Zamora-SDC Feb 2019

[Jenyat53]

I am hoping that someone who has walked this route at this time of year might share with me the actual stops they made overnight. Several people have said there are some very poorly serviced sections on this route especially in winter when more albergues are closed.
We are just average walkers (20-25 kms a day) and I would appreciate any shared experiences of this group along with comments about the wisdom of our choice.
Would we be wiser to avoid the Sanabrés and head to Astorga then join the Invierno (about which I know very little at present)?
Much appreciation in advance for any insights you experienced winter walkers may care to share. Thank you

 

[Waka]

I myself haven't walked the section you are talking about, but I have been researching the whole VDLP, I am starting in Saville at the beginning of Feb next year.

Regarding overnight stops and albergues there is a very good resource that list all the albergues and which ones are open year round, I have found this very useful in planning my stages. having said that some may not be open when you get to the destination, then plan B comes into play, myself I don't have a plan B but like all things in life it will all work out in the end.

I'm sure someone will come forward who has actually done this part of the VDLP in Winter and give you some sound advice. I just thought I'd point you in the direction of the resources section.

Buen Camino

 

[clivespicer]

Don't miss the Sanabres, its beautiful in spring.

 

[J Willhaus]

Jenny,
The hospitaleros or the tourist office in Zamora should have information on what is open for the first several nights North of Zamora. We were hospiteleros in December there and had at least one pilgrim walking backwards from Santiago. He said he often slept at the fire stations in communities when albergue were closed. We had copies of current info to share with pilgrims and most chose to go through Astorga. You can also use the Gronze website to find out what is open in winter.
Janet

 

[Phil W]

I was the other half with @J Willhaus last December. The information we had showed distances of 30 to 35 kms between open albergues. This may have been due to some renovations that were in progress at that time. Whichever route you choose, enjoy.
Buen Camino
Phil

 

[wildrover]

I am hoping that someone who has walked this route at this time of year might share with me the actual stops they made overnight. Several people have said there are some very poorly serviced sections on this route especially in winter when more albergues are closed.
We are just average walkers (20-25 kms a day) and I would appreciate any shared experiences of this group along with comments about the wisdom of our choice.
Would we be wiser to avoid the Sanabrés and head to Astorga then join the Invierno (about which I know very little at present)?
Much appreciation in advance for any insights you experienced winter walkers may care to share. Thank you

Hi, I’m off to Walk the vdlp for the 3rd time on dec15. I walked last December and had an albergue every night. There was a couple occasions I had to walk another 10k, due to albergue closures! I did have the opportunity on these occasions, to get a pension etc. Having few rest stops is part of the vdlp. From Zamora, a couple of days at 28,29k .very doable! The sanabres, not to be missed, stunning at any time of the year. I’m not a big planner, I mainly wing it! That’s just me. All the info you need... is indeed in the resource section. My first time was feb,March and an average of 4 to 5 pilgrims per day. Last December Seville to Santiago, I never met anyone completing the whole route. In fact, I only met about 10 pilgrims in total. I did meet a French man, who was walking in reverse! I’ll be finished as you start in February. I’ll keep an eye on this section, any specific questions, just ask. You’re in for a treat, on completion you’ll feel like proper pilgrims. O aye, there a lady who has put the stages onto a spreadsheet and it has everything I needed. It’s still relevant.....phone numbers, albergue addresses etc,etc. Again, in resources! Enjoy. Wild

 

[Jenyat53]

Many thanks Wildrover, you have inspired me again after a concern that our choice may have been unwise. We are quite partial to walking the road less travelled but are quite keen to have a bed to sleep in each night . Will certainly look forward to fine tuning a few things especially in light of your actual experience closer to the time. Buen camino to you and many thanks again Jen