Pyrenees in November

[bonafem]

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning to do my first camino this November! From about November 9- Dec 9. I've heard doing the Camino at this time can still be good, despite getting cold and wet at times, but my question is specifically about the Pyrenees. Is it possible to cross this late in the year? How likely is it that the weather will be ok to cross? I've done some hiking before but am by no means an expert and would not feel comfortable on a mountain during a rain or snow storm.

I'd love to start my camino here but if it seems unlikely the weather will cooperate I will start from somewhere else!

Any advice appreciated!

 

[nellpilgrim]

Winter pilgrimages are great and though it is likely that the RN won't be open or only crossable by experienced and equipped snow/ice hikers the Val Carlos route is usually open-thought it's sometimes called the valley route you still have to climb up and over!- On the lower route you can get deep snow up on the Puerto Ibaneta pass but if it's bad stick to the road (be careful walking along it though all the traffic will be slowing down in those conditions). On the RN the albergue at Orisson will be closed then so you don't have a break off point but there are a good few villages and bars etc along the valley route and thats a consideration.
Be warned as a Winter pilgrim you get a lot more offers of lifts/help from sympathetic drivers don't just refuse it can pay to listen to what they say-I smugly waved on 2 good Samaritans not only to find myself up to my tonsils in flood water! (in Germany late Autumn)
As always check with the pilgrims office and locals in SJPP before you cross to Roncevalles.

 

[mspath]

bonafem,

Welcome to the Forum!

Nell's advice is right on, but there are NO services on the Valcarlos alternate after the village of Valcarlos itself. Thus more than 16 kilometers are without a bar or even water until at last you reach Roncesvalles monastery which is always open to receive pilgrims. Do read what other pilgrims and I have written in praise of this alternate route .

Like Nell many of us have walked in late autumn/winter. Be sure to scan this earlier thread for several important practical tips. You MUST be prepared for varied weather. Nights can be extremely cold with freezing rain or snow. Learn to read the sky for possible storms and take every precaution.

Not all albergues will be open, but the welcome at those albergues which are is often most sincere. Most will usually be heated and/or have blankets. Generally the hospitaleros know who is open on the next stage. As you know finding a bunk in the busy season can be difficult. That's one reason I have always gone in autumn and winter. It may be cold but there are plenty of bunks! Often I have been alone in smaller albergues.

By the way it is not only the Pyrenees that may harbor bad storms come November. Other difficult stretches after storms might be from Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada or across the Montes de Oca from Villafranca as well as Monte Irago and, of course, O Cebreiro. November 29, 2012 I climbed up to O Cebreiro through an early blizzard which dropped a meter of snow onto the path!! What a memorable white-out it was !!

Enjoy your research, be prepared and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[whariwharangi]

I went late October 2012. I had sideways rain for much of the day. There were rumours of snow on the higher peaks in the following week. This is typical mountain weather and you should be prepared for it at any time of year.

Route Napoleon will likely be passable but be prepared for bad weather and have alternate plans.

I didn't encounter snow till O Cebreiro at the start of December. Route Napoleon is only one of three high passes that you need to be concerned with.

 

[Felipe]

In winter, there are great landscapes (even common streets and houses seem touched by a magic wand), people welcome you warmly, and there is a friendly, supportive ambience in the way and albergues. On the others side, walking in this season requires some training, very careful planning, and good, tried equipment. A mistake could be just an inconvenience in summer, but becoming a serious problem in winter. Signposts can go unseen because of fog, snow or just tiredness. So, be cautious, but also enjoy it. Winter on the Camino is a really great experience. You will remember it forever.

 

[sydunipete]

We may well cross paths. I'm planning to depart Pamplona on 9 November and arrive Santiago on 11 December. I completed SJPP to Santiago in Spring (April / May 2014) and I'm looking forward to the challenge of a cooler camino. I will miss the social aspects of it though. But maybe quality will make up for quantity of fellow pilgrims.

Buen Camino.

 

[bonafem]

Thanks so much for the responses everyone!! That's very helpful! I will definitely have to plan carefully in advance but I am very excited for the trip!

@sydunipete It would be very cool to cross paths! Keep me updated on your plans!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[alhartman]

I'd suggest starting in Pamplona to eliminate the winter risk in the Pyrenees. Although many guides start at SJPdP, there is no official start to the camino. And Pamplona is easy to get to. Flew in one time and walked from airport to Cizur Menor.

 

[Kathar1na]

I suggest closure of this thread. It dates from 2014. Several posts refer to walking on the Route Napoleon trail in winter. This is no longer possible. On the Spanish side, the Route Napoleon is closed for all pilgrims at all times during the period 1 November to 31 March.