Do I start in september or october ??

[katiawt]

I am plannig to walk from Le Puy to Santiago next year. My husband will retire in july so we will have lots of time. We walk slowly, and I have a serius problema walking when it is too hot.
If we start in the beginig of september we will be on french camino in october, and it seems ok. Ir we star on the beginig of october we will be there on november.
Which alternative seems beter ?
Thanks a lot
Katia

 

[lovingkindness]

...if we start on the beginning of october we will be there on november...

Bonjour, Katiawt. In 2004 I hiked from Le Puy en Velay commencing 4 October, arriving in Roncevalles 15 November (?). Apart from a deluge on day one and intermittent showers at other times rain was not a problem. Temperatures fluctuated in the first week or so requiring frequent changes in layering. By the time I reached Conques I was wearing autumnal hiking gear every day: a base layer (thin silk top & leggings), thin fleece top, leggings, Fleecy, buff & cap, gloves. Particular care was needed the day I hiked over from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncevalles. My gear was only just sufficient. Chill winds and fog ensured that I walked at a fast pace without rest for 6 hours. It was too cold to stop for more than a few minutes. I ate on the run. Horizontal icicles trailed in the trees. You might consider taking an extra merino base layer for the crossing.

Bon chemin,
Lovingkindness

ps October-November is hunting season in France. For visibility in the forests It is recommended that hikers wear bright orange on their apparel.

 

[Kitsambler]

Both years I walked the Le Puy route, I started walking around 1 September. We averaged about 1 day of rain each week. It was hot (I live in Seattle, which has weather like London - your personal thermometer may vary) and I was in shorts and a breathable fabric collared shirt most days. One damp night in the highlands I really wished for a jacket. The second year, there was a real heat wave, and temps were in the 30s walking through the Basque country of France. September is very popular for walking, among the French, and you should check the open/close dates in MMD (many are only open from Easter to All Saints, and many gite owners take holidays at other times) as well as consider making advance reservations. Most French will call a day or two ahead for reservations as they go. The weather is lovely, there is all sorts of activity in the agricultural areas as the harvest is gathered in, it is a great time to go!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Temperatures in Condom, Burgos, and Leon are freezing or slightly above in this early December. There is still unmelted snow in O Cebreiro from November. Late November could be the same next year. So expect colder weather the later you start.

 

[katiawt]

It seems I really have a problem...
If we start early september we´ll cook in France.
If we start early october we will freeze in Spain...
Tough decision :cry:
Thanks!!!
Katia

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You want the same weather for sixty days across two seasons and two countries (and quite a few mountain ranges)???? :wink:

Good luck.

 

[katiawt]

That would be nice, indeed...

Thanks
Katia