Starting Camino Francés late April2020

[ronjones]

I am planning to complete the Camino Francés from SJPDP to Santiago starting the week of April 20th 2020 and taking a slow journey over 40-45 days. I completed a number of segments along the Camino from Burgos in May 2019 but needed to return home.

Looking for a bit of guidance on -

1. Learn of advantages/disadvantages of an early Spring journey vs. starting and walking the Camino in Sept/October
2. Begin a dialogue with anybody thinking of starting their journey in SJPDP around the same timeframe
3. Suggestions on getting to SJPDP from the US

Appreciate any and all help.

Buen Camino.

 

[Vacajoe]

Spring is a beautiful time to walk — you’ll literally see the grass grow over your Camino. Most (but not all!) albergues will be open and the path will get crowded towards the end, since you’ll be finishing near the start of June. Fortunately, the last 100km has plenty of beds to accommodate crowds.

Where in the US are you flying from?

 

[ronjones]

Thanks. Does mid-late April in Pyrenees typically have much snow. Trying to avoid the craziness of summer crowds from Sarria onward (experienced that in 2018 during a partial trek of the Camino Franc) but dont want to start so early as to risk a late storm in the mountains.

Flying from Florida. Likely through Miami or Atlanta.

 

[Vacajoe]

Spring weather is unpredictable, so plan accordingly. I encountered snow storms in April 2018 and May 2019 in the Pyrenees, but walked through it both times. You can always take an alternative route, transportation, or wait it out.

 

[andywild]

I am planning to complete the Camino Francés from SJPDP to Santiago starting the week of April 20th 2020 and taking a slow journey over 40-45 days. I completed a number of segments along the Camino from Burgos in May 2019 but needed to return home.

Looking for a bit of guidance on -

1. Learn of advantages/disadvantages of an early Spring journey vs. starting and walking the Camino in Sept/October
2. Begin a dialogue with anybody thinking of starting their journey in SJPDP around the same timeframe
3. Suggestions on getting to SJPDP from the US

Appreciate any and all help.

Buen Camino.

Are you still planning this date? I'll probably see you on the trail

 

[CathyP]

Planning to start April 24 from SJPdP, but husband is having knee issues. We are considering a Roncesvalles or Pamplona start as options with somewhat less up/down right out of the gates. Hope to see you out there!

 

[ronjones]

I am starting slowly. 23April SJPdP to Orisson only. Then to Roncesvalles 24April. and spending an extra day in Pamplona to sightsee. Good luck to you both and hope to see you out there.

 

[Kanga]

@CathyP between Roncesvalles and Pamplona there is a steep rocky descent from the Alto de Erro down into Zubiri - which I always find hard on the knees. And also not far after Pamplona coming down from the Alto del Perdon is a descent with rolling pebbles, which can be difficult. Neither descent is impossible as long as I take it slowly and carefully.

On my first camino my main concern was my knees. They are rubbish, having torn the meniscus in both while skiing. For that first camino I bought and learnt to use trekking sticks, and I've been using them ever since.

I do find that my knees actually get better on a long camino; in my case the muscles that support the knees strengthen with regular exercise.

@ronjones there is a whole section of the forum with advice on getting to and from the Camino. It is here.

 

[CathyP]

Thank you very much, @Kanga for you great info. We have been working with trekking poles and will check them through to Madrid before our start. We can definitely tell that they help, and I hope my husband has a similar experience with his knees as you did. That would be so wonderful. We have lots of time, so we will be taking our time, every day we are blessed to be out there.

 

[Sansthing]

I´m starting from Pamplona on April 16th. Planning to take it slow as I didn´t finish my last Camino (Inglês) due to hip problems. More of a meander and wander this time rather than Santiago or bust!

 

[CathyP]

I´m starting from Pamplona on April 16th. Planning to take it slow as I didn´t finish my last Camino (Inglês) due to hip problems. More of a meander and wander this time rather than Santiago or bust!

I love it! I believe we will be doing the “meander and wander” also: just let it unfold. Best to you!