Planning First Camino, February: Advice, safety, comfort

[Rb98]

Hello lovely people

I'm planning my first Camino, and I'm excited to be starting CF at the beginning of February. I've read a lot of threads on here to understand as much as I can (thank you for the wealth of information!!) but I still have a few remaining queries.

I'm 25F with good experience of walking in bad English weather, and whilst I have relatively good fitness, this will be my first multi-day hike. Safety is my number one priority, so being warm and not over-pushing myself is important. Time is not especially an issue for me so I intend to take the route at my own pace and I would really like to not be tied to a certain destination/accommodation days ahead -spontaneity is preferable. Being in my twenties in an economic crisis means costs are a strong consideration so finding a balance of comfort/safety/money is key to me (ie knowing when spending the extra ££s is needed, not a luxury). In addition, I intend to carry my pack the whole way and want to keep it as light as possible. Maybe stating the obvious, but I love beautiful views and nature and am seeking some solitude on my way, while company at the albergues will be welcomed. I will be coming from Barcelona with intention to go Pamplona and then take a bus Roncesvalles.

So with this all in mind, if you can please share your opinion on any of the following:

- Is it worthwhile taking the taxi from Roncesvalles to start in SJPDP? I'm aware I will be taking the winter route via Valcarlos. Or even start in Pamplona?
- Many of the albergues listed on https://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/ say 'reservation recommended', do you know if this means hours, days or weeks before?
- Coffee addicts - what's the situation with coffee at albergues? Instant? Non-existent? Freshly brewed? :')
- Are gaiters worth the investment, or would waterproof trousers suffice?
- Raincoat or poncho? Or both?
- Would you go for Merino wool or specialist walking polyester material?
- I generally don't enjoy walking sticks, but are they highly recommended for this?

Any additional thoughts, tips and advice would be really welcomed!
Thanks in advance

 

[Bradypus]

I walked the Camino Frances in January last year. I have also walked it in summer. A very different experience! So many questions....

If you intend to walk all the way to Santiago I wouldn't get too hung up on the idea of walking from SJPDP. There are equally impressive landscapes and challenges on the way. The Spanish have historically seen Roncesvalles as the start of the route and it is a good place to begin. Fairly easy to get to and the stages to Pamplona are attractive and worth walking

If the Aprinca website suggests reservation I would try to do that the previous day. You have very few alternatives and if by chance somewhere is not available or not responding to messages then it is good to have time to find a Plan B or even Plan C.

Albergues may have good coffee, instant coffee, diabolical machine "coffee" or none at all. They are all different. There is no standard pattern. You can be pretty sure that coffee in a bar is going to be superior to coffee in an albergue though.

I am over 60 and have crumbling knees - probably from walking far too many km over the years. I am a late convert to walking poles and wouldn't walk without them now. Even when I had fully functional joints I found a single pole handy for balance on dodgy surfaces. Strongly suggest you take at least one - and a pair would be better. Expect crappy slippy surfaces!

Ultreia!

 

[mspath]

In winter the hospitaleros usually knew what is open on the next section. I usually stayed in municipal albergues and never had a reservation until the final days in Santiago.

However 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 through snow.

Wherever you do plan to walk in winter do keep these thoughts in mind.
In addition to the Valcarlos alternate to Roncesvalles difficult CF stretches after winter storms could be across the Montes de Oca from Villafranca, Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Monte Irago and, of course, to and from O Cebreiro. Be prepared.

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

Whenever you do walk keep warm, stay safe and Buen camino!

 

[roving_rufus]

With the aprinca advice to reserve is more to check the albergue is definitely open, though by February this is generally less of an issue. In winter I generally sent a whatapp message or rang maybe a day or two ahead to see if open and "reserve". And I use "reserve" in a very loose sense. There are a few places that don't need to be contacted in advance but aprinca generally lists them. But I know others often just take a chance without any contact even in winter.

I wouldn't rely on albergues having coffee- except the ones that are run by a bar. I tend to carry a few teabags (black and herbal) for a hot drink, and find a bar for coffee.

