Newbie Questions 2018

[Ste From Dublin]

Hi there,

Walking solo from SJdPP. Arriving on 22nd Feb and plan to walk 23 Feb through to March 31

Just wondering if I need to book any hostels in advance as some may be closed during this time? For the most part I'm keeping to John Brierley's outlined stages, any towns in particular that have most of their Albergues closed.

And

Do I need to order a Pilgrim Passport before I arrive in SJdPP or just pick one up when I arrive?

Thanks,

Stephen

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There will be beds in the places that are open (which will not include a lot of the small albergues).

 

[Momonne]

Doubting very much you will need to book, but you may have to look outisde of Brierley stops here and there. This link will tell you which albergues are open when in winter. It is updated regularly as albergues may all of a sudden dcide to close.

http://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/

And no need to pick up your credencial ahead of time. One will be waiting for you in SJPP at the Pilgrim Information Office, and likely any of the albergues there.

 

[Lirsy]

Some albergues will be closed, but you will find plain of open ones, don´t worry

You can take the credencial directly in SJPdP.

 

[Deleted member 76633]

If starting at SJPP in February you won't be able to use the Route Napoleon as it is closed until about 31st March. The lower Valcarlos route will be open.

 

[Bradypus]

Any special reason for keeping to Brierley's stages? Personally I prefer to make my own decisions on what makes a good day's walking and stop wherever takes my fancy. My own idea of ideal stages is often very different from the Blessed JB. Your options are more limited in the winter but the Aprinca website mentioned above should give you good up to date information on what is available. Double-checking with your hospitalero before you set off is also a good idea as they usually know the situation either side of their own place.