Late October Camino - housing and clothes

[ctsmith]

Hi, y’all!

I’ll be hiking Sarria to the end of the CF route in the last week of October. I’ve heard sometimes the albergues are closed along this path. Has anyone known this to be the case? Additionally, I’m considering buying separate waterproof hiking shoes since I’ve heard it rains a lot in late October in north Spain. What have peoples’ experiences been with rain on the CF trail in late October? Can I tough it out without waterproof shoes and a few pairs of wool socks and my tevas?

Thanks so much for your help, and hmu if you’ll be on the trail!

 

[J Willhaus]

I walked in early January. There's a lot of Xunta albergues on this way. Many cafes were closed for the season so be prepared with snacks. I wore a Altus Poncho over a synthetic puffy jacket with merino wool layers, merino gloves, and a fleece ear band cover. It rained a lot. I wore gortex mid height boots with merino socks.

I have a light down sleeping bag for night. My evening clothes were merino tights and a merino wool dress with croc clogs for evening. I was comfortable even though it rained every day.

 

[trecile]

Sarria to Santiago is wholly within Galicia, where the Xunta (public) albergues are open year round.

 

[dbeatriceb]

Hi, y’all!

I’ll be hiking Sarria to the end of the CF route in the last week of October. I’ve heard sometimes the albergues are closed along this path. Has anyone known this to be the case? Additionally, I’m considering buying separate waterproof hiking shoes since I’ve heard it rains a lot in late October in north Spain. What have peoples’ experiences been with rain on the CF trail in late October? Can I tough it out without waterproof shoes and a few pairs of wool socks and my tevas?

Thanks so much for your help, and hmu if you’ll be on the trail!

I have worn non-waterproof trail runners on the CF during October, November, and December. I would not choose sandals and socks due to the amount of mud encountered if it rains a lot. Rain that time of year is a common occurrence so best to be prepared for it. I also never wear “waterproof” shoes or boots because they suffocate my feet, cause blisters, and are never truly waterproof.

 

[PiaNorman]

Hi - definitely need waterproofs! I walked through Galicia this time last year and it rained every day! Some days torrential rain! You need good walking boots without a doubt! Merino socks are good as keep feet warm - can be cold! Buen camino!