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Hi JillHi, I’m thinking of starting the Via de la Plata early October next year. Is this a good or bad time of the year to start? Please point me to any relevant threads. Many thanks! Jill
i am planning the same route for his year but leaving around the 18th or there abouts.That is when I walked it, leaving Seville on Oct. 3, 2017. Temperatures were in the mid 30's until Salamanca (500 k, the first half of the walk). I had to be careful about hydration, as the route was very dry. But if you like dry heat and are able to carry lots of water, it is fine. By the time I was nearing Santiago it was late season and pilgrim accommodation was closing for the year. I expect I'll be on the VdlP/Sanabres a little earlier this year, walking the Levante from Valencia to Zamora, starting in mid September, then on to Santiago on the VdlP/Sanabres.
Hi there. We live about 40 km west of the VDP and I have to say that the peregrino's experience of 30 plus degrees in the first week of October is very rare. It's normally 25-ish generally with a bit of rain. This means that it is usually a perfect time of year to do this Camino. In this part of the world the word is that the albergues on the VDP have suffered badly during the pandemic so nailing down your accommodation is extremely important. Buen camino.Hi, I’m thinking of starting the Via de la Plata early October next year. Is this a good or bad time of the year to start? Please point me to any relevant threads. Many thanks! Jill
I would say not optimum. Early spring is still cooler down south, the days get longer which means you don't have to start and end in the dark which happens in the fall. Going north you'll catch nicer weather as you get closer to Santiago. I too am looking at the beginning of March. Check google for weather information.Hi, I’m thinking of starting the Via de la Plata early October next year. Is this a good or bad time of the year to start? Please point me to any relevant threads. Many thanks! Jill
Hi in 2014 Oct was +30C for first 10 days. Water was an issue on 2 days. Beautiful none the less. Went via Astorga and snow at o Cebrio.Hi there. We live about 40 km west of the VDP and I have to say that the peregrino's experience of 30 plus degrees in the first week of October is very rare. It's normally 25-ish generally with a bit of rain. This means that it is usually a perfect time of year to do this Camino. In this part of the world the word is that the albergues on the VDP have suffered badly during the pandemic so nailing down your accommodation is extremely important. Buen camino.
I will be heading out of Sevilla on October 14 or 15 this year (probably 14). I would much rather walk in -3 Celsius than +30C.i am planning the same route for his year but leaving around the 18th or there abouts.
Is there any chance Sth Africa will allow you to get out in spring? Flowers and countryside are both a joy to behold at that time of year.
I too am looking at the beginning of March.
JillI'm thinking that Spring might well be a best time of year, but also the most popular . . . ??
Therefore March, April will be busy . . . ??
I like "quiet" caminos, so October might be less busy, with just a few peregrinos, but not TOO many . . . ?
I'm thinking that Spring might well be a best time of year, but also the most popular . . . ??
Therefore March, April will be busy . . . ??
I like "quiet" caminos, so October might be less busy, with just a few peregrinos, but not TOO many . . . ?
I haven't done the VdlP yet, but that's my impression - that "crowding" isn't a problem on this route.We are talking about Vdlp. It is a quiet camino.
@Albertagirl have you purchased a ticket already? I’m landing on flying late November, then spending 5 months walking first the Portuguese then some combination of the VDLP taking it slow to enjoy the sights, sounds and people.That is when I walked it, leaving Seville on Oct. 3, 2017. Temperatures were in the mid 30's until Salamanca (500 k, the first half of the walk). I had to be careful about hydration, as the route was very dry. But if you like dry heat and are able to carry lots of water, it is fine. By the time I was nearing Santiago it was late season and pilgrim accommodation was closing for the year. I expect I'll be on the VdlP/Sanabres a little earlier this year, walking the Levante from Valencia to Zamora, starting in mid September, then on to Santiago on the VdlP/Sanabres.
@Colette Z@Albertagirl have you purchased a ticket already? I’m landing on flying late November, then spending 5 months walking first the Portuguese then some combination of the VDLP taking it slow to enjoy the sights, sounds and people.
I have a few friends that walked starting in Mid September. They have all told me that it is hotter than the 30+ that is reported in the weather reports. One of my friends is from Australia where as you know the temperature can be extreme. He said being outside for so many hours day after day can be absolutely brutal. They all said they would never walk the VDLP at that time of year again. They all had those reflective umbrellas and left very early in the morning. Before 5AM. They all said that it was absolutely imperative to be off the camino as early as possible. I believe they said 1PM was the latest. There was a death a few days ahead of one of my friends. A pilgrim who died of heat stroke. I believe that they felt that 3 liters of water was the minimum to take. Planning is very necessary at that time of year.We are planning Via Augusta and Vdlp for late August this year. Planning to hook up with the Francés in Astorga. Very used to 30+ degree weather. Am hoping we will be able to find accommodation without too much trouble.
