Glenshiro
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Le Puy - SdC, Podiensis, Frances, Invierno 2012-23
Just a few Rreflections on the Camino Invierno.
Tough going? Well, it's not the Meseta, and it does make you work for some fantastic views, but, at age 70, and by no means a gym bunny, I had no real problems. Do make sure you take plenty of water with you as there are very few water points on the way.
Facilities: practically non-existent between towns and even then a lot of shops don't open until 9:00 or even 10:00 a.m. A packed lunch of some sort is pretty much essential. I managed to get a sandwich from each of my accommodation providers. And, of course, I always carry a flask of tea! I have a heating coil, as recommended by a contributor to this forums - I can't remember who, but thank you whoever you are.
Accommodation: not much choice. There are very few albergues and I usually stay in hotels anyway. Other contributors have given their opinions, most of which I agree with. I didn't like the Charpintieras in Rodeiro, but mainly because my room was very hot and stuffy. At €27 I can't really complain. One unexpected gem was the Victorino in Bandeira.
Dogs: most of the Invierno goes through farming country and many of them are dairy farms which means that the cattle have to be moved twice a day. Dogs are an essential tool for cattle and sheep farmers and there are a lot of them on the way. They all bark very loudly and sometimes unexpectedly, which can be alarming, but their bark really is worse than their bite. However, if you have a fear of dogs, you won't enjoy it.
Worth doing? Undoubtedly, in my opinion, if only for the views alone. Plus, it impresses them at the pilgrim office in Santiago! If you mention you have walked the Invierno they will put it on your certificate of distance as well as whichever other Camino you walked to reach it.
Tough going? Well, it's not the Meseta, and it does make you work for some fantastic views, but, at age 70, and by no means a gym bunny, I had no real problems. Do make sure you take plenty of water with you as there are very few water points on the way.
Facilities: practically non-existent between towns and even then a lot of shops don't open until 9:00 or even 10:00 a.m. A packed lunch of some sort is pretty much essential. I managed to get a sandwich from each of my accommodation providers. And, of course, I always carry a flask of tea! I have a heating coil, as recommended by a contributor to this forums - I can't remember who, but thank you whoever you are.
Accommodation: not much choice. There are very few albergues and I usually stay in hotels anyway. Other contributors have given their opinions, most of which I agree with. I didn't like the Charpintieras in Rodeiro, but mainly because my room was very hot and stuffy. At €27 I can't really complain. One unexpected gem was the Victorino in Bandeira.
Dogs: most of the Invierno goes through farming country and many of them are dairy farms which means that the cattle have to be moved twice a day. Dogs are an essential tool for cattle and sheep farmers and there are a lot of them on the way. They all bark very loudly and sometimes unexpectedly, which can be alarming, but their bark really is worse than their bite. However, if you have a fear of dogs, you won't enjoy it.
Worth doing? Undoubtedly, in my opinion, if only for the views alone. Plus, it impresses them at the pilgrim office in Santiago! If you mention you have walked the Invierno they will put it on your certificate of distance as well as whichever other Camino you walked to reach it.