At home in Ireland I might consider gaiters, but I haven't taken them on a winter camino - the CF is mainly paths and roads, and except for the odd day of snow when they might be useful- they aren't necessary. But I do carry waterproof trousers. As for a poncho or raincoat - do you already own a decent waterproof coat coming from the UK - why spend extra money?

As for a pole or stick- there are a few descents that are tricky even in good dry conditions- some sort of pole or stick is wise. I am not a fan of poles- but they do have use for extra stability in a few tricky spots. But then again I have been known to keep an eye out in trees/hedges to find a stick rather than carry a pole long distance for maybe 3 or 4 spots on the CF when it would be very useful.

 

[Rb98]

I walked the Camino Frances in January last year. I have also walked it in summer. A very different experience! So many questions....

If you intend to walk all the way to Santiago I wouldn't get too hung up on the idea of walking from SJPDP. There are equally impressive landscapes and challenges on the way. The Spanish have historically seen Roncesvalles as the start of the route and it is a good place to begin. Fairly easy to get to and the stages to Pamplona are attractive and worth walking

If the Aprinca website suggests reservation I would try to do that the previous day. You have very few alternatives and if by chance somewhere is not available or not responding to messages then it is good to have time to find a Plan B or even Plan C.

Albergues may have good coffee, instant coffee, diabolical machine "coffee" or none at all. They are all different. There is no standard pattern. You can be pretty sure that coffee in a bar is going to be superior to coffee in an albergue though.

I am over 60 and have crumbling knees - probably from walking far too many km over the years. I am a late convert to walking poles and wouldn't walk without them now. Even when I had fully functional joints I found a single pole handy for balance on dodgy surfaces. Strongly suggest you take at least one - and a pair would be better. Expect crappy slippy surfaces!

Ultreia!

Thank you very much for this detailed reply - much help

 

[Rb98]

With the aprinca advice to reserve is more to check the albergue is definitely open, though by February this is generally less of an issue. In winter I generally sent a whatapp message or rang maybe a day or two ahead to see if open and "reserve". And I use "reserve" in a very loose sense. There are a few places that don't need to be contacted in advance but aprinca generally lists them. But I know others often just take a chance without any contact even in winter.

I wouldn't rely on albergues having coffee- except the ones that are run by a bar. I tend to carry a few teabags (black and herbal) for a hot drink, and find a bar for coffee.

At home in Ireland I might consider gaiters, but I haven't taken them on a winter camino - the CF is mainly paths and roads, and except for the odd day of snow when they might be useful- they aren't necessary. But I do carry waterproof trousers. As for a poncho or raincoat - do you already own a decent waterproof coat coming from the UK - why spend extra money?

As for a pole or stick- there are a few descents that are tricky even in good dry conditions- some sort of pole or stick is wise. I am not a fan of poles- but they do have use for extra stability in a few tricky spots. But then again I have been known to keep an eye out in trees/hedges to find a stick rather than carry a pole long distance for maybe 3 or 4 spots on the CF when it would be very useful.

Thank you very much for your reply and help are you taking a flask with you on your journey out of interest?
I'll probably give gaiters a miss then! My good raincoat recently died on me, and I have another that's fine for living in a city but not for the Camino. So I'm wondering if a poncho might be worthwhile at this stage..?
Hmm I'm quite tempted by the tree sticks especially as I won't be able to take purchased sticks back to the UK with me
Thanks again

 

[David Tallan]

I walked the Camino Frances in January last year. I have also walked it in summer. A very different experience! So many questions....

If you intend to walk all the way to Santiago I wouldn't get too hung up on the idea of walking from SJPDP. There are equally impressive landscapes and challenges on the way. The Spanish have historically seen Roncesvalles as the start of the route and it is a good place to begin. Fairly easy to get to and the stages to Pamplona are attractive and worth walking

If the Aprinca website suggests reservation I would try to do that the previous day. You have very few alternatives and if by chance somewhere is not available or not responding to messages then it is good to have time to find a Plan B or even Plan C.

