Via De La Plata in March 2025

[Mallowman]

I am looking at starting the VDLP the 1st week of March 2025. My plan is to start in Sevilla and walk to Astorga then back track and pick up the Sanabres to Santiago. I've got my gear weight down to 13 lbs including my backpack weight and a new pair of boots to break in. Any thoughts/recommendations about starting around 1 March? And how about a recommendation on a Abergue that really made you feel at home.

 

[Sirage]

Date sounds about right, perhaps a bit early, depending on the weather that year, which you will discover as you walk.

14 or 15 lbs would be ok if 13 lbs has too much functional compromise.

My choice would be to go via the Sanabres without going to Astorga. I prefer a Camino with continuity where reasonable.

 

[Robo]

Pack weight sounds good. Mine was 15 lbs. (plus food at water)

I did meet one guy (Paul - you know who you are) that had a pack that was probably 5-6 lbs!
Couldn't keep up with him! He was fast.........

But remember you'll be carrying a lot of water on some stages. Often all your water for the day. I carried 2 litres most days, 1.5 some, 3 others. Depending on distance, heat and what was along the way. Unless passing through a 'larger' village or town, assume no water or food available along the way. I always checked ahead 2 days on google maps looking for shops, cafes etc and checking opening times. (which are sometimes wrong)

To show how different we all are, Paul probably carried 1 litre for the day! But he would arrive 2 hours ahead of me.

I started 25 March last year and it was perfect re weather. Just check the dates of Semana Santa. Accommodation gets heavily booked.


My approach was different. (most go West on the Sanabres)

I went North to Astorga which was a really great section, then West on the Frances to Ponferrada, then on the Invierno to Santiago. It was great.

I'm keeping the Sanabres for another time.

Stand out Albergues were:

Casa de Acogida de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres | Albergue de Peregrinos en Alcuéscar | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Casa de Acogida de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres, en Alcuéscar: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Albergue parroquial Santa María | Albergue de Peregrinos en Fuenterroble de Salvatierra | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue parroquial Santa María, en Fuenterroble de Salvatierra: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[Robo]

I am looking at starting the VDLP the 1st week of March 2025. My plan is to start in Sevilla and walk to Astorga then back track and pick up the Sanabres to Santiago. I've got my gear weight down to 13 lbs including my backpack weight and a new pair of boots to break in. Any thoughts/recommendations about starting around 1 March? And how about a recommendation on a Abergue that really made you feel at home.

Do you really need boots?
I used Trail Runners.
The walking surfaces are great!
(at least Sevilla to Astorga)

 

[Susan Maria]

Hi, I'm planning via de la Plata + Sanabres in March next year, but will likely start 2nd week March. We may see each other! Normally my pack is 7.5 kg not including food or water (or boots).

 

[duncanwhyte]

I walked it this year Feb to March. It was cold at night. However heating is available in the dorms.

There are a few stays where a meal is provided and usually very good. But some small towns have limited provisions and shops may be closed. Sundays are busy and restaurants booked. Monday can be closed, but you might find a churrerio open.

However the albergues have limited kitchen usage. The most likely thing being a microwave. At some point you may have to carry food.

The trail can be walked in a good shoe. I didn't carry or use much water en-route as I found cafes I could divert to.

Salamanca municipal hostel seemed the most pleasant, mainly because the host got involved with you, was helpful and was a welcome presence.