Winter Camino

[Rich1]

Considering a first time winter Camino, almost certainly on the Frances. Just interested to know when those that have previously walked in the winter would chose to start.
I’d rather walk in cold and snow than the wet etc - so I’m sort of assuming Jan/Feb is (on average) colder and drier than say March.
Thanks for any hints, Richard
PS living in the Lake District in England, I am well prepared for any season on any day!!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have started in Pamplona and Toulouse. Most albergues are closed, but there always is one open in the major stops. In between you may need to find an hostal. Be flexible by leaving your ambition at home. If you have to take a bus around weather (or just stay put), be ready mentally to do so!

 

[Bradypus]

You are aware that the Route Napoleon is officially closed from November to the end of March? So if you decide on starting from SJPDP then the Valcarlos route is your only practical option. If you would like to know average temperatures, rainfall and so on for towns along the route then Weatherspark is a great tool. But they are only averages: on any given day you could find almost every sort of weather imaginable

The Weather Year Round Anywhere on Earth - Weather Spark

Get monthly, daily, and hourly graphical reports of the average weather: daily highs and lows, rain, clouds, wind, etc. Great for event and trip planning!

weatherspark.com

 

[Rich1]

Thanks Bradypus - yes, I know about the Napoleon Route, and yes I will expect all weathers
Incidentally, does closure of the Napoleon Route mean that it blockaded, totally impassable etc or purely heavily advisory. Presumably they can’t physically stop people eg local walkers etc choosing to walk up there

 

[Bradypus]

Thanks Bradypus - yes, I know about the Napoleon Route, and yes I will expect all weathers
Incidentally, does closure of the Napoleon Route mean that it blockaded, totally impassable etc or purely heavily advisory. Presumably they can’t physically stop people eg local walkers etc choosing to walk up there

Not physically blockaded but illegal to use - at least on the Spanish side of the border where it is covered by a Navarra provincial law introduced a few years ago. One which applies very specifically to the Camino path.

 

[Rich1]

Not physically blockaded but illegal to use - at least on the Spanish side of the border where it is covered by a Navarra provincial law introduced a few years ago. One which applies very specifically to the Camino path.

That’s interesting - so it’s actually illegal then? That seems like a very sensible way to prevent those who know better than others putting themselves and others in danger

 

[Rich1]

PS before anyone goes to the trouble of listing them all, I have already searched and read several really helpful previous winter Camino threads on here. Was just after some meteorological info

 

[Bradypus]

That’s interesting - so it’s actually illegal then? That seems like a very sensible way to prevent those who know better than others putting themselves and others in danger

Someone posted a link last year which explains the penalities which may be invoked. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...&set=gm.2129595517071909&type=3&theater&ifg=1

 

[Rich1]

“Trespassers will be fined up to 12,000€“...!!!!!!

 

[nycwalking]

Hello,

You’ll find an open albergue every 25kms or so. There are enough open bars and a few infrastructure goodies: pilgrims, museum tours, et cetera to give you the pilgrim feel.

February to March raindrops didn’t fall on my head everyday.

Yet, there was certainly enough moisture to keep my feet trudging through mud and more mud on a regular basis.

Buen camino whatever winter months you decide to walk.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

I've started in January from both SJPDP and Roncesvalles. If there is heavy snowfall I'd start in Roncesvalles. Going up the Valcarlos route with a lot of snow wasn't enjoyable and doesn't really add anything special (IMO) to the walk, just an exhausting day with dangerous road traffic. Perhaps even consider Pamplona as a good starting place because the walk between Roncesvalles and Zubiri was almost all roadways as well as the pathways had too much snow and the last bit down into Zubiri on the trail is quite steep and slippery in the best of conditions. Lots of accommodation in Pamplona, easy to get to and nice walk up Alto del Perdon to kick off your walk. Good luck!

 

[jsalt]

I’d rather walk in cold and snow than the wet etc - so I’m sort of assuming Jan/Feb is (on average) colder and drier than say March.

Hi, I walked backwards from Santiago, starting 11 Feb this year, and had one and a half days of rain in 4 weeks. There was a tiny bit of mud above Foncebadon, but very little. Fortunately it was dry between Villafranca Montes de Oca and San Juan de Ortega, as I’ve slithered across there in the mud before. However, I was very lucky – no idea what next February will be like!

 

[henrythedog]

I must live close to you - LA11 postcode - i’ve walked the CF in February. Cold(ish), occasional snow on high ground (bear in mind you go higher than Ben Nevis), but little rain. Obviously that’s a report, not a forecast.

If you’re used to Cumbrian or Scottish winter, it’s a doddle.

 

[Rich1]

I must live close to you - LA11 postcode - i’ve walked the CF in February. Cold(ish), occasional snow on high ground (bear in mind you go higher than Ben Nevis), but little rain. Obviously that’s a report, not a forecast.

If you’re used to Cumbrian or Scottish winter, it’s a doddle.

CA10...our little piece of heaven

 

[wildrover]

CA10...our little piece of heaven

Silloth, a great wee gateway! Golf, quite cycling lanes, magical coastal path, British history and great fish n chips. Even in winter, it's heavenly!

 

[Rich1]

Silloth, a great wee gateway! Golf, quite cycling lanes, magical coastal path, British history and great fish n chips. Even in winter, it's heavenly!

Just west of Shap, right on the fells

 

[J Willhaus]

You probably know that there is a winter camino website that is updated regularly so you can see which albergues are open. It is very helpful. http://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/