camino francés in winter late 2017 to early 2018

[magsdayc]

hey guys, I've always dreamed abt walking on camino de Santiago. This year I have two week vacation which I can spend on this, my planning dates roughly is from December 29 to 11 January, I am planing to start from Leon, ideally I hope I could reach the end, if not id be happy wherever I could get also, but only question is the camino doable in those dates? cuz I've read a lot online, apparently the best time is in summer, anyone has done it in winter before? and hows it like? thanks a lot!

 

[mspath]

magsdayc,

Winter is a wonderful time to walk but you must be prepared!

To begin your research/planning do check the helpful posts/links in this recent forum thread.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/camino-winter-advice.51183/

For you starting in Leon difficult stretches after winter storms might include up to Foncebadon/Mont Irago and of course O Cebreiro.

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 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

Stay safe and Buen camino!