Travelcompanion? weather in january?

[lillrock]

Hi!

Do anyone have experience with walking the camino (french route) in January? Will there be open places along the route to sleep? And what about the weather?

Thinking to start 2nd or 3rd of january. Anyone else walking at the same time? I'm planning to walk alone, but since it is winter and all it might be wise to walk with someone, at least for parts of it. Might be nice with some company too So anyone who needs a companion?
cheers
Ragnhild

 

[lillrock]

Oh, and how many days should i plan for spending? i've seen that 30 is normal, would that also be a good estimate for january?

 

[monsegu]

Hi Lillrock,
January is a good time to walk the Camino, as you will avoid the Crowd, but you still find couple of people to walk with!

The weather will be chilly and can be snowy at
- Roncesvalles pass
- Montes of Leon
- O'ceibreiro
so be aware of that and make sure you have appropriate equipment.

Most of the refuges will be still open, (and even if close you will find small private pensions, so you will never be stuck) but nights can be cold so bring comfy warm sleeping gear.

If you need more information, have a look at http://www.followthecamino.com. You will find detail of the walks, temperature, rainfall, gradients...

Good Luck
Pepe

 

[Javier]

Re: Yesterday Roncesvalles

Photo.- Diario de Navarra.-

 

[Deirdre]

Nice photo, Javier,
It looks like Roncesvalles is getting dressed for Christmas!

Buen Camino,

 

[Rebekah Scott]

We woke up to snow this morning on the meseta as well.
It looks so much more romantic in Roncesvalles.

reb

 

[Deirdre]

I'll bet the meseta is beautiful in snow! The white in stark contrast to the azure sky and the red of the houses! Plus being blanketed in white for as far as the eye can see.... C'mon, Reb, get out the camera and let's have a look! Although to be honest, even though I have read all the directions, I can't seem to load any photos on this forum site! So if it doesn't work, I understand....But I'm sure that Navarra isn't better or worse than Palencia, just different! Happy Thanksgiving,

 

[Javier Martin]

Same answer than for walking in december.

All albergues open with free beds, ask for closed to avoid them and to find other options.

This year I walked in Foncebadon in february and I didn´t find snow, but I got lucky.

Don't forget the darkness time, around the 6:00.

Javier, nice photo, gracias.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.