Albergues may have good coffee, instant coffee, diabolical machine "coffee" or none at all. They are all different. There is no standard pattern. You can be pretty sure that coffee in a bar is going to be superior to coffee in an albergue though.

I am over 60 and have crumbling knees - probably from walking far too many km over the years. I am a late convert to walking poles and wouldn't walk without them now. Even when I had fully functional joints I found a single pole handy for balance on dodgy surfaces. Strongly suggest you take at least one - and a pair would be better. Expect crappy slippy surfaces!

Ultreia!

Bradypus has written just about everything I was going to write, so I'll just second everything he said. I'll just add that, having done several Caminos in technical fabric shirts and then, on my most recent, in merino wool, I'm a convert. Its ability to resist odours is a stark contrast to the way most technical fabrics seem to rapidly acquire them. Combine that with the ability of wool to keep you warm even when wet or damp and it does seem a winning combination for a winter Camino.

 

[roving_rufus]

Thank you very much for your reply and help are you taking a flask with you on your journey out of interest?
I'll probably give gaiters a miss then! My good raincoat recently died on me, and I have another that's fine for living in a city but not for the Camino. So I'm wondering if a poncho might be worthwhile at this stage..?
Hmm I'm quite tempted by the tree sticks especially as I won't be able to take purchased sticks back to the UK with me
Thanks again

In winter I do tend to carry a flask.

I prefer a raincoat. But financially- would you wear the poncho walking in the UK? Or is a raincoat a better investment?

 

[Rb98]

In winter the hospitaleros usually knew what is open on the next section. I usually stayed in municipal albergues and never had a reservation until the final days in Santiago.

However 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 through snow.

Wherever you do plan to walk in winter do keep these thoughts in mind.
In addition to the Valcarlos alternate to Roncesvalles difficult CF stretches after winter storms could be across the Montes de Oca from Villafranca, Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Monte Irago and, of course, to and from O Cebreiro. Be prepared.

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

Whenever you do walk keep warm, stay safe and Buen camino!

Thank you very much for this, and all your information on other posts I've seen

 

[Rb98]

Bradypus has written just about everything I was going to write, so I'll just second everything he said. I'll just add that, having done several Caminos in technical fabric shirts and then, on my most recent, in merino wool, I'm a convert. Its ability to resist odours is a stark contrast to the way most technical fabrics seem to rapidly acquire them. Combine that with the ability of wool to keep you warm even when wet or damp and it does seem a winning combination for a winter Camino.

Thank you for this! I'm generally a fan of natural fibres either way, so will try to stick with marino. Do you have suggestions on which items your would prioritise being Marino? As I'm finding a whole range from underpants to tops to gloves here

 

[David Tallan]

Thank you for this! I'm generally a fan of natural fibres either way, so will try to stick with marino. Do you have suggestions on which items your would prioritise being Marino? As I'm finding a whole range from underpants to tops to gloves here

I've only tried socks and tee shirts. Trying underwear is probably for my next Camino. I would prioritize socks, tee shirts or base layers, and underwear. Generally the layers closest to the body that are likely to pick up an odour with exertion. But I'm not expert.

I would look for a blend, though. When I brought 100% merino tee shirts on my last Camino they were quite fragile. One, although it said it was fine for machine washing, developed holes after the first such wash. I believe the blends are more durable.

 

[C clearly]

Many of the albergues listed on https://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/ say 'reservation recommended', do you know if this means hours, days or weeks before

For the less popular routes and seasons, the "advance reservation" can be helpful for the hospitaleros or operators, who have their normal lives to lead as well as welcoming the few pilgrims who might show up unexpectedly. Consider it a favour to them, rather than an infringement on your sponteneity!

 

[Rb98]

For the less popular routes and seasons, the "advance reservation" can be helpful for the hospitaleros or operators, who have their normal lives to lead as well as welcoming the few pilgrims who might show up unexpectedly. Consider it a favour to them, rather than an infringement on your sponteneity!

