Via De La Plata in March 2025

[Mallowman]

I am looking at starting the VDLP the 1st week of March 2025. My plan is to start in Sevilla and walk to Astorga then back track and pick up the Sanabres to Santiago. I've got my gear weight down to 13 lbs including my backpack weight and a new pair of boots to break in. Any thoughts/recommendations about starting around 1 March? And how about a recommendation on a Abergue that really made you feel at home.

 

[Sirage]

Date sounds about right, perhaps a bit early, depending on the weather that year, which you will discover as you walk.

14 or 15 lbs would be ok if 13 lbs has too much functional compromise.

My choice would be to go via the Sanabres without going to Astorga. I prefer a Camino with continuity where reasonable.

 

[Robo]

Pack weight sounds good. Mine was 15 lbs. (plus food at water)

I did meet one guy (Paul - you know who you are) that had a pack that was probably 5-6 lbs!
Couldn't keep up with him! He was fast.........

But remember you'll be carrying a lot of water on some stages. Often all your water for the day. I carried 2 litres most days, 1.5 some, 3 others. Depending on distance, heat and what was along the way. Unless passing through a 'larger' village or town, assume no water or food available along the way. I always checked ahead 2 days on google maps looking for shops, cafes etc and checking opening times. (which are sometimes wrong)

To show how different we all are, Paul probably carried 1 litre for the day! But he would arrive 2 hours ahead of me.

I started 25 March last year and it was perfect re weather. Just check the dates of Semana Santa. Accommodation gets heavily booked.


My approach was different. (most go West on the Sanabres)

I went North to Astorga which was a really great section, then West on the Frances to Ponferrada, then on the Invierno to Santiago. It was great.

I'm keeping the Sanabres for another time.

Stand out Albergues were:

Casa de Acogida de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres | Albergue de Peregrinos en Alcuéscar | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Casa de Acogida de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres, en Alcuéscar: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Albergue parroquial Santa María | Albergue de Peregrinos en Fuenterroble de Salvatierra | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue parroquial Santa María, en Fuenterroble de Salvatierra: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[Robo]

I am looking at starting the VDLP the 1st week of March 2025. My plan is to start in Sevilla and walk to Astorga then back track and pick up the Sanabres to Santiago. I've got my gear weight down to 13 lbs including my backpack weight and a new pair of boots to break in. Any thoughts/recommendations about starting around 1 March? And how about a recommendation on a Abergue that really made you feel at home.

Do you really need boots?
I used Trail Runners.
The walking surfaces are great!
(at least Sevilla to Astorga)

 

[Susan Maria]

Hi, I'm planning via de la Plata + Sanabres in March next year, but will likely start 2nd week March. We may see each other! Normally my pack is 7.5 kg not including food or water (or boots).

 

[duncanwhyte]

I walked it this year Feb to March. It was cold at night. However heating is available in the dorms.

There are a few stays where a meal is provided and usually very good. But some small towns have limited provisions and shops may be closed. Sundays are busy and restaurants booked. Monday can be closed, but you might find a churrerio open.

However the albergues have limited kitchen usage. The most likely thing being a microwave. At some point you may have to carry food.

The trail can be walked in a good shoe. I didn't carry or use much water en-route as I found cafes I could divert to.

Salamanca municipal hostel seemed the most pleasant, mainly because the host got involved with you, was helpful and was a welcome presence.

 

[Renato62]

I did the VdlP from Seville on March 1 this year all the way to Salamanca, and after the storm Nelson I rejoined from Ourense to SdC; weather was pleasant, cold in the 40s to 50s early in the morning, getting to 60s or 70s during the day which is great as you don't need to carry that much water (I was ok with 1.5 to 2 lt); I had lots of days of rain, specially in Galicia, but bearable (except the storm that made lots of pilgrims to stop because of the unexpected snow); most of the Albergues were open, some remarkable, some forgetable, and in some days I'd have to take a pension or private hotel either because of need to rest or need to stop because of the rain. About shoes, I took regular goretech hokas, didn't go with boots because of concern of their weight and cos I don't have issues with my ankles. Some memorable albergues: La Posada de Escardiel (Castilblanco) very small one, the couple running it made me feel really at home; Albergue Extrenatura (Villafranca) was quite good, but not as good as the reviews said it would; Hostel Cañaveral (Cañaveral) it was great, maybe because it was at the end of one of the longest walking distance; Albergue Peregrinos Puerto de Bejar (Puerto de Bejar) really great and plenty of espiritu peregrino; Albergue Parroquian Santa Maria (Fuenterroble) founded by Fr. Blas, he was not there but his volunteers make the day!; finally, close to Santiago, Albergue Reina Lupa (Deseiro) also great.
About the number of pilgrims, I expected to be mostly by myself, but certainly there were a more-than-expected number of pilgrims, (in Merida the Albergue was full with around 15 people).
You will definitely enjoy it!! Buen Camino!

