 2018 and 19 and arrived in late November in 2018 and about December 8, 2019 and walked right in both times. In fact in 2019 i arrived about 11:00AM and got the free pilgrim lunch at the Parador for that day! But you know you know you never know from one year to the next. I should arrive about December 8th this year after walking the VDLP and still plan to wing it! I hate dealing with technology. Because I am soooooo lame with it.

 

[Creativeguy]

I'm enjoying the information here. I have a possibility, very spontaneous, to walk from Sarria in November. After planning several times and having things come up that prevented me from walking, I'm considering this a starter experience. The tips and suggestions here have been very helpful! Cheers!

 

[mspath]

Anyone planning to travel/walk November 1 please read this post

 

[Former member 49149]

All the best for your first camino. All above posts are precious, but allow me to suggest that you pay particular attention to mspath's recommendations!
I think that you might well manage without booking anywhere, but perhaps you will feel safer with the first night booked. People exchange contact details and stay in touch with whatsapp or signal - my preference! - so you will be able to know what is or is not available. Buen camino!