Winter route recommendations

[adrianm4492]

Hello all. I walked the CF last Mar/Apr but am now back in "civilisation". But the calling has got to me again and I have to go back. My plans at this point are to go to Japan in october to walk the 88 temples walk in Japan, then to Europe. I first planned to walk from Le Puy in January but reading posts on this it seems like a foolhardy thing to do. Apart from everything being closed it seems it's just too cold. I will be carrying a tent for times I might not find anything open but it seems it is just not possible. I'm no alpine hiker and am not that fit (though should be after walking Shikoku) but I am also realistic. So I guess what I am after is suggestions for which route to walk in winter. I hate the heat and love the solitude that winter brings but I don't want to die of exposure! I am now thinking the VDLP. Would this be a more viable option in winter?

 

[Kitsambler]

Lowland France might be worth your consideration: Le puy route from Figeac westwards, or possibly the Arles route (up to a point, depending on local conditions).

 

[KinkyOne]

Hello all. I walked the CF last Mar/Apr but am now back in "civilisation". But the calling has got to me again and I have to go back. My plans at this point are to go to Japan in october to walk the 88 temples walk in Japan, then to Europe. I first planned to walk from Le Puy in January but reading posts on this it seems like a foolhardy thing to do. Apart from everything being closed it seems it's just too cold. I will be carrying a tent for times I might not find anything open but it seems it is just not possible. I'm no alpine hiker and am not that fit (though should be after walking Shikoku) but I am also realistic. So I guess what I am after is suggestions for which route to walk in winter. I hate the heat and love the solitude that winter brings but I don't want to die of exposure! I am now thinking the VDLP. Would this be a more viable option in winter?

In Spain definitely southern routes (Augusta, VdlP, Estrecho, Levante, Sanabres, La Lana, Mozarabe and Ebro) are likely to have more pleasant conditions then the rest up north. But if you want to have some real winter conditions I guess Frances with its infrastructure would be a safe bet.
Maybe check out vlog by a guy currently walking CF:

and get the idea what you might expect.
Also our forum member @mspath is a CF winter walker. A wealth of information.

Buen winter Camino!