thinking of doing a short winter camino

[aljay]

I've walked about 5 caminos the last six years, but never in the winter. Anyone planning to walk this December-January? Recommendations?

 

[Bradypus]

I have walked the Camino Frances from SJPDP in January this year, the Ingles a couple of times in January and the Via de la Plata in January and February in previous years. I love the VdlP but it is a very solitary experience. If you want some company along the way without the crowds of peak season then the Frances may be your best option. There is an excellent website listing places open during the winter on the Frances.

Pagina nueva 1

 

[mspath]

In addition to the Valcarlos alternate to Roncesvalles difficult CF stretches after winter storms could be across the Montes de Oca from Villafranca, Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Monte Irago and, of course, to and from O Cebreiro. Be prepared.

For any winter camino I stress this bit of info re: carrying food supplies.

Whenever/wherever you do walk
keep warm, stay safe and Buen camino!

 

[David Tallan]

I've walked about 5 caminos the last six years, but never in the winter. Anyone planning to walk this December-January? Recommendations?

You can find people walking at that time in in the Christmas 2023 pilgrims thread.

 

[roving_rufus]

The Portuguese is a good option for a winter camino from Porto, especially as no mountains to cross.
But do a search for winter as there are lots of threads on the topic

 

[Quietways]

Nothing special needed for a Winter camino, Aljay. It's a beautiful time to walk, easily done and at least on Frances you'll have plenty of company.

Other camnos - Primativo, Aaragones, Portuguese, Invierno and San Salavador - are also easily walkable in Winter. They're more solitary of course - w/ days of only the sound of your footsteps and wind - but it's actually quite wonderful ; ) And you'll still find accommodation available at the end of most stages.

Obviously you'll want to check forecasts before crossing higher passes - but at least for me, on all the above caminos, they've been 99% snow-free in Dec, Jan, Feb. (Winters have been warmer than usual these past few years) In 3 times over O'Ciebro, only once was there snow, a few inches, and everyone tromped up just fine.

You can expect a weather mix - warm sunny days, cold rain/snow showers, wind, morning fog, etc. I use gaiters, thin wool sweater, simple waterproof jacket/pants - add some sunblock and you're ready to go ; )

 

[JabbaPapa]

I've walked about 5 caminos the last six years, but never in the winter. Anyone planning to walk this December-January? Recommendations?

If it's the Francès, I'd say start from Logroño or later.

If it's the Português, start from wherever, but bring the appropriate wet weather kit !! And probably stick to the Central ...

 

[aljay]

Thank you, all