 

[Tom Conklin]

Do you really need boots?
I used Trail Runners.
The walking surfaces are great!
(at least Sevilla to Astorga)

I agree with this. I wore trail runners on this route in March/April 2022 and on a mountainous Camino (Norte/Vadiniense/Salvador/Primitivo) in 2023. Absolutely no problem with my New Balance choice.

 

[Tom Conklin]

I walked the Via from March 4 to April 12 in 2022. Your pack weight seems right and Robo's comment on water is spot on. It is a warm to hot start and a cool to cold finish on the Sanabres. No real issues with rain, though overcast a lot, until you get to Galacia. I imagine this is different from year to year. Not the rain in Galicia. If it's dry in Galicia, buy lottery tickets (it's a miracle). Not a lot of people but a really good combo of solitude and fraternity. The donativo in Tabara is great and the Xunta albergues in Galacia on the Sanabres are fantastic.

 

[jrewins]

My close friend (we met on the CF in 2022 and both walked the CP in’23) and I are planning a VDLP Camino beginning mid-March 2025. We’re just starting our stage planning, so all of these Albergue recommendations are very helpful. In both of our previous Caminos, we used Gronze and Ninja for guidance, and Albergues. Now that Ninja is no longer available, any recommendations of a route guidance app that might replace it?

 

[WalkingInGers]

Hi, I'm planning via de la Plata + Sanabres in March next year, but will likely start 2nd week March. We may see each other! Normally my pack is 7.5 kg not including food or water (or boots).

I am planning to start March 7th from Algeciras to Cadiz and then the VDLP from Sevilla. Sanabres definitely.

 

[WalkingInGers]

Pack weight sounds good. Mine was 15 lbs. (plus food at water)

I did meet one guy (Paul - you know who you are) that had a pack that was probably 5-6 lbs!
Couldn't keep up with him! He was fast.........

But remember you'll be carrying a lot of water on some stages. Often all your water for the day. I carried 2 litres most days, 1.5 some, 3 others. Depending on distance, heat and what was along the way. Unless passing through a 'larger' village or town, assume no water or food available along the way. I always checked ahead 2 days on google maps looking for shops, cafes etc and checking opening times. (which are sometimes wrong)

To show how different we all are, Paul probably carried 1 litre for the day! But he would arrive 2 hours ahead of me.

I started 25 March last year and it was perfect re weather. Just check the dates of Semana Santa. Accommodation gets heavily booked.


My approach was different. (most go West on the Sanabres)

I went North to Astorga which was a really great section, then West on the Frances to Ponferrada, then on the Invierno to Santiago. It was great.

I'm keeping the Sanabres for another time.

Stand out Albergues were:

Casa de Acogida de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres | Albergue de Peregrinos en Alcuéscar | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Casa de Acogida de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres, en Alcuéscar: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Albergue parroquial Santa María | Albergue de Peregrinos en Fuenterroble de Salvatierra | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue parroquial Santa María, en Fuenterroble de Salvatierra: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Paul? The Swiss guy has a great outline of his VDLP stages with incredible layout including weather, kms and all. Look it up as it’s on the forum.

 

[ScouseKeith]

I am looking at starting the VDLP the 1st week of March 2025. My plan is to start in Sevilla and walk to Astorga then back track and pick up the Sanabres to Santiago. I've got my gear weight down to 13 lbs including my backpack weight and a new pair of boots to break in. Any thoughts/recommendations about starting around 1 March? And how about a recommendation on a Abergue that really made you feel at home.