Yes of course, understand the reasons for reserving - I was just wondering how far in advance would be normal/expected to balance my needs with theirs

 

[C clearly]

Probably a day or two.

 

[J Willhaus]

I just finished a winter Camino and my Altus Poncho was really a valuable addition to my pack. It kept my pack contents much drier than my old raincoat and pack cover. It has sleeves like a coat and you can wear a coat, hat,, etc.. underneath. I would recommend some kind of hat with a bill to add to visibility although the hood is easily adjustable. Several days of rain with on and off (mostly on) I just wore it like a cape with the sleeves tucked under my straps so I could put it on again quickly with the next shower or downpour.

 

[J Willhaus]

My Merino stuff held up well this trip. I had heavy Merino tights, a Merino dress, a Merino zip neck long sleeve shirt, and Merino socks. Only my hiking pants were not wool although I have wool ones I left at home. All really great. Fast drying even in the wet weather. No little holes in the heavier weight wool items unlike the light t-shirts for summer.

 

[Tandem Graham]

Hello lovely people

I'm planning my first Camino, and I'm excited to be starting CF at the beginning of February. I've read a lot of threads on here to understand as much as I can (thank you for the wealth of information!!) but I still have a few remaining queries.

I'm 25F with good experience of walking in bad English weather, and whilst I have relatively good fitness, this will be my first multi-day hike. Safety is my number one priority, so being warm and not over-pushing myself is important. Time is not especially an issue for me so I intend to take the route at my own pace and I would really like to not be tied to a certain destination/accommodation days ahead -spontaneity is preferable. Being in my twenties in an economic crisis means costs are a strong consideration so finding a balance of comfort/safety/money is key to me (ie knowing when spending the extra ££s is needed, not a luxury). In addition, I intend to carry my pack the whole way and want to keep it as light as possible. Maybe stating the obvious, but I love beautiful views and nature and am seeking some solitude on my way, while company at the albergues will be welcomed. I will be coming from Barcelona with intention to go Pamplona and then take a bus Roncesvalles.

So with this all in mind, if you can please share your opinion on any of the following:

- Is it worthwhile taking the taxi from Roncesvalles to start in SJPDP? I'm aware I will be taking the winter route via Valcarlos. Or even start in Pamplona?
- Many of the albergues listed on https://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/ say 'reservation recommended', do you know if this means hours, days or weeks before?
- Coffee addicts - what's the situation with coffee at albergues? Instant? Non-existent? Freshly brewed? :')
- Are gaiters worth the investment, or would waterproof trousers suffice?
- Raincoat or poncho? Or both?
- Would you go for Merino wool or specialist walking polyester material?
- I generally don't enjoy walking sticks, but are they highly recommended for this?

Any additional thoughts, tips and advice would be really welcomed!
Thanks in advance

Not much to add to the good advice above. But if you settle for rain jacket and pack cover (my preferred option), do consider a pack liner (or heavy duty bin liner) inside your pack, because rain does eventually get between your jacket and the pack cover. There's little more demoralizing than a rucksack full of wet gear in the evening!
You are preparing for a wonderful adventure. Buen Camino!

 

[Rb98]

My Merino stuff held up well this trip. I had heavy Merino tights, a Merino dress, a Merino zip neck long sleeve shirt, and Merino socks. Only my hiking pants were not wool although I have wool ones I left at home. All really great. Fast drying even in the wet weather. No little holes in the heavier weight wool items unlike the light t-shirts for summer.

Thank you very much for both your replies, gave me some things to look into

 

[Rb98]

Not much to add to the good advice above. But if you settle for rain jacket and pack cover (my preferred option), do consider a pack liner (or heavy duty bin liner) inside your pack, because rain does eventually get between your jacket and the pack cover. There's little more demoralizing than a rucksack full of wet gear in the evening!
You are preparing for a wonderful adventure. Buen Camino!

Great tip, thank you!!

