Winter camino

[Ray796]

I was thinking of starting some time between November and Jan/ Feb.is it a LOT more difficult than other times?

 

[Bradypus]

Which camino? Where do you intend to start walking? If you could be more specific you may find more useful answers.

 

[Ray796]

Which camino? Where do you intend to start walking? If you could be more specific you may find more useful answers.

From the traditional starting point, France I believe.

 

[Bradypus]

From the traditional starting point, France I believe.

There are many different caminos - most entirely within Spain but the most famous being the Camino Frances which does indeed start in France. Many people choose to walk from Saint Jean Pied de Port but others start at different points closer to Santiago. Walking in winter is possible but it is a lot more difficult for a number of reasons. Firstly, many of the albergues, bars and restaurants which support pilgrims are closed over the winter and so you may need to cover more ground each day. Secondly, weather is far more unpredictable with a greater likelihood of serious rain at all levels and of snow and ice in the more mountainous sections. Do you have experience of walking over rocky mountain paths in snow and ice and in sub-zero temperatures? Many albergues which do remain open are very poorly heated in the winter months and therefore a heavier sleeping bag and warmer clothing must be carried - a significant weight increase over the minimal gear needed for a summer walk.

 

[LTfit]

Use the search machine, there are many threads addressing this subject. One of our valuable forum members @mspath is an expert in this area and is a wealth of information as well as inspiration. She has posted links to her blogs in previous thread.

Ultreia
LT

 

[mspath]

Ray796,

Welcome to the forum!

To start your research re Walking in Winter see these earlier recent threads filled with useful links and tips.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/logrono-to-burgos-in-january.50991/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/november-december-cf.50932/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/walking-the-camino-in-december-january.37261/

Sillydoll who is a Forum member has in her blog compiled encyclopedic information on Winter Walking.
http://amawalker.blogspot.fr/2009/10/walking-in-winter.html?m=1

Twice during winter caminos I have sat out true blizzards; in Villafranca Montes de Oca, February 25, 26, 2006 and Foncebadón, March 5,6, 2009. Even late November 2012 the climb up to O Cebreiro was packed with snow. You can see the snow and read my blog accounts of these three memorable storms here. http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/memories.html
Luckily open albergues offered welcoming shelter, heat and companionship.

Most of us who walk in late autumn and winter wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking. Each pilgrim develops a favorite combo. Scan the Forum's Equipment topic http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/equipment-questions.30/
to see a multitude of varied approaches. Here's mine
http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/kit-and-tips.html

Remember winter is a great time to walk, but you must be PREPARED!

Happy planning, stay safe and Buen camino!

 

[nycwalking]

Just be prepared for mud. And, lots of it.
Buen camino.

 

[FrederickK77]

I walked in February and March this year. It was the best time of the year to go. It was cold, wet and many days the sun never came out but I enjoyed it. I walked from ST Jean to Santiago and then on to Muxia and Fisterra.

Go in winter. I have been in both summer and winter! Winter is quieter and more challenging allowing more time for reflection and the peace of God.