Just wanted to remark on the unique, almost astonishing, experience we distance walkers have; traveling through different climate zones (not to mention cultural, architectural, and language dialect changes) On Foot!I would say not optimum. Early spring is still cooler down south, the days get longer which means you don't have to start and end in the dark which happens in the fall. Going north you'll catch nicer weather as you get closer to Santiago. I too am looking at the beginning of March. Check google for weather information.
What time of year did you walk?whilst respecting others opinion, it is worth remembering that we are all different as to how we cope with any extremes of weather.
sensible precautions,i e,drink by sipping ofter,use the shade and rest when required.i walked this route 3yrs ago aged 66 years young and never encountered any heat problems,and this was mid summer.listen to what your instincts tell you.
be safe,be happy.
Hi Robi, thanks for your response. I'm planning to walk from Seville to Salamanca starting sept 21 or so. I would like to start a week later but I don't know whether it fits with other obligations. I gues I will start walking rather early in the day which is fine with me. This will be my 3rd Camino.Hi there. We live about 40 km west of the VDP and I have to say that the peregrino's experience of 30 plus degrees in the first week of October is very rare. It's normally 25-ish generally with a bit of rain. This means that it is usually a perfect time of year to do this Camino. In this part of the world the word is that the albergues on the VDP have suffered badly during the pandemic so nailing down your accommodation is extremely important. Buen camino.
I haven't walked this route yet, but I have been researching it a bit. Looking at Gronze, it appears that there are a number of albergues that aren't open this year. I think that you will need to do some planning so that you know what your options are for a plan B or C.Question: do you think it is wise to make reservations for the first couple of days ahead or will it be ok finding a sleeping spot during that period of time? Is it wise to take a ultra light sleeping mattress with me, just in case?
@trecileLooking at Gronze, it appears that there are a number of albergues that aren't open this year.
Great to hear from you. I would DEFINITELY make reservations. My understanding is that there are virtually no albergues open south of Merida. The VDLP winds through some pretty sparsely populated zones so just happening upon somewhere to stay cannot be relied upon. I seem to remember about 3 weeks ago on this forum someone took it upon themselves to contact all of the listed albergues on the VDLP and he published the responses here. I would use the search facility on this site to see if you can track this post down. It would be invaluable for you. If you cannot find it, check with Ivar, I am sure that he will have noted it. I always take a sleeping bag with me and I have never been disappointed that I have. Buen Camino and if I can help at all with anything just drop me a line.Hi Robi, thanks for your response. I'm planning to walk from Seville to Salamanca starting sept 21 or so. I would like to start a week later but I don't know whether it fits with other obligations. I gues I will start walking rather early in the day which is fine with me. This will be my 3rd Camino.
Question: do you think it is wise to make reservations for the first couple of days ahead or will it be ok finding a sleeping spot during that period of time? Is it wise to take a ultra light sleeping mattress with me, just in case?
thnx!
Maybe it is this thread, which includes a link to a website that might be useful.I seem to remember about 3 weeks ago on this forum someone took it upon themselves to contact all of the listed albergues on the VDLP and he published the responses here.
Which year were they walking? Was it infamous 2016 with this unusual heat wave when a pilgrim died before Almaden?I have a few friends that walked starting in Mid September. They have all told me that it is hotter than the 30+ that is reported in the weather reports. One of my friends is from Australia where as you know the temperature can be extreme. He said being outside for so many hours day after day can be absolutely brutal. They all said they would never walk the VDLP at that time of year again
It was 2018. They told me that someone did pass away that year as well. I am sure that you are correct about historical temperature ranges. As I previously stated (I think it was in this thread but maybe not) I would much rather walk in cool or even cold weather than hot weather, 28 - 30+.This is why I am starting on October 14th. I just feel a whole lot better in colder temps.. I know sunrise gets later and later in October and I like walking in the dark. Especially on a path like the Via de La Plata that is normally so quiet and without many pilgrims or people in general. I find it so peaceful and to see the sunrise slowly and hear the sound of gravel under my feet is so soothing and starts my day perfectly. Thanks for the warning about the grapes. There have been times I have had one ot two of those red grapes. They are packed with sugar and sure have given me a shot of energy.Which year were they walking? Was it infamous 2016 with this unusual heat wave when a pilgrim died before Almaden?
At a normal year walking the southernmost part of VdlP in mid September should be similar to walking the meseta part of the Camino Frances in the summer (which I did this July)
Normally in the second part of September the max temperature in Andalusia part (first stages from Seville) shouldn't be more than 32C/90F and since you go north with every stage the temperature goes down. If you are lucky at the end of September crossing the pass of Bejar (low mountains) before Salamanca you can get some quickly melting snow at night.
I didn't walk this part in September yet but I soon will (God and covid permitting). I walked in October once and it was warm and super comfortable. The days in October are short a bit, it can be dark almost until 8:30 am which for me was weird. Advice for those walking in October: do not pick the grapes thinking you are alone. The vineyard owners hire security guys driving around. They have binoculars and they are not very nice
It was 2018. They told me that someone did pass away that year as well
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