 

[Trekker One]

RB98, first welcome to the forum! As you have seen by now we all love to give advice and we can be quite opinionated...but with the best intentions!
You have obviously done alot of good research so far.
If you don't have a time restriction, starting from SJPP would be my choice. I had to walk the lower route in April of 2016 due to a snow storm closing the Napoleon route, but the ValCarlos route has it's own charms and challenging bits.
On the issue of trekking poles I can't reccomend them enough. Since February is clearly still the winter season I see poles as completely essential for safely. Snow covered trails can hide hidden 'surprises!' Going up and down snow covered hills or muddy trails without poles is sketchy. I use my poles literally 100% of time. A single fall or sprain can end your Camino.
I have taken gaiters on a few early spring Camino's and found I didn't use them much but a winter Camino like you are planning, packing them would be wise.
I have always gone with a quality lightweight rain poncho over water proof pants or a rain jacket. Ponchos can be added and removed quickly. Waterproof pants and jackets quickly end up as 'sauna suits' for me at least.
Getting sweaty in winter conditions equals potential hyperthermia if you aren't carefully layering your attire.
I am a big merino wool fan, but have to admit not having any real trail knowledge of the other alternatives.
Also invest in quality winter rated gloves and a good knitted ski hat
Warm hands, head and feet go a long way to feeling warm. You lose a tremendous amount of body heat from your head.
Now the important stuff...coffee! This is all over the map from albergues having instant to brew type machines. Depends on the type of albergue. A family run one may be a better option than a municipal run facility which tend to be bare bones.
You should plan on buying a few food items each night for your following morning, although many albergue may offer a breakfast. My wife and I like to start walking early, and in many cases a breakfast at the albergue meant a late start, although some set out items for the early risers.
My wife and I would get a yogurt/muffin/orange to get us going and typically would walk and get a proper coffee con leche and breakfast at our first stop of the day.
Especially for a winter hike having something to nibble on as you hike would be wise. The calorie burn on a normal mostly dry and warm Camino is high, but a winter one while keeping warm and potentially slogging through snow on some days is much, much higher.
As far as water, I have never bought any bottled water in Spain. I have always gone with tap water at albergues and restaurants and never had an issue. I tend to avoid road side fronts out of an abundance of caution.
If two water bottles are in your plan, maybe substituting one for a light weight thermos might be an option, having something warm to sip on tea/coffee/consume keeps your core temp up on cold days.
Lastly, my wife and I hate pre-booking nights as well, but have had to temper this with reality in recent years due to high numbers of pilgrims.
February isn't busy, but it is also the Camino off season so many albergues are shuttered for the winter. So out of an abundance of caution, especially for the higher elevation parts of the Camino likely to have snow I would prebook those days for sure. You will get a feel after a few days how much is open and based on your own comfort level you can go from there.
You will meet many good people on your way and will find you will tend to team up with them.
I hope this is helpful, but most of all enjoy your Camino!

 

[Rb98]

