Starting from Leon in mid-March -- weather?

[Shindy]

Hello!
We have two weeks and are planning to start from Leon March 13 and finish at Santiago on the 27th. Has anyone walked this last section during March? It involves some higher elevations so we are wondering if we will encounter snow. Any tips or suggestions about whether this is a good idea and if so, what we should be prepared for regarding weather and accommodations.
Thank you!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Many accommodations will be closed, so do some research on what will be open, plan stops in the larger towns/cities, and use hoteles/hostales when albergues are not available. I did this route in January, and most places were closed, meaning no intermediate coffee or food. March has snow and rain, though it could be good weather. It is snowing in O Cebreiro currently, but it was clear for a couple of weeks.

I have done this stretch in March, and the small group of pilgrims was very tight-knit, so you will have a fun crowd.

Buen camino.

 

[Professor]

I did the stretch from St. Jean to Santiago in March, 2014. There was snow and rain in many places; lots of rain approaching Leon and deep snow near and past O'Cebreiro. I am leaving St. Jean on March 13th this year and expect rain and snow in many places. Buen camino

 

[Sarah80]

Hey

Yes, there's snow in O Cebreiro now. I'm starting another camino on Tuesday 23rd (6 days), starting from Roncesvalles, but I am bus-ing/training/bus-ing it from Atapuerca to Hospital del Orbigo to get the whole thing done within 3 weeks and so our paths wont cross. I love the way I talk about this like my plans will hold up!

I'm also concerned about the weather, especially the shoes, I did the camino in Goretex Salomons back in August and while there was heavy rain for some days in Galicia I'm not sure these will hold up to snow! Let's see, need to look ahead at O Cebreiro from Astorga and see if need to buy heavy boots.

 

[Professor]

I wore Goretex Lowa shoes that did not cover the ankle and rain pants. The shoes goet wet in the snow but as much as when in rained all day on the way to Leon. I just put newspaper inside them at night and they were fine the next day. I would not buy heavy boots--of course I do not like anything that rubs my ankles. Buen Camino.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Not been on the mountains west of Astorga at this time of the year (March), but I recall reading about (and seeing) the 2 metre/6.6 ft roadside markers - they need to be this height because of the snows. If its snowing in O'Cebrero this week then its more than likely to be still around on the hills leading up from Herrerias. You will probably have to follow the road from Villafranca del Bierzo, rather than take the hill tracks. Hope you have snow proof boots and warm socks. Good luck and Buen Camino!!