LIVE from the Camino Conditions on Via de la Plata

[Former member 109322]

Trail from Santiponce to Guillena is totally underwater. as was local road. Only option was highway that you can't walk on. Nice man gave us ride around for 15 euros.

 

[SabsP]

Be careful!

Horrid weather indeed.

Processions in Sevilla are cancelled.

La lluvia desborda la playa de San Nicolás del Puerto y corta varias carreteras en la Sierra Norte

El río Galindón se desborda arrasando con la zona de la playa fluvial Aviso amarillo por lluvias y tormentas Se desprende parte de la cubierta del pabellón Mascareta de Tomares

www.diariodesevilla.es

Aviso amarillo por lluvias y tormentas en Sevilla para el Viernes Santo

Las previsiones de Aemet indican una cierta mejoría del tiempo entre las 14:00 y las 19:00 Sevilla se queda sin Madrugada

www.diariodesevilla.es

 

[Anniesantiago]

Be careful!

Horrid weather indeed.

Processions in Sevilla are cancelled.

La lluvia desborda la playa de San Nicolás del Puerto y corta varias carreteras en la Sierra Norte

El río Galindón se desborda arrasando con la zona de la playa fluvial Aviso amarillo por lluvias y tormentas Se desprende parte de la cubierta del pabellón Mascareta de Tomares

www.diariodesevilla.es

Aviso amarillo por lluvias y tormentas en Sevilla para el Viernes Santo

Las previsiones de Aemet indican una cierta mejoría del tiempo entre las 14:00 y las 19:00 Sevilla se queda sin Madrugada

www.diariodesevilla.es

Sabs, when is this weather supposed to clear up?
Is there a good website for checking weather in Spain that you can suggest?

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Trail from Santiponce to Guillena is totally underwater. as was local road. Only option was highway that you can't walk on. Nice man gave us ride around for 15 euros.

Oh no! I wasn't aware of the weather in southern Spain right now. It looks bad. Will you be able to carry on from Guillena to Castilblanco tomorrow??

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Sabs, when is this weather supposed to clear up?
Is there a good website for checking weather in Spain that you can suggest?

I found a local newspaper saying it will be the same weather tomorrow, and part of the day after tomorrow. There will be rainy weather three days in a row from now. But as the intrepid @ellenperry will probably be carrying on, hopefully she will be moving out of it.

Para el Sábado Santo, el pronóstico del tiempo es el mismo, con un 100% de probabilidad de precipitaciones durante todo el día. Las temperaturas oscilarán entre los diez grados de mínima y los 15 de máxima. El Domingo de Resurrección cuenta hasta ahora con un 100% de riesgo en la primera parte de la jornada, mientras que el porcentaje baja al 90% por la tarde. La temperatura máxima subirá hasta los 18 grados, mientras que la mínima estará en torno a los 11. Para el lunes también se espera lluvia y una bajada de las mínimas. https://www.diariodesevilla.es/semana_santa/Aviso-tormentas-Sevilla-Viernes-Santo_0_1888911431.html

 

[SabsP]

Sabs, when is this weather supposed to clear up?
Is there a good website for checking weather in Spain that you can suggest?

Aemet is a good source.

España - Agencia Estatal de Meteorología - AEMET. Gobierno de España

Predicción general para España

www.aemet.es

 

[J Willhaus]

I think this is Storm Nelson? I also read that there's cancellations of Semana Santa processions in Santiago and other activities in the Galicia region so it isn't just isolated in the south.

 

[Luka]

No, the weather is pretty bad everywhere in Spain. Here in Asturias 2 people where swallowed by the waves of the Cantabrian sea yesterday. One in San Esteban de Pravia and one in Cudillero.

 

[SabsP]

Affected regions.

El tiempo del Viernes Santo: lluvias generalizadas en toda España y nevadas en Asturias, Castilla y León y Madrid

La lluvia, nieve, las fuertes rachas de viento y mala mar siguen afectando a casi toda España a causa de la

www.rtve.es

 

[MacMac]

Trail from Santiponce to Guillena is totally underwater. as was local road. Only option was highway that you can't walk on. Nice man gave us ride around for 15 euros.

That sucks! I am starting from Sevilla on Saturday 2 weeks from today, and hope it will have dried by then. Saw in the Weather App that it is raining heavily today.

Enjoy your Camino nevertheless! And any tips or current info are welcome!

 

[donalomahony]

The Sierra de Madrid have a snow warning

La acumulación de nieve mantiene la alerta amarilla en la Sierra de Madrid

Según han informado fuentes de Emergencias 112 de la Comunidad de Madrid, la Sierra de Madrid permanecerá en alerta amarilla por acumulación de nieve de

www.elindependiente.com

 

[Rosway]

That sucks! I am starting from Sevilla on Saturday 2 weeks from today, and hope it will have dried by then. Saw in the Weather App that it is raining heavily today.