I’m starting my VDLP mid June. Carrying similar weight due to the extra water required as there are longer stretches with limited refreshments to top up.
As for Albergues I’ve been through the route extensively and it’s not about which Albergue but which town or village as there are limited albergues to choose from. A lot depends on how many kms you’re able to cover per day will determine what albergue you’ll stay in as some places only have one but don’t worry about spaces, the limited number of pilgrims never fill them. It’s a bonus if you’re starting out at the same time as another pilgrims as you’ll find averaging 25-30kms a day will keep you in touch with each other at different points. It’s a long journey and I’m going through sanabres to Santiago, going to astorga first then back tracking is certainly going to add about seven days to your journey not including the extra kms you’re going to have to add to your journey, but I wish you well and good luck.
Most of the albergues are pretty well reported on so there’s no hovels to worry about. Buen Camino Keith

 

[Paul-CH]

I did meet one guy (Paul - you know who you are) that had a pack that was probably 5-6 lbs!
Couldn't keep up with him! He was fast.........

Bob sorry it wasn't 5-6 lbs in Switzerland we use metric system it was 5.5kg.
Going fast, thats through, with my light backpack. From Casar de Cáceres over Cañaveral (Restaurant) to Grimaldo 42km 6 hours 40 minutes.

I like to do the laundry at the end of the stages and have an early beer.

Paul? The Swiss guy has a great outline of his VDLP stages with incredible layout including weather, kms and all. Look it up as it’s on the forum.

Thanks I guess we Bob and I have been lucky with the dry and cool weather.

There are stages without a possibility for refilling water on the way. Depending the temperature you may have to increase the amount of water you take normaly with you. On other stages there are possibilities (Shops, Restaurants, Gas-Stations) where you may refill your bottles and have something to drink while you rest. See all my informations on my Blog. (GERMAN, but easily readable with translations from Google)

 

[Simon B]

My close friend (we met on the CF in 2022 and both walked the CP in’23) and I are planning a VDLP Camino beginning mid-March 2025. We’re just starting our stage planning, so all of these Albergue recommendations are very helpful. In both of our previous Caminos, we used Gronze and Ninja for guidance, and Albergues. Now that Ninja is no longer available, any recommendations of a route guidance app that might replace it?

I think this guide is pretty good - there is also an app for your phone -

Gerald Kelly Guides

Camino guidebooks for the Camino de Santiago

www.santiagodecompostela.me

There is a new edition coming out in November.

Hopefully might meet up as I am planning to start at end of Feb/early March.

 

[Robo]

I’m starting my VDLP mid June. Carrying similar weight due to the extra water required as there are longer stretches with limited refreshments to top up.
As for Albergues I’ve been through the route extensively and it’s not about which Albergue but which town or village as there are limited albergues to choose from. A lot depends on how many kms you’re able to cover per day will determine what albergue you’ll stay in as some places only have one but don’t worry about spaces, the limited number of pilgrims never fill them. It’s a bonus if you’re starting out at the same time as another pilgrims as you’ll find averaging 25-30kms a day will keep you in touch with each other at different points. It’s a long journey and I’m going through sanabres to Santiago, going to astorga first then back tracking is certainly going to add about seven days to your journey not including the extra kms you’re going to have to add to your journey, but I wish you well and good luck.
Most of the albergues are pretty well reported on so there’s no hovels to worry about. Buen Camino Keith

Could be quite hot in June!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola to all respondents. My plans is to start my second VDLP experience from Salamanca around May 3. The reason for the abbreviation is timing and age (76). I intend to walk via the Sanabres to Santiago. After two days rest it will be off to Porto. I tried “trail runners” 10+ years ago on my first Camino, they all but crippled me as they failed to provide foot support or toe protection. I now walk in Keens boots, now on my second pair. Totally recommend them. Thanks for all the above advice. Cheers

 

[Mallowman]

Do you really need boots?
I used Trail Runners.
The walking surfaces are great!
(at least Sevilla to Astorga)

Last year I walked 600 blister free miles in Keen Targhee III mid boots. I have never worn trail runners, but I see they are a very popular choice. Thanks for the comments.

 

[Mallowman]

I think this guide is pretty good - there is also an app for your phone -

Gerald Kelly Guides

Camino guidebooks for the Camino de Santiago

www.santiagodecompostela.me

There is a new edition coming out in November.

