Invierno or CF - Back up - snow.

[dramig]

I am looking for some advice on an alternative route around O-Cebiero and back into Samos to the CF.

I will be arriving in Astorga March 8 / 9, 2025. I have until March 22 (Leaving from Santiago). I will be meeting family in Samos or Sarria around March 15. In the event that there is a lot of snow at the Foncebadon / O Cebreiro stages, I will use as a backup plan to take the Invierno route and look to back track to Sarria / Samos to meet family.

Thoughts? Is there a way to walk back to Samos? Or just taxi?

Will the Invierno at this time of year have services? Any thoughts on the Invierno route at this time of year. I am not looking for a solitary Camino, I am social and enjoy meeting people.

Thank you in advance!

 

[trecile]

Here are a couple of recent threads about getting from Samos to the Invierno that should have helpful information for going in the other direction.

G

Thread 'Samos to the Camino Invierno?'

Dec 15, 2024

Given the relative distaste that a not insubstantial number of pilgrims have for the Camino Frances from Sarria westward, I wonder if anyone reading this might have walked from Triacastela to Samos, then down to the Camino Invierno at A Pobra Do Brollon. Map-wise, it's 44km from Tricastela, and I'm hoping that someone has done this and can provide information about the trail, places to spend one night, and any thing else that might be of interest. I'm thinking of doing this in October. Thanks in advance.

• gkaplan
• Replies: 17
• Camino de Santiago Forum: 🇪🇸 Camino de INVIERNO (from Ponferrada)

• 

Thread 'Connection from O Cebreiro (or Samos) to Invierno?'

Nov 13, 2024

Hola,
Is there a walking route connecting the Frances route to the Invierno route AFTER O Cebreiro?

Walking the Frances I love the ascent to, and stay in O Cebreiro and would like to visit Samos (which I have not done) - but would like to deviate off the Frances before Sarria and join the Invierno for a quieter entry into Santiago DC.

I can manage long daily distances if required and can probably walk the road network but was wondering whether there were any walking trails for a safer and more pleasant transition. My preference will be to walk.

Any suggestions really appreciated.

• diesel
• Replies: 16
• Camino de Santiago Forum: 🇪🇸 Camino de INVIERNO (from Ponferrada)

 

[SYates]

I don't think that will be necessary in March, I have walked the CF several times in winter and felt very safe. Also, the Invierno will be very solitary that time of the year whilst on the CF you will have safety and company in numbers ;-)
BC SY

 

[trecile]

Also, the Invierno will be very solitary that time of the year

The Invierno was solitary in June!

 

[Ballari]

I have walked the CF around that time of year a few times. I've even had some hot days. And, on snow days, I've always been able to get through. I've walked through snow at Foncebadon and O Cebreiro stages with no problem.

 

[Marbe2]

Well it is possible there could still be a lot of snow on the path up to OCebreiro, from La Faba to OCebreiro. About 5 years ago, the trail was open, but the snow became so deep it was almost up to my knees and I am 5’9”.

Nevertheless, do stay on the CF. The logistics getting to Samos from the invierno are not easy…it is not a well traveled camino path. Instead, even if the trail from Las Herrerias to OCebreiro were closed, there is a road route that the cars use to get up to OCebreiro.

When you get to Las Herrerias, ask if the path is open and how much snow is on it. If it is closed take the road route. You won’t be the only one! It will be much easier than than trying to get to Samos from the Invierno.

And f the weather is bad, wait it out, and take a taxi to the top of OCebreiro or Pedrafita.