In December?

[susan johnson]

Hi everyone!

Is it possible to do the camino in mid-december? I would like to start from Burgos. I have two weeks. I was planning to do it this may, but I really feel the need to get away as soon as I can and go for a very long walk. Any information would be Greatly appreciated; if it's dangerous? what kind of clothes to pack, any practical advice.

Sincerely Susan

 

[ivar]

Hi Susan,

A winter pilgrimage can be done, have a look here for some pointers:

- Winter Pilgrim
http://www.csj.org.uk/bull-arts/a-raju-art.htm

- What about going in winter ?
http://www.csj.org.uk/faqs.htm#winter

- Search for Winter in the forum

It is usually rainier in the winter than in the summer, have a look at some weather statistics for Santiago here:
http://www.santiago-today.com/index.php?q=node/38

Regarding a pack list, have a look here for an idea (more of a summer pack list, but a start...):
http://www.pilgrim-wiki.com/index.php?t ... ke_with_me

I know Sue Kenny did a winter pilgrimage:
http://www.suekenney.ca/

... she has done several caminos, but I think these pictures are from a winter camino:
http://www.suekenney.ca/caminophotos/ne ... /index.htm

I hope this helps a bit, although the best advice you can get would be from someone that has walked in winter. Anyone?

Un saludo,
Ivar

 

[Ian Holdsworth]

I have just come back from doing the Leon- Santiago section. It took ten days and was wet for most of the time. The rain was not really a problem but the way it prevented sitting to rest every hour or so meant that it was a difficult pilgrimage. I stopped at bars, but they do not come as often as I would have liked. 3 or 4 hours between stops was hard work. The other thing that made it difficult was waterproof trowsers. They keep the water out and the water in.Staying dry was not an option for most of the time. I was lucky in that the weather this year has been warm. In December I would expect it to be much colder. On the bright side it is quiet only a few about. no problems with getting a bed at night. The only Alberque that was closed, when I had expected it to be open was the private house in Hospital Orbigo.