September weather and sleeping bags

[JustPeachy]

Hi all

My Husband and I are planning on walking the last 200km (or at least the last 10 days to Santiago) in mid September 2018. Planning on walking about 18 to 25km a day.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good place to start?

In terms of weather, how cold it will get? I am from South Africa so am used to warm weather and get cold quite easily so want to be prepared.

I am also wondering about rain? Should I get rain pants? and a rain jacket ? are the rain pants really necessary?

In all the videos i have seen people are using hiking poles, how necessary are these?

Because my husband and I are going together, we are going to try to get private rooms in the Hostels as much as possible. Do we need sleeping bags?

Thank you so much

 

[JabbaPapa]

Ponferrada.

Might even be a good idea to spend an entire day there, it's a far more beautiful and lively city than I think most in here realise. (the pilgrims' hostel is simply so astonishing that virtually nobody looks any further abroad)

 

[linkster]

I spent 2 nights in Ponferrada. There was plenty to do in the city including the Templar castle. Looks like it is about 216,9 km to Santiago. There is a Decathlon (sporting goods store) in Ponferrada.

Trekking poles - I would not do without, but it is personal preference. You might want to look at the elevation charts. Ponferrada is after the big descent from the Cruz de Ferro, but there is some good ascent on a rocky trail up O Cebreiro. Accidents can happen anywhere.

I think hostals typically have bedding (think mini hotel). A private room in an albergue may not have blankets. One night in a private room I shared with my peregrino buddy, my buddy used a table cloth he found in a cabinet in an albergue.

 

[HedaP]

Ponferrada.

Might even be a good idea to spend an entire day there, it's a far more beautiful and lively city than I think most in here realise. (the pilgrims' hostel is simply so astonishing that virtually nobody looks any further abroad)

I like Ponferrada too. Nice starting point. Maybe a little bit over 200 kms. If staying in private rooms you should not need a sleeping bag.
Buen camino.

 

[nycwalking]

Ponferrada.

Might even be a good idea to spend an entire day there, it's a far more beautiful and lively city than I think most in here realise. (the pilgrims' hostel is simply so astonishing that virtually nobody looks any further abroad)

I was lucky enough to be a hospitalera in 2002 at that wonderful albergue. And, winter 2014 camino I found my "miracle" boots there.

Ponferrada is divine. Stay there and start there if you wish.

Buen camino.

 

[Pam Scott]

Take a light weight sleeping bag. It can be a little cooler and damper as you reach Galicia that time of year. Walking poles, personally I would'nt be without them, they take weight off your knees especially down hills and help keep you upright on rough and muddy ground. But poles like a lot of things is a personal choice. Buen Camino

 

[tpmchugh]

Hi all

My Husband and I are planning on walking the last 200km (or at least the last 10 days to Santiago) in mid September 2018. Planning on walking about 18 to 25km a day.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good place to start?

In terms of weather, how cold it will get? I am from South Africa so am used to warm weather and get cold quite easily so want to be prepared.

I am also wondering about rain? Should I get rain pants? and a rain jacket ? are the rain pants really necessary?

In all the videos i have seen people are using hiking poles, how necessary are these?

Because my husband and I are going together, we are going to try to get private rooms in the Hostels as much as possible. Do we need sleeping bags?

Thank you so much

Where you start, I will leave to others to suggest. It will not be cold in September. I have walked twice at that time of year, 2013 and 2016. Both times were very warm. In fact, the locals said that September 2016 was the warmest month of the year. Rain? who knows. First time I was there, it rained one day so bad that it made Noah's experience look like a light shower. So yes, it more than likely will rain one or two days. The rain pants I had, I dumped. I found them to be sweaty and uncomfortable. The rain jacket will for the most part be just weight on your back but I would not do without it. Made the mistake of sending mine home and regretted it. Poles are a personal choice. I would not be without mine. I need them badly for climbing hills but thats just me. Private rooms or dorms, you should be able to get away with a sleeping bag liner. Hope that helps

 

[Maria K]

Hi all

My Husband and I are planning on walking the last 200km (or at least the last 10 days to Santiago) in mid September 2018. Planning on walking about 18 to 25km a day.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good place to start?

In terms of weather, how cold it will get? I am from South Africa so am used to warm weather and get cold quite easily so want to be prepared.

I am also wondering about rain? Should I get rain pants? and a rain jacket ? are the rain pants really necessary?

In all the videos i have seen people are using hiking poles, how necessary are these?

Because my husband and I are going together, we are going to try to get private rooms in the Hostels as much as possible. Do we need sleeping bags?

Thank you so much

Hi there, also from South Africa. I did it with my husband in 2013 mid September. Started in SJPdP and ended in Santiago. Weather was wonderful to start, but it got really cold. Bought long johns and vests and wore gloves to start in the morning. It rained a lot on the 2nd 1/2 so definately take a rain jacket. We took rain pants which were great. I would rather be prepared for all weather conditions. And make sure your shoes/boots are waterproof.
In terms of a sleeping bag, I would think that a sleeping bag liner would be fine. We took one that we soaked in anti mite muti. We also took a really light weight sleeping bag. Also hoping to do it again this year. Early Sept.
Definately hiking sticks. Cannot walk without them. Two are better than one. Helps on the uphills and on the downhills.
Buen Camino xx