Late October Camino Frances

[mlhhome]

I love this forum and wish all my interest had similar expertly supported sites!
I love to complete a September pilgrimage, but am committed to a late October Camino due to a family commitment. I have read advice and experiences of a late fall Camino and was wondering if there are any words of wisdom I should employ in my planning or packing? Are there advantages of my timing? My biggest concern is the availability of albergues?

 

[Buckeroo]

I walked last October arriving in Santiago on 2nd November. Some albergues and cafes were starting to close but still plenty open; more than adequate. Take a raincoat. Enjoy.

 

[mspath]

mlhhome.

Be sure to check out this useful Forum thread on walking in autumn. >>
el-camino-frances/topic17421.html

I have often walked the CF in late October and November and hope to again this year. These are wonderful months to walk with generally clear days and chilly or cold nights. However you must BE PREPARED for varied weather.

Many albergues start to close mid October but some are always open. There is never a problem of finding a bunk since the mobs of some have passed. Hospitaleros usually know who is open on the next stage. Most open albergues will either be heated or have blankets, but not all.

Weather is a continual camino preoccupation. Warm but lightweight layers are what to wear. Perhaps you would find my Kit list and blog Camino Gazetteer at http://mermore.blogspot.com/ useful.

Happy planning and Buen Camino!

Margaret Meredith

 

[whariwharangi]

I started at SJPdP last October. The pilgrims office gave me a sheet listing Albergues and included dates open ... It wasn't 100% correct but it was accurate enough that I never had to walk further than planned because of a close Albergue.

Carry a dry bag for your sleeping bag and your clothing.

Ragknit wool gloves and a scarf will get a lot of use.

 

[piogaw]

congratulations on your camino.

a simple piece of advice. wrap everything in your backpack with plastic bags or ziplocks before packing. regardless of how much rain gears you have, your backpack will always get wet.

 

[mlhhome]

Perfecto mucho gracias

 

[mikevasey]

Hi I left SJPDP on the 27th October and arrived in SDC on the 27 November. What has been said that the weather can be varied is the one thing i would support. I went over the Pyrnees on hot sunny day, walked across the mesata in strong stormy winds,when we could take shelter we did. Walked up to O Ceiberio in a snow blizzard, then 3 days later was laid in a field taking in the suns rays on a hot winter day.Take clothes that can cover all the bases, you may find it hard to get them dry,so take clothes that you do not mind wearing a few times before you get round to washing and cleaning. Dry bags are not essential, a good raincover for your backpack will keep it dry.

Albergues start to close from the end of September onwards, but there is enough open even in November for it not to be a problem. I only came unstuck once, i had planned to only walk 20km but found that the intended albergue was closed and had to walk 30km. I never really stayed in a busy one and in Sarria i was the only person in the albergue Casa peltre.

Take walking in late October as a blessing I felt it that way and the people i met did.

Buen Camino