Consulting the Forum Hive mind: which Camino in Dec

[Simperegrina]

As mentioned in a couple of other threads, after setting out from SJPP last week in Sep, my Camino was cut short in Rabanal del Camino due to a fall and a broken wrist. As I am back home and getting on with the healing, I want to plan a Dec Camino, start week dependent on how quickly my wrist heals (usually, I heal fast). let’s say, starting 2nd week Dec.

i already miss the rhythm of walking, day after day, making your way across a landscape, losing yourself in the rhythm.

i’m open, when it comes to the length of the Camino. I am open to still being on Camino Christmas and NY (I realise accommodation might be a challenge). I also don’t mind doing parts of Caminos - the certificates arent a big driver for me, and I enjoyed collecting the sellos more as memories of the places along the way. I am thinking to rule out finishing the Frances from Rabanal in Dec, for obvious reasons. i’ve enjoyed the freedom of walking the Frances Sep-Oct, and deciding where I want to spend the night on the fly, but I am totally prepared for a winter Camino to demand more advanced planning and booking.

happy to walk circa 25-30kms a day, conscious of shorter hours of daylight so would prefer to avoid closer to 40km days (tho taxis can be options to get to accommodation if needed).

As for the weather? Well, yes, i would prefer to avoid horrendous weather, but the best laid plans etc…

so, Forum hive mind…ideas?

 

[Corned Beef]

Weatherwise, a coastal camino may be warmer than a higher level route such as the Primitivo. Or you could try the Invierno - literally the Winter walk. The other thing to bare in mind is Spanish cities in December have their Xmas lights up.

Here are pics from last year from Vigo, Oviedo and Santander (I travelled a lot last December). Some cheer in the short winter days.

So why not the Ingles from Ferrol or the Portuguese from Vigo

 

[Simperegrina]

Weatherwise, a coastal camino may be warmer than a higher level route such as the Primitivo. Or you could try the Invierno - literally the Winter walk. The other thing to bare in mind is Spanish cities in December have their Xmas lights up.

Here are pics from last year from Vigo, Oviedo and Santander (I travelled a lot last December). Some cheer in the short winter days.

So why not the Ingles from Ferrol or the Portuguese from Vigo

Thanks @Corned Beef. Will enjoy taking a look

 

[WestKirsty]

I walked the Invierno last December/January (over Christmas break) and really loved it! The poor weather some days actually added to the experience - the castle emerging from the clouds on day 1 is a wonderful memory. There were others on the trail at that time too, so very quiet but not alone

So many options! Happy planning and wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

[Simperegrina]

I walked the Invierno last December/January (over Christmas break) and really loved it! The poor weather some days actually added to the experience - the castle emerging from the clouds on day 1 is a wonderful memory. There were others on the trail at that time too, so very quiet but not alone

So many options! Happy planning and wishing you a speedy recovery!

@WestKirsty, the Invierno is high on my list - I might do that plus another one

How did you find getting a bed every night over that period?

 

[Calisteve]

I head South in December - last year I walked from the Via Augusta (Cadiz to Seville) in a week, and this year I'll be walking the Mozarabe, Malaga to Cordoba (17th-23rd). There's no guarantee about the weather but fingers crossed it's warmer than the UK! There's always the VDLP - I walked Seville to Merida in November 2022 - highly recommended. Christmas decorations in Cadiz.

 

[PilgrimPillar]

As mentioned in a couple of other threads, after setting out from SJPP last week in Sep, my Camino was cut short in Rabanal del Camino due to a fall and a broken wrist. As I am back home and getting on with the healing, I want to plan a Dec Camino, start week dependent on how quickly my wrist heals (usually, I heal fast). let’s say, starting 2nd week Dec.

i already miss the rhythm of walking, day after day, making your way across a landscape, losing yourself in the rhythm.

i’m open, when it comes to the length of the Camino. I am open to still being on Camino Christmas and NY (I realise accommodation might be a challenge). I also don’t mind doing parts of Caminos - the certificates arent a big driver for me, and I enjoyed collecting the sellos more as memories of the places along the way. I am thinking to rule out finishing the Frances from Rabanal in Dec, for obvious reasons. i’ve enjoyed the freedom of walking the Frances Sep-Oct, and deciding where I want to spend the night on the fly, but I am totally prepared for a winter Camino to demand more advanced planning and booking.

happy to walk circa 25-30kms a day, conscious of shorter hours of daylight so would prefer to avoid closer to 40km days (tho taxis can be options to get to accommodation if needed).

As for the weather? Well, yes, i would prefer to avoid horrendous weather, but the best laid plans etc…

so, Forum hive mind…ideas?

Norte, Madrid ,Plata, Mozarabe, Torres, connections onwards from Sahagún/Frances and Ponte de Lima/Portuguese.

All these in Dec/Jan.

All these wonderful memories and remarkable ease of pilgrimage in low season.

I have all ways felt surge of joy meeting fellow walkers after solitude… so therefore my decisive connotation is the social aspect.

Favoring the companionship? Porto on or continuing on Frances.

Not dependent? The world is your oyster!

Ultreia

 

[WestKirsty]

@WestKirsty, the Invierno is high on my list - I might do that plus another one

How did you find getting a bed every night over that period?

I planned my accommodation ahead of time (about a week or so in advance) so had no issues. I posted about the walk here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...mas-break-camino-invierno.78003/#post-1093101

I think I mentioned where I stayed most nights, if not, I'd be happy to fill in any information gaps

 

[Simperegrina]

I planned my accommodation ahead of time (about a week or so in advance) so had no issues. I posted about the walk here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...mas-break-camino-invierno.78003/#post-1093101

I think I mentioned where I stayed most nights, if not, I'd be happy to fill in any information gaps

Thank you!