Experiences of November /December on the Frances

[DebR]

Hi folks,
Seeking feedback from those in the know...
I have one of those pesky birthdays-with-the-round-ending coming up next year, and - having walked the Frances three times - I really like the idea of turning [cough]ty as I walk into Santiago. But my birthday falls a week before Christmas.
My past Caminos have been in April/May (damp but so pretty) and September/October (dry and earthy). But arriving in Santiago on 19 December would mean cold, wet, maybe snowy and...?
Has anyone walked from mid- November through to just before Christmas? What was it like? What were the high and lowlights, and would you do it again?
I'm not looking for a crystal ball here, but general experiences. (Also, I'm from the southern part of Australia - we do get cold here, but snow is rare.)
Thoughts?
Deb

 

[mspath]

DebR,

What a wonderful time you have chosen to walk! The crowds of summer are gone and there is never a bed race.

I have walked the CF during this period at least 4 times arriving in SdC mid December. For personal comments, trials and joys check out my blogs from 2010 to 2015 here.

It can get very cold at night. Snow covered the route up to O Cebreiro late November 2012. Hence, you MUST be prepared. Be sure to read what others and I have written re Winter Walking tips in general in this earlier Forum thread. Each link leads to further useful info.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-winter-camino.35819/

Everone who walks carries a personal combo of clothes and equipment. Here is mine for late autumn/winter.

Good luck and Buen camimo!

 

[Albertagirl]

Hi folks,
Seeking feedback from those in the know...
I have one of those pesky birthdays-with-the-round-ending coming up next year, and - having walked the Frances three times - I really like the idea of turning [cough]ty as I walk into Santiago. But my birthday falls a week before Christmas.
My past Caminos have been in April/May (damp but so pretty) and September/October (dry and earthy). But arriving in Santiago on 19 December would mean cold, wet, maybe snowy and...?
Has anyone walked from mid- November through to just before Christmas? What was it like? What were the high and lowlights, and would you do it again?
I'm not looking for a crystal ball here, but general experiences. (Also, I'm from the southern part of Australia - we do get cold here, but snow is rare.)
Thoughts?
Deb

@DebR
I walked the Frances last fall, arriving in Santiago on Nov. 17, By then, a lot of albergues were closed for the season. Be sure to get the list of open albergues from the Pilgrim Office in St Jean pied de Port. You may have to plan carefully to always have a bed for the night.

 

[vlebe]

Hi DebR;

I think you cant go wrong with the tips Margareth Maredith ( @mspath ) kindly shares with everyone! I have relied on her tips ( and will most likely still gonna ask her many things before my next departure later this year).

I'm starting the Camino Aragones in Somport around november 17th and will join the Frances in Puente la Reina on nov 23rd, planning to arrive in finisterra around dec 24th or so....

Be sure to have the appropriate layers of clothes to keep you warm, good rain gear, warm and breathable boots and a good adventurous spirit in order to walk long long distances if albergues are closed ( there is a website that lists all opened albergues throughout the winter. It's not updated for 2016 yet but surely they will do so. I'll search for it later on and post it here)

Other than that, just keep walking, listen to the locals regarding the weather ( some passages might be with deep snow) and Ultreia!!!