Camino in late October/early November?

[joebrown7696]

It has always been on my bucket list to walk the Camino. I never thought I would have the time until retirement. I unexpectedly have about 10 days where I could go to Spain near the end of October. I have a few questions about going then.

1. Is this a good time to go, or will weather be a problem?
2. Should I come from Sarria on the Camino Frances, or from Vigo on the Portuguese Camino? Or do you have a better idea and why?
3. Is there anything else I should consider?

Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

 

[J Willhaus]

It will be less busy at this time and you may find some places will be "closed for the season". Still should be enough open to serve pilgrims on the Camino Frances. Sarria to Santiago will still have bag transport through Correos if that is a consideration. My husband spent a month in Santiago in November few years ago and it rained a lot (not light rain either) so you'll want to be prepared for that possibility. I am not sure what is open from Vigo, but Xunta albergues should be open at a minimum.

 

[J Willhaus]

Red pública de albergues - Camino de Santiago en Galicia: web oficial

www.caminodesantiago.gal

Here's the link to the network of Xunta albergues in Galicia. Flat rate of 10 euros. They are usually Spartan, but perfectly suited for pilgrims. No meals though and the kitchens while nice have nothing to cook with.

Also in November the winter pilgrim website will be open with advice on what else there may be open.

Pagina nueva 1

 

[joebrown7696]

Red pública de albergues - Camino de Santiago en Galicia: web oficial

www.caminodesantiago.gal

Here's the link to the network of Xunta albergues in Galicia. Flat rate of 10 euros. They are usually Spartan, but perfectly suited for pilgrims. No meals though and the kitchens while nice have nothing to cook with.

Also in November the winter pilgrim website will be open with advice on what else there may be open.

Pagina nueva 1

Thank you for sharing!

 

[klimmo]

Hi, I walked both my camino's in october-november.

The Mozarabe from Granada to Cordoba and two years ago the Portugues from Porto to Santiago.
The first one was cold and lonely, the second one warm (20degrees) and sunny, with enough others to meet up regularly. I'm going to walk the dry stone route on Mallorca this time, I'll see how it goes, for most weather you can prepare or adapt. I'd go if I had the opportunity. You can't fail, you may adapt, but at least you were there.

 

[mspath]

joebrown7696,

Late autumn is a great time to walk with generally golden days and cool nights. Although during past years albergues on the CF started to close mid October there was always some place open. The hospitaleros usually know what was open on the next section. Walking in late autumn I usually stayed in municipal albergues and never had a reservation until the final days in Santiago.

Howwver you must be prepared for cold. Many who walk in late autumn wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking. Here are a kit list and tips from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in late autumn/winter.

Happy planning and Buen camino!

 

[K_Lynn]

My sister and I are walking Camino Ingles the last week of October, so there is another short Camino possibility. I do expect rain and have packed accordingly.

 

[David Tallan]

I think the Camino Ingles is certainly something to consider. That would give you a "complete" Camino in the timeframe you are looking at.

This may be a good time for a Sarria to Santiago Camino, when it won't be as busy as during spring, summer, or earlier autumn. You will benefit from the more robust infrastructure.

If you are looking at the Portugues, you might also want to consider starting in Valença or Tui when it is colder.

 

[joebrown7696]

I think the Camino Ingles is certainly something to consider. That would give you a "complete" Camino in the timeframe you are looking at.

This may be a good time for a Sarria to Santiago Camino, when it won't be as busy as during spring, summer, or earlier autumn. You will benefit from the more robust infrastructure.

If you are looking at the Portugues, you might also want to consider starting in Valença or Tui when it is colder.

I think the Camino Ingles is an interesting idea. With it being a less popular route, do you think it would have adequate infrastructure during that time?

 

[Bradypus]

I think the Camino Ingles is an interesting idea. With it being a less popular route, do you think it would have adequate infrastructure during that time?

The Xunta albergues should all be open year round. "Adequate" really depends on what length of stages you are able and willing to walk. If you are prepared to have a night or two in hostals then there should be no major problems.

 

[krystianw]

Here's a website where you can compare weather across various caminos. There's an "example" section at the bottom, you can just open up a bunch of tabs and compare what the weather's like for the caminos you're considering for October or November.

 

[joebrown7696]

Here's a website where you can compare weather across various caminos. There's an "example" section at the bottom, you can just open up a bunch of tabs and compare what the weather's like for the caminos you're considering for October or November.

This is a great tool that I hadn't seen before. Thank you!

 

[Barkley]

Yes, the "compare weather across camino" is very helpful. Thank you

 

[timpans]

I'm walking at this time as well. Initially from Sarria to Santiago and then Camino Finisterre. Plenty of infrastructure in Sarria. Not so much on Finisterre but I'm anticipating a beautiful walk towards the end of the world. I don't mind rain and wind. I have booked ahead though in hotels: I have a health problem which is easier to manage that way. BTW does anyone know of baggage service on that route in November? Or a place to store a bag for the week in Santiago?

 

[joebrown7696]

Great, pretty sure I’m doing the same route to Santiago de Compostela. Plan on starting October 26. I have some extra days available at the end and may go to Finisterre, but may just explore for a few days.

 

[J Willhaus]

I'm walking at this time as well. Initially from Sarria to Santiago and then Camino Finisterre. Plenty of infrastructure in Sarria. Not so much on Finisterre but I'm anticipating a beautiful walk towards the end of the world. I don't mind rain and wind. I have booked ahead though in hotels: I have a health problem which is easier to manage that way. BTW does anyone know of baggage service on that route in November? Or a place to store a bag for the week in Santiago?

Correos is the only winter bag transfer servicd that I am aware of and they only do Sarria to Santiago in the winter months.

 

[Stuart Lennon]

I'm walking at this time as well. Initially from Sarria to Santiago and then Camino Finisterre. Plenty of infrastructure in Sarria. Not so much on Finisterre but I'm anticipating a beautiful walk towards the end of the world. I don't mind rain and wind. I have booked ahead though in hotels: I have a health problem which is easier to manage that way. BTW does anyone know of baggage service on that route in November? Or a place to store a bag for the week in Santiago?

I think Ivar - who operates this forum, stores bags in SDC.