Starting in Leon (or around) late September

[rebsalt]

Hello all,
I've been reviewing all of these great posts and am looking forward to starting my journey soon. I'll head from Barcelona to Leon on the 23rd of September and hope to start on the camino on the morning of the 24th. I have just under 3 weeks and would love to make it to Finisterre (it's okay if I don't at this time). A couple of questions- most of the forums and itineraries discuss the crowds starting in that area- but earlier in the season. Is it often still crowded by the end of September and early October? Are there other tips people would recommend for hiking in the fall rather than in the spring and summer- perhaps something that feels very different (besides weather- I will bring my sleeping bag and warmer socks) at this time that I should be aware of? Or any places to stay/eat that start shutting down in the fall?
Thanks very much.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Or any places to stay/eat that start shutting down in the fall?

Closings are at the end of October, so you will be fine. The crowds won't begin in Leon, but there will be more pilgrims in the last 100 km from Sarria. The crowds won't be bad in early October; you will find a bed at almost any albergue. Buen camino!

 

[november_moon]

We started in Leon in June, so pretty much the beginning of the high season. It was fine. There were plenty of people, but I wouldn't call them crowds - we always found beds without much trouble, pretty much always found open tables in restaurants and cafes, and at many points along the walk were alone. Obviously "crowds" are a relative thing - and the Camino does pick up more and more people as you get closer to Santiago, and Leon has good train connections, so it is a convenient starting point. A fair number of people do start there.