April start advice sought

[Lucho]

Hi. I'm doing my second Camino this spring. I plan to walk the Frances (SJPdP) with a Primitivo detour, starting April 1. But my schedule is flexible so I'm tapping the forum for experienced insight into when would be best to start.

Two considerations:

1) My prior Camino was 2018 (Frances) and I started one week into April, so nearly the same time. Back then it was the right amount of people and the right weather/time of year for me. I never really had to worry about finding a bed until that last 100km from Sarria, and I like the number of piligrims I met during my 800km walk. Obviously, numbers of peregrinos have increased in the last six years, so I wonder if a similar start this year will be drastically different from 2018.

I did see Ivar's video about his expectation that 2024 will continue pilgrim growth and I also read the recent thread on annual / monthly numbers. If I read that right, it actually appears that though the annual numbers are creeping up most of the rise can be attributed to big jumps in April and May, with only slight increases in other months. Anyway, I wonder if pushing my start forward a week-or-so would be advisable, given my flexible schedule. Of course, that would put me into pre-April weather and some albergues not being open, right?

2) Then there is the Semana Santa issue. I imagine starting during that week may be a mess. Am I wrong? Anyone with experience on this?

Anyway, thoughts on an early April / late March start would be appreciated. I don't mind crowds so long as I am not in a rat race for beds. I would prefer warmer weather, so slightly hesitant to start too early in March.

Thanks in advance, all!

 

[trecile]

Are you planning to connect to the Primitivo via the Camino del Salvador from León to Oviedo?

 

[Lucho]

Are you planning to connect to the Primitivo via the Camino del Salvador from León to Oviedo?

Yes.

 

[dick bird]

Easter is March 29 to April 1, so if you start after then, you should be OK. I don´t think there´ll be anything like a bed race at that time of year, especially on the Primitivo or Salvador. Sounds like a good plan you have. Buen Camino.

 

[VeronicaF1]

Hi. I'm doing my second Camino this spring. I plan to walk the Frances (SJPdP) with a Primitivo detour, starting April 1. But my schedule is flexible so I'm tapping the forum for experienced insight into when would be best to start.

Two considerations:

1) My prior Camino was 2018 (Frances) and I started one week into April, so nearly the same time. Back then it was the right amount of people and the right weather/time of year for me. I never really had to worry about finding a bed until that last 100km from Sarria, and I like the number of piligrims I met during my 800km walk. Obviously, numbers of peregrinos have increased in the last six years, so I wonder if a similar start this year will be drastically different from 2018.

I did see Ivar's video about his expectation that 2024 will continue pilgrim growth and I also read the recent thread on annual / monthly numbers. If I read that right, it actually appears that though the annual numbers are creeping up most of the rise can be attributed to big jumps in April and May, with only slight increases in other months. Anyway, I wonder if pushing my start forward a week-or-so would be advisable, given my flexible schedule. Of course, that would put me into pre-April weather and some albergues not being open, right?

2) Then there is the Semana Santa issue. I imagine starting during that week may be a mess. Am I wrong? Anyone with experience on this?

Anyway, thoughts on an early April / late March start would be appreciated. I don't mind crowds so long as I am not in a rat race for beds. I would prefer warmer weather, so slightly hesitant to start too early in March.

Thanks in advance, all!

Its very busy during Easter. You'd probably have to book acommodation at least a day ahead.

 

[Susan Peacock]

I have walked many times starting mid-April and I worked in SJPdP last year from late March until April 12th when I started walking. Easter was April 9th. Yes, I would say your assessment of the numbers is correct. While for 2023 SJPdP starts were not as much as pre-pandemic, April was higher. I would definitely suggest reservations through Pamplona. I suspect with Easter being March 31st and the possible opening of the Napoleon route April 1st, it will be a very busy week. Saying that, I believe it’s definitely manageable after Pamplona. Last year, I just stayed in some smaller towns and had no problem and walked alone, while I was reading of doomsday on the forum.

 

[David Tallan]

Yes.

My main piece of advice is to take 6 days for the Salvador and be sure to stop at the albergue in Bendueños (call or WhatsApp ahead to let her know you are coming). It's an extra 1.5 km (uphill!) at the end of your day, a bit off-Camino, but oh so worth it!

 

[Ken & Liz]

Orisson opens on 10th April but taking bookings now. Borda opens earlier but is filling up fast