Taking to the road November 13th

[KristopherLeigh]

Hi all,
I'm looking to go solo from Nov to Dec as I wasn't terribly convincing getting my friends to join me.
I'm trying to asses just how bad the weather gets in the region this time of year.
Just seeing if I can get some direction or advice.
I'd be starting in St Jean however the night I arrive (11.11.14 at roughly 22.30) it would look as though there isnt accom available anywhere.
It looks to be same through most areas along the road during the 'off' season.

Am I mad or are there others walking the camino this time of the year?

thank-you in advance
Kris

 

[Talesofapilgrim]

Hey Kris,

I'm also walking in November on my own. You're not alone - my friends think I'm crazy and nobody was interested to walk across Spain for a month. Anyways, from the number of conversations I've had, it seems like there will always be people on the Camino, so I don't think you should be worried about that.

Pauline

 

[mspath]

Hi all,
I'm looking to go solo from Nov to Dec as I wasn't terribly convincing getting my friends to join me.
I'm trying to asses just how bad the weather gets in the region this time of year.
Just seeing if I can get some direction or advice.
I'd be starting in St Jean however the night I arrive (11.11.14 at roughly 22.30) it would look as though there isnt accom available anywhere.
It looks to be same through most areas along the road during the 'off' season.

Am I mad or are there others walking the camino this time of the year?

thank-you in advance
Kris

Kris,

November 11 is a public holiday in France commemorating the end of WW1 and much will be closed. Nevertheless whatever the day or season there are always some pilgrims walking the camino.

Walking in late autumn/winter can be a solitary pleasure but you must be prepared .
Be sure to check out what others and I have written in these earlier Forum threads re camino expense and walking in winter. Both threads are filled with practical advice and helpful tips from veteran walkers re walking out of the busy spring/summer season .

Starting mid-October many pilgrim albergues and regular tourist accommodation spots will close for a well deserved rest. However, there is always a bunk available somewhere. In SJPdP the the office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle is open every day of the year. Their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. Call them BEFORE you arrive and they can provide trail/weather info as well as lodging assistance. Their volunteers help run the municipal albergue which is also open throughout the year at 55 rue de la Citadelle. This is a fine place to stay, but they do NOT take reservations.

Similarly the monastery at Roncesvalles is always open for pilgrims although you may need to ring their bell if the great gates are closed. Every night of the year the traditional pilgrim benediction is also offered whether for one pilgrim or multitudes.

And so it goes. If by chance you arrive at some spot and all accommodation appears closed find an open shop and ask. You never know where or when a camino angel may offer you help.

Good luck and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Talesofapilgrim]

Margaret Meredith,

Thanks for the detailed advice - very much appreciated!

 

[Felipe]

Friends,
In November it is almost a given that the "high" or Napoleon road to Roncesvalles be closed by fog or snow. Remember, it is a mountain pass, and the weather is quite unpredictable. Ask for advice at the "accueil" or Pilgrim's bureau in SJPP. The alternative is the "low road". See threads here about the "Valcarlos option". You may consider breaking the stage in two, with a stop in the good municipal Valcarlos albergue (open all year round, it has heating).
Be cautious, plan carefully, choose good equipment, and enjoy it.
Buen camino!

 

[whariwharangi]

A consideration is daylight. In particular there are stages in isolated areas (such as SJPdP to Roncesvalles) where you don't want to be stuck, tired wet and cold, trying to navigate in the dark.