Enjoy your Camino nevertheless! And any tips or current info are welcome!

It will hardly last for a fortnight. I start from Seville on April 13th.

 

[JustJack]

That sucks! I am starting from Sevilla on Saturday 2 weeks from today, and hope it will have dried by then. Saw in the Weather App that it is raining heavily today.

Enjoy your Camino nevertheless! And any tips or current info are welcome!

I'll be a couple days behind you. Hopefully things will have dried out.

 

[camino07]

I start on the 10th. Saying lots of prayers...

 

[Scott...O]

Leaving El Real de La Jara this morning (31 March)…

 

[OzAnnie]

I start on the 10th. Saying lots of prayers...

Sunday 31/3/24. - it’s wet now and has been wet @camino07 but the sunshine and drying out will happen. I’m thinking it will be good when you start on 10th. Buen camino
Hats off to those right now tho.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Leaving El Real de La Jara this morning (31 March)…
View attachment 167073

I am lost for words. Were there any more places like this before Monesterio?

 

[OzAnnie]

I am lost for words. Were there any more places like this before Monesterio?

I believe so. Reading the current updates by Gerald Kelly on the fb group ‘via de la plata pilgrim group ‘., there are earlier sections. .
But… It WILL abate. It always does.

 

[MacMac]

It will hardly last for a fortnight. I start from Seville on April 13th.

I will be walking from Sevilla on the 13th too!
See you somewhere that day!

 

[Madis]

Walk out of Merida towards Aljucen was already pretty good. No big deal. Probably because it was hilly.

From Torremejia to Merida it was a complete s**tshow. Its very flat there. I doubt there were any pilgrims that did not choose the car road near the trail instead.

 

[duncanwhyte]

After a few troublesome crossings I mostly did the walk by road. Folk were amassing injuries daily.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Ooooh, this is a bummer. Best wishes for the pilgrims out now. Feel for you.

 

[OzAnnie]

Ooooh, this is a bummer. Best wishes for the pilgrims out now. Feel for you.

Didn’t you time your Mozárabe and Vdlp well Damien. Although you did get your share of crossings too.

 

[OzAnnie]

Were there any more places like this before Monesterio?

A screen shot from fb re your question. (Mods: is it okay to include from fb?).
Note / possibly improving by Monday.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Didn’t you time your Mozárabe and Vdlp well Damien. Although you did get your share of crossings too.

I didn't time anything well, I just went back to Spain when I had the itch and followed advice on this forum as to where to go. As far as crossings, the one that was major was the first time I've ever started across any body of water and said, "um, no. I better not." Like I was about to get swept away by the current, seriously. The thing about the Vdlp is I get the feeling it's "usually" dry, so when it does rain, it doesn't handle it well. In Galicia I noticed the little things, like stepping stones, diversion channels, etc. Used to the rain. On the Vdlp, this year, I really learned how to hate mud and soggy grassy parts that unexpectedly soaked my socks. The infrastructure/flood control isn't as good along that route. For example, here's a picture from Alcacacios, (I have no clue where that is.) I mean, good intentions, but an engineering fail. (note: this is not the crossing I spoke about earlier, this one was mild, and I just hugged the shoreline to the right to get across bushwhacking a bit.)

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Damien Reynolds , that's so poorly designed it's actually comical!
Beautiful day though!

 

[Scott...O]

I am lost for words. Were there any more places like this before Monesterio?

Sorry for the slow response…That was the worst of them. Now that the rain has stopped in these parts, the water levels are dropping quite quickly, thankfully.

 

[Scott...O]

Today’s best crossing, on the way to Fuente de Cantos (at about 13km out of Monesterio)… water cold & moving fast, stones sharp & slippery… but we got through.

 

[nycwalking]

Today’s best crossing, on the way to Fuente de Cantos (at about 13km out of Monesterio)… water cold & moving fast, stones sharp & slippery… but we got through.

Yikes!

Take care out there.

Buen camino.

 

[Corned Beef]

Today’s best crossing, on the way to Fuente de Cantos (at about 13km out of Monesterio)… water cold & moving fast, stones sharp & slippery… but we got through.

Same section 2 years ago. Check the Exif data for the location.

 

[Madis]

After Merida trail quality is good. Definetely still water on trail for another few days but nothing crazy anymore. Right after the monastery there was supposed to be some complications, but I avoided that part.

Im about to reach Careces.

 

[Scott...O]

Only two crossings today (Fuente de Cantos - Zafra): both just nuisance value now that the rain has stopped & the water levels have dropped.

 

[WildPlace]

Husband and I started from Sevilla on the 22nd March, we arrived in Merida today. The weather up until today has been cold and wet, we skipped the following sections Monesterio to Fuente de Cantos, Fuente de Cantos to Zafra and Zafra to Villafranca as we’d heard they were impassable. All has been good since then and today walking to Merida has been a warm and sunny day, long may it continue!