Hopefully might meet up as I am planning to start at end of Feb/early March.

Thank you, I have that guidebook and Gerald Kelly's 2024 Via de la Plata and the Camino Sanabres.

 

[Tom Conklin]

Hola to all respondents. My plans is to start my second VDLP experience from Salamanca around May 3. The reason for the abbreviation is timing and age (76). I intend to walk via the Sanabres to Santiago. After two days rest it will be off to Porto. I tried “trail runners” 10+ years ago on my first Camino, they all but crippled me as they failed to provide foot support or toe protection. I now walk in Keens boots, now on my second pair. Totally recommend them. Thanks for all the above advice. Cheers

If the boot fits...!

If you've got some free time, check out some of the trail runners on offer nowadays. The technology has recently improved a great deal. The soles are much thicker, much more resistant to wear and are incredibly comfortable. I wore Merrell Moabs for my first two Caminos (2016 and 17) and was happy with them. When I tried on my New Balance trail runners it was like walking on air and they have taken a lot of wear and tear on my two recent 1000K Caminos and are still pretty comfortable.

Having said all that, if the Keens work for you, then that's the best thing to do. More current models might even be incorporating the new technology.

In other news, your May 3 departure date is late for the Via but because you'll only be on the Via for a couple of days, you probably won't be overwhelmed with the heat. The Sanabres is a much different weather animal.

 

[JennyH94]

A recommendation to all walking the Sanabres - make sure to stop at Rionegro del Puente, before Mombuey, so you can enjoy the most wonderful hospitality and incredible food at Me Gusta Comer. The deal is to stay at the albergue opposite Me Gusta Comer and let the hospitalera, who I was told was the wife of the chef at MGC, know that you want to eat dinner there. To be on the safe side, make sure to check when you arrive at the albergue - things might have changed since I was there in May 2022.

Of course caminos are about much more than the food but the warmth and generosity of the hosts the evening I was blessed to have the experience of dining there and the joyful community of all there is something that stays so strongly within me to this day.

Buen Camino for this most beautiful camino -

Jenny

 

[Sirage]

Indeed

let the hospitalera, who I was told was the wife of the chef at MGC, know that you want to eat dinner there.

Being an Australian, "dinner" can be ambiguous.
Arriving by 13:30 or so, then having the (afternoon) meal (lunch) from say 14:00 was a wonderful experience - food and hospitality. This avoids the possible discomfort of eating late just before bed.

I don't know their opening hours in the evening, but Spanish afternoon meals are certainly my preference. Then later a small quantity of food around sunset with a glass of wine with other pilgrims in the albergue just across the road.

The Spanish speakers can elaborate on words for meals, please.

 

[Rita Flower]

My close friend (we met on the CF in 2022 and both walked the CP in’23) and I are planning a VDLP Camino beginning mid-March 2025. We’re just starting our stage planning, so all of these Albergue recommendations are very helpful. In both of our previous Caminos, we used Gronze and Ninja for guidance, and Albergues. Now that Ninja is no longer available, any recommendations of a route guidance app that might replace it?

Camino Ninja has been up and running again for a while - I used it and Gronze exclusively on VDLP.

 

[Hans-Georg Goebel]

I am looking at starting the VDLP the 1st week of March 2025. My plan is to start in Sevilla and walk to Astorga then back track and pick up the Sanabres to Santiago. I've got my gear weight down to 13 lbs including my backpack weight and a new pair of boots to break in. Any thoughts/recommendations about starting around 1 March? And how about a recommendation on a Abergue that really made you feel at home.

Nobody knows what the weather will be like. I started in Seville last week in February 2010, had almost nothing but rain until Salamanca and temperatures often below 10 degrees. So it was no fun in the unheated hostels and almost impossible to dry your clothes. So be prepared for everything, rain cold, heat

 

[jrewins]

Camino Ninja has been up and running again for a while - I used it and Gronze exclusively on VDLP.

Thx, Rita.

 

[kiwicat]

Hi, I'm planning via de la Plata + Sanabres in March next year, but will likely start 2nd week March. We may see each other! Normally my pack is 7.5 kg not including food or water (or boots).

Following!!!!! Thinking the same!!

 

[WalkingInGers]

I am wondering how one can walk for two months on the VDLP with only 7.5 kgs in a backpack. I wish that I could do that but given that one needs to plan for all sorts of eventualities, my rucksack will weigh closer to 11 kgs.

