November camino

There is also a winter camino albergue list for the CF that can give you some idea of what is open and if you need to call in advance. It is not entirely inclusive, but it is a good start. It will be open Nov 1.

I wrote about walking last November-December. It might be useful to you.

C clearly said:

I have walked through November and never had trouble finding accommodation. Just make appropriate enquiries a day in advance and don't expect to walk into a tiny village where only one place of lodging exists and expect it to be open.

You don't need "warm clothes" so much as you might need an extra layer or so. Having appropriate rain gear is important and it can protect you in case of cold weather, as well. The weather in November will be mostly like October, only more so! Don't forget the wool socks, gloves, buff and/or hat, which can make a big difference in your comfort. Accommodation can be chilly at night, so it is nice to have a down vest or jacket and some cozy wool layers.

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I certainly agree with C clearly about the importance of layers.

My kit list and tips is from the viewpoint of another woman who often walked in late autumn/winter. Perhaps you might find it useful for your planning.

Carpe diem and Buen camino!

mspath said:

I certainly agree with C clearly about the importance of layers.

My kit list and tips is from the viewpoint of another woman who often walked in late autumn/winter. Perhaps you might find it useful for your planning.

Carpe diem and Buen camino!

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I too wholehardly agree with both mspath and C clearly. I have walked my last three caminos starting in late October and ending in December. I walked over 1000k on all three. Gloves, hat, poncho, and most especially a buff. My list of clothes includes: One long sleeve quick dry top/One long sleeve quick dry top with a hoodie. One merino wool mid layer top and I have a very light down parka. I have one quick dry pants. I will buy a light winter pants something similar to what people may wear skiing. Decathlon sells lots of these. I usually pay about 30-40 Euros. I might bring two pairs of pants depending on when I leave and buy the ski pants later in my camino. I also have a pair of mid layer base layer bottoms. I have walked through mid december in the mountains of Galicia and never been cold.

I walked from SJPP to Santiago last year in late October/November. I too agree with what is said above about the importance of equipment for all weather conditions. I had strong wind, rain, freezing temperatures... but let that not discourage you - most of the time I had beautiful warm sunny weather, perfect for walking.

Last year, possibly also because of Covid, it was not easy to find private rooms along the route and careful planning a few days in advance was needed. For example, when I passed through there was absolutely no accomodation between Pamplona and just before Puente la Reina - no albergue, nothing. I also walked 40+ km from Trabadelo to Triacastela in one day because of accommodation (non-)availability, although I acknowledge that I could have stayed at the xunta albergue in O Cebreiro.

There were not many people walking in late autumn last year. In fact, there were days, especially on the Meseta, when I met only two or three the whole day. It was wonderful!