 

[alexwalker]

Husband and I started from Sevilla on the 22nd March, we arrived in Merida today. The weather up until today has been cold and wet, we skipped the following sections Monesterio to Fuente de Cantos, Fuente de Cantos to Zafra and Zafra to Villafranca as we’d heard they were impassable. All has been good since then and today walking to Merida has been a warm and sunny day, long may it continue!

Enjoy Merida: Lots of Roman history there. My advice: Go see the Roman theatre on a rest day tomorrow.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I walked today from Sevilla to Guillena. On leaving Sevilla, we took the path Aling the rivier. It was no problem at all, not a single pool of water on the trail, no mud at all. It was beautifull with many flowers.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

After the terrible few kilometers along a busy road and dangerous crossings, we got on the path to Guillena. After a few hundred meters we got to the bifurcation: the road to the right avoids the crossing of the Arroyo de las Molinas. Because of the heavy rainfalls we chose this option. This trail was very beautifull, I remembered the old road as being a little bit boring : a straigt road between farmlands. The new road had more bends, again many flowers. BUT after about 6 km we cameto a muddy stretch, which was still doable. Later on where the paths runs between steep slopes/ walls there was a lot of waterThe first part could be svoided by walking on a path to the right leading to an oliveorchard. at the second spot you could do the same to the left. At the third spot we climbed yp the slope and walked on a field. where we collected kilos of clay on our shoes
The hospitalera of Luz del Camino told me that the conditions on the old road are at this moment much better than on the alternative route. I am sure thoug that the situation on the alternative will be much better soon.

 

[Sandra Wolf]

Hi, Antonius. Thank you for the information. We start walking from Sevilla tomorrow- where is the bifurcation?

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

The bifurcation is about 500 meters after the beginning of the path to Guillema thait starts right after you have crossed the dangerous exit of the highway. Zyou will recognise it ehen you get there

 

[Sandra Wolf]

Thank you - we will keep an eye out for it. Buen Camino!

 

[Rosway]

Walk out of Merida towards Aljucen was already pretty good. No big deal. Probably because it was hilly.

From Torremejia to Merida it was a complete s**tshow. Its very flat there. I doubt there were any pilgrims that did not choose the car road near the trail instead.

It will hardly last for a fortnight. I start from Seville on April 13th.

Started in Seville on 13th, conditions good, high temperatures in the afternoons.
I have planned out my stages to my stopping point-Salamanca and was planning on doing a very long stage from Carcaboso to Aldeanueva as per Gronze; not taking the Via Verde. Gerald Kelly’s guidebook refers to several rivers which have to be crossed after Caparra; obviously these shouldn’t be attempted after rain. Of course we may get more rain over the next week or so, but as of now, does anyone know if they are safe to cross. I am walking alone.
Is this route widely used and well marked. I ask this because of a bad experience, having taken a little used route on a stage on the Del Norte.
Thanks.

 

[Sandra Wolf]

Hi
Not sure if this is the correct place to post this but anyone who is planning to stay at the Albergue municipal Miliario del Verdinal at Alden Del Canó (between Alcuéscar and Valdesalor) should be warned that it is closed for renovations. We turned up today - 18 April 2024 - to discover this.

 

[JustJack]

Hi
Not sure if this is the correct place to post this but anyone who is planning to stay at the Albergue municipal Miliario del Verdinal at Alden Del Canó (between Alcuéscar and Valdesalor) should be warned that it is closed for renovations. We turned up today - 18 April 2024 - to discover this.

Thanks. I don’t see it listed on Gronze so it looks like that site is up-to-date.

 

[Raindrop]

After a few troublesome crossings I mostly did the walk by road. Folk were amassing injuries daily.

Hi did it take you longer to achieve your goal to Santiago? Were there a lot of places to stay considering it was Easter weekend?

 

[Raindrop]

After a few troublesome crossings I mostly did the walk by road. Folk were amassing injuries daily.

What kind of injuries? Did you ever meet any of the hurt people? I think this particular Camino is pretty long and secluded.

 

[duncanwhyte]

It took 5 weeks. I expected 6. But there were long sections and no rest days. I didn't stay in SdC as my flight was the day I arrived. But it was busy.

I met a woman who had stitches for her cut. A guy who lost his shoe and used sandals, and cut his feet. Me and most had bruises, scrapes etc. that usually we don't get.

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

 

[LTfit]

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

That's interesting as I would not consider the Vía de la Plata a "remote type of walk". You go through the cities of Sevilla, Mérida, Salamanca and Zamora. I've walked several other Caminos with far fewer pilgrims and less infrastructure such as the Levante and the Lana.

Remote? The Olvidado fits that bill for sure, especially if you walk the mountain stages.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Ltfit. How would you describe it?

