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Ourense to Santiago

rio999

New Member
I am thinking of walking from Ourense to Santiago in mid-February. What do you think about weather and walking conditions? Also is there any specific guide book one should get to follow?
 
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rio999 said:
I am thinking of walking from Ourense to Santiago in mid-February. What do you think about weather and walking conditions? Also is there any specific guide book one should get to follow?
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Hola rio999,

I walked Sanabres in July so can't give you any special advice about the weather but it is hilly and it is Galicia. You could expect at least some rain if not snow en route. Might be windy also.

If you browse through Via de la Plata and Resources sections you'll find many usefull info. Otherwise you can get by quite OK with info from these sites:
http://www.mundicamino.com/rutas.cfm?id=44
http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/los-caminos-de-santiago/sanabres/
http://www.gronze.com/camino-de-santiago/caminos/guia-via-plata

Happy planning and Ultreia!
 
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Hi Rio999. Yes, I walked this route in May 2014 and enjoyed it very much. I can't really advise on the weather in February, but I expect it would be as KinkyOne describes. There are a few fairly steep ascents/descents that would require care if it was icy (descending into Ponte de Ulla springs to mind).

When I walked the route had enough other pilgrims to be sociable without being busy. Most that I walked with had started in Seville in April to avoid the heat down south. I suspect the route would be very quiet in February, so check albergue opening dates.

The monastery at Oseira is a highlight, but again check opening dates. Buen Camino!
 
The stretch between Ourense and Santiago is quite easy compared to the rest of the VDLP and there is nothing too strenous with good markings and nice paths and not too much road walking. Galicia in winter - expect mud! The steep bits are coming out of Ourense as that city is located in the base of a crater. Ponte Ulla too - the descent down the hill down to there is quite steep so if icy you could end up going for a slide.
 
I have walked this section in early March, the first time the weather was fine, just a bit chilly but it was muddy in sections. But the second time it was really wet and cold and by the time I got to Castro Dozon it snowed so was a bit bleak at the albergue because I was the only one there and it's a strange building. Also the hospitalera at Cea said not to go by the monastery at Oseira because of the weather. So the weather is the unknown.
Another thing is daylight hours are short so it does not get light until about 8.30/9.00 in the morning so usually I am waiting to start walking.
 
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The Monasterio at Oseira should be an experience in February as it can be cold and damp even in summer... The sheets and the blankets in the beds were damp last time I was there, and that was in July... And those cold showers... I don't know...
 

Thanks alot for the useful information. I will check the info later. Probably considering weather conditions I will move my trip to mid-March. Will keep you updated.
 


Thanks for your info

Do you suggest any guide book for this Camino?
 
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