What are September numbers like?

[GerFol]

I was due to begin my Camino from SJPP at the beginning of September but because of illness I have to postpone for a few weeks. Just interested to know from pilgrims that are currently on the way how busy it is at the moment and if there is any difficulty getting a bed in an Albergue....if so, what locations are busiest?

Regards,

Gerard.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

2,700 arrived in Santiago in the first two days. It is impossible to guess the places that will be full! Roncesvalles has a bed shortage, so it can always be a problem.

 

[nycwalking]

I have seen others suggest you make reservations at Roncesvalles.Buen camino.

 

[t2andreo]

You are past 'peak pilgrim' on the Frances. September is still a heavy arrival month at the Pilgrim Office, thought at lower volumes than in July and August.

Most of the pilgrims arriving throughout September started from St. Jean Pied de Port, or other 'long-walk' points-of-origin, in late August. In this context, the proverbial "pig in the python" is in front of you. This works to your advantage.

It will not be a cake-walk, but do pay attention to what day you arrive at a major starting node. I have discussed this elsewhere in the forum.

If you arrive at Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Ponferrada, or Sarria on a Friday or Saturday, you should expect competition for bed space from 'short-walk' pilgrims planning to start from those places the following day.

You may need to adjust your walking pattern to avoid these points of congestion on certain days.

I hope this helps.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

About 30% of the September arrivals started in Sarria or just before it, so expect the usual crowds in the final stretch (over 40% walked the last 100km of some camino, so other short routes contribute to crowding in Santiago).

 

[txpeah]

Where can you see/ find the arrival stats?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Where can you see/ find the arrival stats?

https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/statistics/

 

[txpeah]

https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/statistics/

gracias!

 

[NomadBoomer]

I started SJPP on the 2nd and I am in Burgos now. CF is very busy. Everyone here says may and September are the peak times from SJPP.
Many people are booking several days ahead but it is only the walkers arriving after 3 or 4 who are having any issues. SJPP, Roncesvalles, Los Arcos all got full but everyone gets a bed even if they have to taxi.
Bed crunch seems to have abated now. There have been empty beds in every albergue I have stayed in for the past few nights, I expect that may change.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

September 2017 number of compostelas at mid-month is very close to September 2016, a record year, and well ahead of 2010, the last Holy Year. There does not seem to be any sign of a September slowdown!