 

[LTfit]

Ltfit. How would you describe it?

The Spanish I believe could describe parts of it as España profunda, regions steeped in tradition and culture. It is such an interesting route as it is so diverse with its small hamlets and towns interspersed between larger cities full of history.

Culturally and geographically it is also so diverse with dehesas in the south and mountains in the north.

It is a quieter route than the Francés, Portuguese, Norte and Primitivo that's obvious. It's not for everyone but if you enjoy a more solitary route - not remote - then it has a great mixture to offer.

 

[Raindrop]

It took 5 weeks. I expected 6. But there were long sections and no rest days. I didn't stay in SdC as my flight was the day I arrived. But it was busy.

I met a woman who had stitches for her cut. A guy who lost his shoe and used sandals, and cut his feet. Me and most had bruises, scrapes etc. that usually we don't get.

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

Thanks for your reply. I do worry about getting injured or being alone as you never know who you will meet etc…I guess you don’t hear too many horror stories though. I have started to watch U tube videos which are very interesting and show a lot of the walks and albergues. The albergues on the VDLP look very nice and modern I heard the El Cubo is very small and tight though obviously compared to A laxe. I’ll keep researching. I’m glad I joined this site for reference.

 

[WalkingInGers]

The Spanish I believe could describe parts of it as España profunda, regions steeped in tradition and culture. It is such an interesting route as it is so diverse with its small hamlets and towns interspersed between larger cities full of history.

Culturally and geographically it is also so diverse with dehesas in the south and mountains in the north.

It is a quieter route than the Francés, Portuguese, Norte and Primitivo that's obvious. It's not for everyone but if you enjoy a more solitary route - not remote - then it has a great mixture to offer.

That is THE reasons that I am walking the VdLP with the Estrecho and Augusta. I like people but in limited…supply…reason why from Portomarin on the Camino Frances, it was a bit of a downer at the end and to finish like that.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks for your reply. I do worry about getting injured or being alone as you never know who you will meet etc…I guess you don’t hear too many horror stories though. I have started to watch U tube videos which are very interesting and show a lot of the walks and albergues. The albergues on the VDLP look very nice and modern I heard the El Cubo is very small and tight though obviously compared to A laxe. I’ll keep researching. I’m glad I joined this site for reference.

As far is getting injured or risks from strangers is concerned you might wish to consider downloading the Spanish alertcops app. It's an English speaking service and is not just for emergency use.

AlertCops - Apps on Google Play

Law Enforcement Agencies App

play.google.com

I would add that the 'stranger' risk is minimal, the biggest danger is, as always, crossing the road!

 

[duncanwhyte]

Thanks for your reply. I do worry about getting injured or being alone as you never know who you will meet etc…I guess you don’t hear too many horror stories though. I have started to watch U tube videos which are very interesting and show a lot of the walks and albergues. The albergues on the VDLP look very nice and modern I heard the El Cubo is very small and tight though obviously compared to A laxe. I’ll keep researching. I’m glad I joined this site for reference.

The conditions in Feb/march made the marked trail an obstacle course. With each flooded crossing, problematic. Whereupon many will persist and endeavour to cross, resulting in the injuries.

I found better options on Google maps and eventually walked most of it by road. So opt for that in poor conditions.

Unless you go with someone you may find yourself walking a lot of it alone.

I chose the VERIN alternative and got into those nice new albergues.

 

[Raindrop]

The Spanish I believe could describe parts of it as España profunda, regions steeped in tradition and culture. It is such an interesting route as it is so diverse with its small hamlets and towns interspersed between larger cities full of history.

Culturally and geographically it is also so diverse with dehesas in the south and mountains in the north.

It is a quieter route than the Francés, Portuguese, Norte and Primitivo that's obvious. It's not for everyone but if you enjoy a more solitary route - not remote - then it has a great mixture to offer.

Oh thank you! I got interested in doing this as a couple years ago my best friends husbands friend was telling us all about the Caminos, he had done a few! He actually just finished this one as well and met the lady who fell and got stitches, they were on the same schedule for a few days for the last week. I do worry about being alone and getting hurt I think it’s best to ask a friend to go also

 

[Raindrop]

It took 5 weeks. I expected 6. But there were long sections and no rest days. I didn't stay in SdC as my flight was the day I arrived. But it was busy.

I met a woman who had stitches for her cut. A guy who lost his shoe and used sandals, and cut his feet. Me and most had bruises, scrapes etc. that usually we don't get.

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

Oh 5 weeks is really good! My best friends husbands (friend )took 6 weeks. He’s done many caminos and took his time. He also met a lady who had to get stitches she was around 70 I think and fell in water because it was just so deep. I hope that has been resolved now. I also heard of a man who needed stitches. I will be considering this one but I’ll just start around Zamora I think. It will be my first one. Thank you for your comments.