Walking in March/April

[tsetsgee]

I have read that september/october seems like a popular time of year to walk. Myself and my partner are thing of going in march/april to walk the Camino Frances. Looking at the weather on the internet it doesn't look too bad. A bit cool in places, but I do prefer the cold over the heat.
Have many people walked around this time?

Also being easter is april a busy time on the Camino?

 

[robertt]

Hi tsetsgee

I walked Le Puy to Pamplona through the Spring. Following year, I did the Frances from Pamplona February and March. If one doesn't like things too hot and crowded, it's a good plan.

As for weather, one never knows. I crossed to Roncesvalles in late May and conditions were bad. When I walked from Pamplona the next year in Feb, people coming from behind told me there were no probs at all getting over the Pyrenees - at the peak of a freezing winter! So it's a matter of watching conditions, taking advice.

Cold Caminos are a different experience, not a lesser one. My next Caminos will be in early spring or late autumn. Because I have a bamboo forest to look after, the Australian spring keeps me home during the northern autumn - but I'd love to finish the way of Arles or the VDLP in December.

Stay dry, layers not bulk etc etc and all will be fine. Much better than fine, in fact.

Best

Rob

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Tsetsgee.

I walked from Pamplona to SdC this year arriving on Easter Sunday (I think early April). The weather was very varied; anything from warm sunshine to quite cold and breezy. My walking buddie who had started in SJPP had walked through snow.

We didn't have any problems finding accommodation in Holy Week. I was expecting it to be more difficult. We were flexible about staying in albergues or sharing hostal rooms etc. but that was through choice more than necessity.

Buen Camino!

 

[TrishAlexSage]

Hi,

Maybe we'll see you out there! We're used to winter hiking the mountains of New Hampshire, and we don't like crowds or heat. March/April therefore seems like an ideal time for us. We're starting from SJPP in mid-March 2013. If you see a tall woman with two girls (ages 10 and 7), then stop and say hello!

--Trish

 

[dougfitz]

I started at SJPP at the end of Mar, arriving in Pamplona on Good Friday. The path from Roncesvalles was fairly busy, and remained so for the Easter period. There appeared to be a combination of youth groups, family groups, etc, although I don't recall seeing the larger groups in the albergues that I stayed in. By the start of the second week, the crowds were gone and weren't an issue again until Sarria.

Walking conditions were mixed, but there seemed to less than the average number of rainy days, so I guess I was lucky. I carried long thermals, but didn't need them and personally wouldn't take them again but rely on layering with rain pants, rain jacket and a light fleece to augment my normal trekking kit.

Read the threads on rain gear. I carried a rain jacket that was able to be used as part of a layering system, but would also consider a poncho as an alternative.

Regards,

 

[nellpilgrim]

I started walking the CF at the start of April 09 getting into Pamplona on Holy Thursday. Walking over Semana santa was fantastic experience and, as I was prepared to be a little flexible & stay in a variety of accommodation on account of the holiday period (including hostals,private rooms, pensions etc) I had no problem getting somewhere to stay.
The weather in the mountains can be pretty unpredictable at any time so you really just need to evaluate the situation when you get to SJPP. The day before I crossed was sunny and warm but heavy snow overnight and an early morning 'whiteout' the next day meant many had to turn back and walk the valley route to Roncevalles. Later on in the morning/early afternoon conditions improved again with good visibility etc so just keep an open mind, listen to local advice and, if it's tricky but you decide to press on, then attach yourself to/ or form a group to cross. As others have said layer up and peel off as needed.
Despite that snowy start to my first Camino I personally still far prefer Autumn/Winter/Spring walking and had that theory confirmed when I had a Summer start to my latest Jakobsweg...as it damn near killed me :shock: Cool and temperate (or even plain old cold and wet) suits me just fine.
Another unexpected, and really beautiful, bonus of an early start was walking across a verdant springtime Meseta.

 

[mlhhome]

I left Pamplona on March 30 and experienced 3 full seasons of weather on The Way to Santiago... cool clear days, windy cross winds, snow in the moutains and rain. We had our fair share of rain the last two weeks, but with the right jackets/panchos, the trek was completed without too much difficulty. We easily found accommodations (public or private albergues) despite the large number of Holy Week pilgrims (many local schools/businesses are closed during Easter week). My advice is to go!
Buen Camino!

 

[ngruck]

Hi!

I walked this year from SJPP starting on March 13 and ended up in Santiago on April 18. Overall , the weather was great and just the right amount of people walking. As always, your mileage may vary, but I don't like heat and don't like crowds and it was perfect! Have a great Camino!

 

[jpflavin1]

Started the last three years in Late March. Twice from SJPdP and last year from Irun. The weather varies quite a bit but nothing unreasonable. The only snow I have seen is on Mountain tops. The weather is actually really nice for hiking. Rain is an obstacle in certain places where the walking tracks turn to mud. The strength of the wind climbing out of SJPdP was also a bit more than I expected.

While several Albergues do not open until April 1st, I never had a problem finding a place to stay or a meal. The foot traffic does pick up during Easter week and from Sarria (last 100km's) to Santiago. It is never really crowded this time of year.

Hope this helps, if I can be of further assistance feel free to PM me.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Sedona2012]

I am planning to walk the Camino Norte end of MArch first of April. Did u go to Santiago?
Thanks!

Bobbie

Started the last three years in Late March. Twice from SJPdP and last year from Irun. The weather varies quite a bit but nothing unreasonable. The only snow I have seen is on Mountain tops. The weather is actually really nice for hiking. Rain is an obstacle in certain places where the walking tracks turn to mud. The strength of the wind climbing out of SJPdP was also a bit more than I expected.

While several Albergues do not open until April 1st, I never had a problem finding a place to stay or a meal. The foot traffic does pick up during Easter week and from Sarria (last 100km's) to Santiago. It is never really crowded this time of year.

Hope this helps, if I can be of further assistance feel free to PM me.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Deleted member 22772]

Hi,

Maybe we'll see you out there! We're used to winter hiking the mountains of New Hampshire, and we don't like crowds or heat. March/April therefore seems like an ideal time for us. We're starting from SJPP in mid-March 2013. If you see a tall woman with two girls (ages 10 and 7), then stop and say hello!

--Trish

Will watch out for you. My son and I start walking from St Jean on St Patricks Day so watch out for two Irish guys, one in his sixties and one in his twenties. You will know we are Irish on St Patricks Day only, the rest of the time we will just look like anyone else lol

 

[TME]

Maybe we'll see you out there! We're used to winter hiking the mountains of New Hampshire, and we don't like crowds or heat. March/April therefore seems like an ideal time for us. We're starting from SJPP in mid-March 2013. If you see a tall woman with two girls (ages 10 and 7), then stop and say hello!

--Trish

Will stop and say hello for sure!
The 1.95mtr Dutch guy.