RB98, first welcome to the forum! As you have seen by now we all love to give advice and we can be quite opinionated...but with the best intentions!
You have obviously done alot of good research so far.
If you don't have a time restriction, starting from SJPP would be my choice. I had to walk the lower route in April of 2016 due to a snow storm closing the Napoleon route, but the ValCarlos route has it's own charms and challenging bits.
On the issue of trekking poles I can't reccomend them enough. Since February is clearly still the winter season I see poles as completely essential for safely. Snow covered trails can hide hidden 'surprises!' Going up and down snow covered hills or muddy trails without poles is sketchy. I use my poles literally 100% of time. A single fall or sprain can end your Camino.
I have taken gaiters on a few early spring Camino's and found I didn't use them much but a winter Camino like you are planning, packing them would be wise.
I have always gone with a quality lightweight rain poncho over water proof pants or a rain jacket. Ponchos can be added and removed quickly. Waterproof pants and jackets quickly end up as 'sauna suits' for me at least.
Getting sweaty in winter conditions equals potential hyperthermia if you aren't carefully layering your attire.
I am a big merino wool fan, but have to admit not having any real trail knowledge of the other alternatives.
Also invest in quality winter rated gloves and a good knitted ski hat
Warm hands, head and feet go a long way to feeling warm. You lose a tremendous amount of body heat from your head.
Now the important stuff...coffee! This is all over the map from albergues having instant to brew type machines. Depends on the type of albergue. A family run one may be a better option than a municipal run facility which tend to be bare bones.
You should plan on buying a few food items each night for your following morning, although many albergue may offer a breakfast. My wife and I like to start walking early, and in many cases a breakfast at the albergue meant a late start, although some set out items for the early risers.
My wife and I would get a yogurt/muffin/orange to get us going and typically would walk and get a proper coffee con leche and breakfast at our first stop of the day.
Especially for a winter hike having something to nibble on as you hike would be wise. The calorie burn on a normal mostly dry and warm Camino is high, but a winter one while keeping warm and potentially slogging through snow on some days is much, much higher.
As far as water, I have never bought any bottled water in Spain. I have always gone with tap water at albergues and restaurants and never had an issue. I tend to avoid road side fronts out of an abundance of caution.
If two water bottles are in your plan, maybe substituting one for a light weight thermos might be an option, having something warm to sip on tea/coffee/consume keeps your core temp up on cold days.
Lastly, my wife and I hate pre-booking nights as well, but have had to temper this with reality in recent years due to high numbers of pilgrims.
February isn't busy, but it is also the Camino off season so many albergues are shuttered for the winter. So out of an abundance of caution, especially for the higher elevation parts of the Camino likely to have snow I would prebook those days for sure. You will get a feel after a few days how much is open and based on your own comfort level you can go from there.
You will meet many good people on your way and will find you will tend to team up with them.
I hope this is helpful, but most of all enjoy your Camino!

Thank you very much for this detailed reply - very helpful and kind I've added hiking poles to the list!

I think I've got my upper layers sorted but I'm a little confused on trousers/pants, and I'm wondering if you, @mspath or anyone else could help. My favourite thing to wear is leggings/runners tights, is it possible to just have 2x quality thermal pairs? Would I additionally need a pair of waterproof trousers and/or some hiking trousers? I've seen some people's list have one pair of tights and one pair of trousers, but then I'm unsure what you wear at night when you're washing your tights (as I wouldn't want to sleep in trousers).

 

[Trekker One]

Thank you very much for this detailed reply - very helpful and kind I've added hiking poles to the list!

I think I've got my upper layers sorted but I'm a little confused on trousers/pants, and I'm wondering if you, @mspath or anyone else could help. My favourite thing to wear is leggings/runners tights, is it possible to just have 2x quality thermal pairs? Would I additionally need a pair of waterproof trousers and/or some hiking trousers? I've seen some people's list have one pair of tights and one pair of trousers, but then I'm unsure what you wear at night when you're washing your tights (as I wouldn't want to sleep in trousers).

RB, I'm a 63 year old male, so my advice on clothing not likely to be ideal for a lady!
I love my zip off cargo pants personally for spring/ fall Camino's Since I live in Northern Alberta, I have fleece lined cargo pants which I love and are toasty for the winter. Us guys love our pockets!
My wife does pack tights for sleep wear, can also be used when wearing cargo style pants for extra warmth on cooler days.
I've never packed any pant thst is truly water proof. I wear my long poncho if it gets wet.
Beyond that, I hope the ladies can chime in.

 

[J Willhaus]

Maybe heavy wool tights or leggings with a rain pants if it gets too cold or wet.

 

[krystianw]

- Coffee addicts - what's the situation with coffee at albergues? Instant? Non-existent? Freshly brewed? :')
- Are gaiters worth the investment, or would waterproof trousers suffice?

My strategy is to buy some instant coffee, and dump it into a zip-lock. Get a plastic cup and spoon somewhere, and you're independent on this.

