• Get your Camino Frances Guidebook here.
  • For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Camino Frances winter

michael

Active Member
Does anyone know of the conditions likely during Jan and Feb?
Is SJPP a feasible start or would it be prudent to start on other side of Pyrenees?
I am holding Northern route as plan B but understand that all refuges are open all winter on Camino Frances.
I am experienced in mountains in winter but don’t want to way myself down with winter survival gear. Anyone travelled the route at this time of year and got any input on what to carry?

regards
Michael W
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
camino winter

"If the passes are blocked with snow, take a lower-level alternative."

Are alternative routes in the guide or do you have to work them out for yourself? I have heard that the locals will not let you go over some sections if the forecast is bad.
Sorry if this seems all a bit vague at present but was intending to use Via de la Plata but informed that no accommodation Jan and Feb so just switched to Camino Frances and have not got guide book yet.

regards
Michael W
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
The 'alternative' is to use the road rather than the path. The track used by the St-Jean - Roncesvalles section for instance rises to 1440m, whereas the road rises only to 1057m. In snow, the road will be cleared, the path will not. The road is also safer in other bad weather, such as mist/low cloud. Locals, e.g. at the accueil in St-Jean, will be able to advise.

From Ponferrada, an alternative low-level route via Lemos, the Camino de Invierno, is being developed. Should be almost finished, though it's not been officially adopted by the Xunta yet.

I actually think the biggest problem in winter is not the weather but the lack of daylight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

I
  • Tags winter
    • Winter Camino Frances
    Replies
    26
    Views
    4K
    nilesite
  • Tags winter
    • LIVE from the Camino Winter Walking: My Journey Along the Camino Francés
    2
    Replies
    104
    Views
    10K
    ieremv
  • Tags winter
    • El Camino Frances in January 2024
    Replies
    10
    Views
    1K
    iwalkinwinter
    Menu
    Log in
    Register