Camino Finisterre in December

[BrigetteS]

I want to be in Santiago for 31 December 2026 to see the opening of the Pilgrim door for the start of the 2027 Holy Year. I was hoping to walk to (or from) Mucia but n the 5 days prior. Has anyone walked this route in December?

 

[mspath]

BrigetteS,

You must be excited to plan your future winter camino!

After completing my 8th, 9th and 10th caminos walking from SJPdP to Santiago during December 2012 and 2013 I walked to Finisterre and in December 2014 to Muxia. I never had a reservation and always carried my pack staying usually in Xunta albergues.

In winter the hospitaleros usually knew what was open on the next section.

You must be prepared for cold. Many who go at this time wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed. Here are a kit list and tips from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in cold weather

For any winter camino I also stress this bit of info re: carrying food supplies.

Many of my earlier posts on the forum describe winter walking. If you would like further info please just ask.

Happy planning and Carpe diem!

 

[OzAnnie]

Margaret @mspath
I never tire of reading your tips and tricks.
You give the reality of what to expect on a camino.
I’ve read your notes more than once ; as it places me virtually on Camino… a warm feeling.
Even at home when going to sleep on winter nights / your words about ‘making a sandwich ‘ spring to mind and I hug my blankets/or whatever I use closer .

So many helpful tips and explanations for those who wonder what it will be like and how to prepare.

Buen camino.

 

[lt56ny]

I have walked it a few times in December. The tips that @mspath hs given are excellent and should be followed. I winter walk with a sleeping bag that is good to 15c. I have only had a few nights where I had to wear alot of extra clothes to be warm. But I would trade the weight and bulk any day for the lighter bag. I know there are really good and light warmer bags but they are out of my price range. I would only add that you should have a few sources for Albergues. I use Wise Pilgrim, Buen Camino and Gronze the most. I haven’t walk the CF in December for a while. I don’t remember if Aprica covers Finestere and Muxia. Now that the Camino is getting more and more popular I have learned it is importantes to call ahead a day before for wherever you want to sleep. Not because of too many pilgrims but now private albergue owners may close because it is the holidays or they are just exhaused from the working all year. The guides and Gronze do a great job trying to keep us up to date on Albergues and when they are open. They can’t control when an owner changes their mind.