Camino Primitivo on Christmas

[sarasilveira]

Hello,

I'm planning to start from Oviedo on 25th December.
Any tips about weather climate and information if albergues will be open.

Thank you!

 

[Tia Valeria]

Hola and welcome.
A difficult question to answer as trying to predict the weather from our firesides is almost impossible. The only real way is to check the on-line forecast at http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios and use the interactive map to check for conditions. The snow line needs to be above 2000mts to get over some passes, and it is lower all this week. Listen to the locals who will know if the passes are open and check for the next night's stop before you set off. If you need transport you need to be aware that there is no bus up from Oviedo to Grandas on a Saturday, and only one per day late afternoon on other days. I suggest that you check the ALSA site. Between Grandas de Salime there is no public transport of any sort. In really bad weather the passes can be closed to heavy traffic - the Asturias112 Estado de carreteras is a good site with a roll over interactive map. I have never been able to find one for Galicia, but you are working downwards after Alto de Acebo so it isn't so important. Do make sure that you have a phone and taxi numbers for emergency.
Having said that the weather could be mild and dry and walking easy.
Gronze should have up to date information about albergues.
Hope the weather is kind to you
Buen Camino

 

[sarasilveira]

Hello,

I'm planning to start from Oviedo on 25th. Anyone doing the Primitivo this time?

Bon Camino!

Hola and welcome.
A difficult question to answer as trying to predict the weather from our firesides is almost impossible. The only real way is to check the on-line forecast at http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios and use the interactive map to check for conditions. The snow line needs to be above 2000mts to get over some passes, and it is lower all this week. Listen to the locals who will know if the passes are open and check for the next night's stop before you set off. If you need transport you need to be aware that there is no bus up from Oviedo to Grandas on a Saturday, and only one per day late afternoon on other days. I suggest that you check the ALSA site. Between Grandas de Salime there is no public transport of any sort. In really bad weather the passes can be closed to heavy traffic - the Asturias112 Estado de carreteras is a good site with a roll over interactive map. I have never been able to find one for Galicia, but you are working downwards after Alto de Acebo so it isn't so important. Do make sure that you have a phone and taxi numbers for emergency.
Having said that the weather could be mild and dry and walking easy.
Gronze should have up to date information about albergues.
Hope the weather is kind to you
Buen Camino

Thank you for the help! I've been checking the weather everyday Which are the places where probably i'll get snow? That's the only thing that concerns me more about doing the camino

 

[Tincatinker]

@sarasilveira as Tia has said the predictions you are asking for can only really be projections. Mountain weather is always un-predictable and you will need to seek all the help and advice you can as you go along.

That said there is a a high probability of you encountering some snow anywhere between Tineo and Fonsagrada, the predominantly higher level part of the route. The highest probabilities are for between Borres and Grandas de Salime, and particularly the Puerto de Palo; Puerto del Acebo and another highpoint just after Montouto between Fonsagrada and Paradevella the name of which escapes me.

The Hospitales route would in my opinion be too risky at that time of year unless the 24hr forecast is exceptionally stable and you have company.

You will need to be well prepared for adverse weather and be prepared to sit out a day or two should the need arise.

Buen (adventurous) Camino

 

[Tia Valeria]

To add to Tincatinker's comment. We would say you could encounter snow anywhere between Tineo and Cádabo as the route goes over the 800mt+ passes. The photo of Puerto de Palo, the highest pass at 1140mts, shows the snow poles (the 'sticks'). Our guide book says that in bad weather pilgrims should walk the road between Pola de Allande and Berducedo, over Puerto de Palo, and also between Berducedo and Grandas de Salime, avoiding Buspol.



Visibility was 50mts when this was taken and Terry had to walk the road down off the tops. Our following walk over the same pass was in glorious sunshine. Hope you do get good weather if you walk over Christmas.
Buen Camino

 

[Tia Valeria]

Hello,

I'm planning to start from Oviedo on 25th December.
Any tips about weather climate and information if albergues will be open.

Thank you!

How are your plans going. Hopefully you will let us know how you get on.
Buen Camino

 

[jemitch65]

Hello,

I'm planning to start from Oviedo on 25th December.
Any tips about weather climate and information if albergues will be open.

Thank you!

Hello Sara: I am walking the Norte in June 2015. I am not certain if I will detour to the Primativo. I will make the decision when I get to the split. I have no advice to give you other than to say, I couldn't think of a better way to spend my Christmas. I wish you the best on your journey and buen Camino. John