Camino del Norte in October - from Santander to Santiago

[Silviarigg]

Hello!
I am planning my fist (half) Camino and will land to Santander October 9.
I was leaning towards the Camino del Norte for the scenery but it seems from other posts that in October most albergues close, so I was wondering what’s the alternative in that case (if someone else did that route around the same period).
Also, from the logistical perspective, I was checking the passport point, and is it possible to retrieve the pilgrim passport in Santander once I arrive there?
I also saw that with the 3 weeks available (I’d like to go back the first days of November) it’s doable to reach Santiago, but if the route feels a bit lonely or I am comfortable with it, is it still possible to change and go for the Camino frances, right?
I have lived in Spain before and moving around it’s usually quite easy, I am just wondering what are the implications with the pilgrim passport when changing route - if it happens, which is a plan B.
Curious to hear previous experiences on the Camino del Norte, especially if started half way!

 

[Sd217]

I think most albergues close at the end of Oct, well i hope so as im landing in Bilbao and bussing to Irun on the 9th oth Oct so we might pass if you stay on the Norte .
Its late i know but work dictates , i had a week on the French Way in March, boy was it cold .
Buen Camino

 

[Tom Conklin]

I found that most albergues and other accommodations and services were open on the Norte and Primitivo last October. There were also many, many people so loneliness will not be an issue.