 

[Rb98]

RB, I'm a 63 year old male, so my advice on clothing not likely to be ideal for a lady!
I love my zip off cargo pants personally for spring/ fall Camino's Since I live in Northern Alberta, I have fleece lined cargo pants which I love and are toasty for the winter. Us guys love our pockets!
My wife does pack tights for sleep wear, can also be used when wearing cargo style pants for extra warmth on cooler days.
I've never packed any pant thst is truly water proof. I wear my long poncho if it gets wet.
Beyond that, I hope the ladies can chime in.

Okay, I think I'll see how I get on and can always go into a decathlon in Pamplona we women love our pockets too, unfortunately many designers of the world forget that

 

[PilgrimSusanne]

My strategy is to buy some instant coffee, and dump it into a zip-lock. Get a plastic cup and spoon somewhere, and you're independent on this

You would still need hot water. Do albergues have kettles you can use?

 

[J Willhaus]

You would still need hot water. Do albergues have kettles you can use?

Sometimes microwaves.

 

[AlwynWellington]

So with this all in mind, if you can please share your opinion on any of the following:

a) Is it worthwhile taking the taxi from Roncesvalles to start in SJPDP? I'm aware I will be taking the winter route via Valcarlos. Or even start in Pamplona?
b) Many of the albergues listed on https://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/ say 'reservation recommended', do you know if this means hours, days or weeks before?
c) Coffee addicts - what's the situation with coffee at albergues? Instant? Non-existent? Freshly brewed? :')
d) Are gaiters worth the investment, or would waterproof trousers suffice?
e) Raincoat or poncho? Or both?
f) Would you go for Merino wool or specialist walking polyester material?
g) I generally don't enjoy walking sticks, but are they highly recommended for this?

• a) Roncesvalles or Pamplona your choice - nothing magic the Pyrenees in late winter
• b) I have no view
• c) every combination possible
• d) neither gaiters nor waterproof trousers for me - see e) next
• e) my rain/wind proofing is: 1) parka with breathability (under 300 grams including a hood) 2) rain kilt (under 100 grams) and 2 x long hose (pressure hose -> varicose veins, outer for warmth and wind)
• f) merino tops (2 x ss and 1 x ls) - fast dry, breathable, odour absorbing - polyester overheats me
• g) for me walking poles are extremely helpful - to rest on when I stop to view or converse - best possible upright stance when walking (but can take a while to get used to them)

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia mana'wa'nui (take care, be strong, patient and confident)

 

[peregrina2000]

- Coffee addicts - what's the situation with coffee at albergues? Instant? Non-existent? Freshly brewed? :')

I would normally not recommend an electric coil on the Camino Francés with all its many cafés and bars, but for a coffee addict walking in winter, I think you should consider this.

 

[PilgrimSusanne]

• a) Roncesvalles or Pamplona your choice - nothing magic the Pyrenees in late winter
• b) I have no view
• c) every combination possible
• d) neither gaiters nor waterproof trousers for me - see e) next
• e) my rain/wind proofing is: 1) parka with breathability (under 300 grams including a hood) 2) rain kilt (under 100 grams) and 2 x long hose (pressure hose -> varicose veins, outer for warmth and wind)
• f) merino tops (2 x ss and 1 x ls) - fast dry, breathable, odour absorbing - polyester overheats me
• g) for me walking poles are extremely helpful - to rest on when I stop to view or converse - best possible upright stance when walking (but can take a while to get used to them)

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia mana'wa'nui (take care, be strong, patient and confident)

I am also starting the CF in mid February, taking the very early train from Bayonne to SJPP. I was planning to walk the same day to the municipal albergue at Valcarlos. Are you saying that in winter, we shouldn't bother starting in SJPP? Just start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona?

 

[J Willhaus]

Many Spaniards start in Roncesvalles as the "beginning of the CF." There is no "beginning " unless you start from your home. Opting for Pamplona as a start point really simplifies a Camino Frances if you arrive in Madrid.

 

[scott the farmer]

I would start in Roncesvalles if the weather is fine. If it is raining or snowing start in Pamplona

 

[PilgrimSusanne]

Thank you for your advice. I guess I should have asked before I bought my tickets to Bayonne and SJPP.