Camino Francés starting at December 19th from SJPP

[Arcrego]

Hello,
I´ll start my Camino at 19th December from SJPP, and I would like to know if someone here did this route between December - january and if in this period is viable mainly to walk the first step in Pyrineos.
Thanks in advance

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

I've often dreamed of a winter camino but have never done it. This blog describes a winter camino around the dates you're interested in, The couple that wrote it walked Dec 2010-Jan 2011, I think. Hope it will be helpful. http://agoodwalkunspoiled.blogspot.com/

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Arn]

Hi... Welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2011!
Several things to consider:
1. When and what time will you arrive in SJPDP. If early in the day, check in at the Pilgrim's Office for info and a weather report toward the top. If they say don't go. Don't
2. If you arrive later or they say don't go. Arrange for a room and start the next day early.
3. Consider going half way the first day and stop at Orisson.
4. Check which allergies are open year round and begin the Way to SDC.
The Camino will do the rest.
Buen Camino
Arn

 

[Arn]

Auto correct is a pain:

Check "albergues" not allergies!

Drat !!!

 

[Arcrego]

Hi Laurie and Arn,

Thanks so much for your recomendation will be too usefull to my planning...!!!!!

Armando

 

[mikevasey]

Hi Armando,

I walked the CF in November of last year, not quite proper winter but on the edges.
I did have couple of snowstorms and there was ice on water pools in the morning but apart from that it was perfect. However if i had walked later, even just a few days then i would have been in quite cold conditions, and i think that would have meant doing shorter stages each day, so take that into account when you are allowing yourself time.

Orisson shut last year near the end of October, check to see if it is open when you want to walk.

Another factor to take into consideration is that the guidebook i had and the list i was given in SJPDP on which albergues were open was not 100% correct, and in colder wetter conditions that could have been a bigger problem than it was, but you should be still Ok. It is worth asking wherever you are about the albergues 1,2 or 3 days ahead, and take it from there.

I would love to go back and do a 'proper' winter camino i feel it would be something very special, i will keep an eye out for your posts.

Mike

 

[robertt]

Hi Arcrego.

I went from Pamplona to Santiago early this year, winter-spring, having completed Le Puy to Pamplona the previous spring. Interestingly, when I crossed the Pyrenees the year before, the pass at Roncesvalles was closed in late May. When I encountered pilgrims this year who had crossed over in the middle of winter, some had gone over the pass without any difficulty. So conditions can matter more than season!

As to whether I'd recommend the experience of a winter Camino, my response is an unhesitating yes. It has different charms and different difficulties...but it's the Camino.

Go get 'em.

Rob

 

[Arcrego]

Hi Rob and Mike,

That´s great recommendation, I don´t have doubt that cross the Pyrineos will be a good challenge.

We keep in touch

Armando

 

[Frank1]

Hello,

is it possible to do the Napoleon route in december or do yo need to go by Valcarlos?

Greetings

 

[mspath]

Frank,
In snow or bad weather go via Valcarlos. The local police always suggest it. There is a very pleasant, new HEATED municipal albergue in Valcarlos on the route up to Roncevales. Buen Camino. Margaret