Orla Joyce
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Walked Sarria to Santiago in 17, now hope to walk the rest of the caminos over the next few years
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My favourite times are late march-April or late sept-oct. In fall some of the path is especially enticing, covered in red and yellow leaves.Having started my Camino from Pamplona, I'm planning on going back to St Jean Pied to start from the start. Is there a better time of year to do this?
Just consider that the Napoleon Pass is OFFICIALLY closed to hikers until at least 1 April each year. Snow is regular and deep. It is hazardous.
After 1 April, local authorities assess the weather and conditions at the Napoleon Pass daily. So, it can be hit and miss. Check the weather and remain flexible. The Pilgrim Office in Saint Jean Pied de Port has the latest forecast and conditions at the pass.
For reference, in 2020, Easter is on Sunday 5 April. As a general statement, each year on the Camino Frances there is a "pig in the python" scenario, where a large number of pilgrims start a Camino as they have extra time off from work. In most of western Europe, people have off on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (day after). So that is five days off work starting off. Many folks toss in a few 'bridge' or personal days to make up to a two-week period for doing Camino.
My advice to avoid this added surge and the burden it places on all Camino resources, is to avoid walking during the Christian Holy Week, immediately before Easter, and the immediate week following. In 2020, that means starting your Camino on or after 12 April.
As regards walking through the Napoleon Pass, that should mean that the pass is officially open, but subject to local advisories and control.
Hope this helps.
It only applies to the first day, walking from SJPdP over the Pyrenees via the Napoleon Pass. Even if this route is closed, you can use the alternative, Valcarlos Route. Both convey you to the same place, Roncesvalles.
The rest of the CF is open all year. However, many albergues and some cafes are closed until about Easter. A fair number of people enjoy walking during the off-season, from November through the end of March. You should search for those forum threads.
Hope this helps.
Easter can be a fascinating time to be on the Camino. The last 100 km will be very busy, so I'd recommend booking those nights well in advance, or even avoid that Easter week in that part if you don't want to be in "crowds." During the actual Holy Week (the week leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday), I would make reservations for any towns that are known for their processions - Burgos, Ponferrada, etc. I would not expect too many problems in the other weeks or even in the more "boring" sections.I meant your comments about avoiding the weeks either side of Easter. Would you say that the whole CF should be avoided, or are only some parts likely to be super-busy?
Easter can be a fascinating time to be on the Camino. The last 100 km will be very busy, so I'd recommend booking those nights well in advance, or even avoid that Easter week in that part if you don't want to be in "crowds." During the actual Holy Week (the week leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday), I would make reservations for any towns that are known for their processions - Burgos, Ponferrada, etc. I would not expect too many problems in the other weeks or even in the more "boring" sections.
Don't avoid the Easter on the Camino - embrace it, but be prepared based on knowledge of the situation!
Sorry, I meant your comments about avoiding the weeks either side of Easter. Would you say that the whole CF should be avoided, or are only some parts likely to be super-busy?
I think I would prefer to walk the Valcarlos route in any case, so the Route Napoleon being closed doesn't affect me.
I don't mind heat at all, much prefer it over being cold or wet...Since any thought of a spring 2020 walk has now been negated for me ( I have my first grandchild arriving May 29th ! ), I'm looking to walk in the summer. My question is this: I've been told numerous times that the months of June, July, August on the CF are filled mostly with college students and families with small children. I've only ever walked in Spain/Portugal in Sept/Oct/Nov and found the pilgrims to be much more mature/retirees, etc. I don't mind walking with young people, but was told it can quickly become a raucous, college party walk, loud and crowded. I've no first hand experience in those months but would certainly welcome the input from those who have actually walked the CF in July/August or alburgue owners. I prefer a quiet, slower pace with time to relax and reflect over partying...lolIf you do not mind hotter and drier weather, time your Camino Frances so that you walk it the entire month of July. Personally I like it then. Less pilgrims it seems, warm albergues. No cold, damp floors or not having your clothes dry on the line. No soggy boots/shoes. You carry less things and can use a very small backpack. Just make sure you hydrate, have a good hat and sunscreen.
I cannot say I observed/experienced any raucous or rowdy behavior amongst the college age pilgrims I met, stayed with in the same albergues etc on the Frances. I also could not say that the pilgrim population mostly consisted of the college age. Mind you, that is just my observations and experience and of all the Camino's I have walked the worst behavior I observed was not from college age pilgrims.I don't mind heat at all, much prefer it over being cold or wet...Since any thought of a spring 2020 walk has now been negated for me ( I have my first grandchild arriving May 29th ! ), I'm looking to walk in the summer. My question is this: I've been told numerous times that the months of June, July, August on the CF are filled mostly with college students and families with small children. I've only ever walked in Spain/Portugal in Sept/Oct/Nov and found the pilgrims to be much more mature/retirees, etc. I don't mind walking with young people, but was told it can quickly become a raucous, college party walk, loud and crowded. I've no first hand experience in those months but would certainly welcome the input from those who have actually walked the CF in July/August or alburgue owners. I prefer a quite, slower pace with time to relax and reflect over partying...lol
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