 

[Paul-CH]

am wondering how one can walk for two months on the VDLP with only 7.5 kgs in a backpack

Have a look on my packing list VdlP my shirts are only size S I‘m skinny.

 

[Tom Conklin]

I am wondering how one can walk for two months on the VDLP with only 7.5 kgs in a backpack. I wish that I could do that but given that one needs to plan for all sorts of eventualities, my rucksack will weigh closer to 11 kgs.

I carried about 7.5kg. Layers is the key. And this is when it was 27 degrees in Seville on March 4 and when it snowed in Lubian in early April. Honestly, I had one cold night and I never really felt that cold during the day. Walking will heat you up. I don't know if it matters, but I am also Canadian.

Here are the clothes I carried: 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of convertible pants, 2 t shirts, one long sleeve UV resistant shirt, one long sleeve merino shirt. I also carried and wore one rain coat. Most cold days I wore a t shirt, the merino long sleeve shirt and sometimes the long sleeve UV resistant shirt with my rain jacket. As the day and I got warmer I peeled off layers. Sometimes I unzipped the long pants into shorts.

 

[WalkingInGers]

Have a look on my packing list VdlP my shirts are only size S I‘m skinny.

I will compare your packing list to my own….Danke.

 

[Robo]

I am wondering how one can walk for two months on the VDLP with only 7.5 kgs in a backpack. I wish that I could do that but given that one needs to plan for all sorts of eventualities, my rucksack will weigh closer to 11 kgs.

2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months. It’s the same gear.
Mine was 6.8 kg plus food & water.
But that included a lot of medical stuff, including a foam roller.
I reckon I still had 500 gms more I could have left behind…

It’s about layers, lightweight gear, and taking only things you need.

 

[Rita Flower]

I am wondering how one can walk for two months on the VDLP with only 7.5 kgs in a backpack. I wish that I could do that but given that one needs to plan for all sorts of eventualities, my rucksack will weigh closer to 11 kgs.

I think it also depends on how big/ tall one is. As an average size female I had about 7.5 kg before food and water. I walked from Sevilla in late Sept and added a poncho in Salamanca and 2 additional warm items in Zamora.

What’s in my pack

What you take in your pack depends on the Camino you are walking, the time of year, your gender, your age, does your body run hot or cold, the weather that ...

findpenguins.com

 

[Liberte55]

I carried about 7.5kg. Layers is the key. And this is when it was 27 degrees in Seville on March 4 and when it snowed in Lubian in early April. Honestly, I had one cold night and I never really felt that cold during the day. Walking will heat you up. I don't know if it matters, but I am also Canadian.

Here are the clothes I carried: 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of convertible pants, 2 t shirts, one long sleeve UV resistant shirt, one long sleeve merino shirt. I also carried and wore one rain coat. Most cold days I wore a t shirt, the merino long sleeve shirt and sometimes the long sleeve UV resistant shirt with my rain jacket. As the day and I got warmer I peeled off layers. Sometimes I unzipped the long pants into shorts.

Thank you! I'm planning to start on March 21st. But will be a bicigrina. Beeing Canadian I'm not afraid of snow but hard to pack for weather from below zéro to mid 20s.

 

[Robo]

Thank you! I'm planning to start on March 21st. But will be a bicigrina. Beeing Canadian I'm not afraid of snow but hard to pack for weather from below zéro to mid 20s.

I carry the same gear for those temps. All about layers…

Ah, but you are a Bicigrina?
Not sure how that works sorry, with gear, packing, body temps while moving/stopping etc.
So very hard to compare.
Then I guess there is bike bits and pieces, specic clothing/footwear. etc
Evening clothes v bike clothes?

But for example, if I'm walking near zero temps or less, i might start out with 3 layers.
(1) Light Merino base layer. (2) Sleeveless puffy (3) rainjacket, mainly to keep wind off.

Within an hour layer (2) will come off.
If sunny later, Layer (3) comes off.

When stopping, layers 2 and 3 might go on again briefly.
Usually just (3)

If very cold, and I have never needed to, I would just add my other base layer.

At higher temp, I'm just wearing my merino base layer (only 120 gsm weight)

Same works for lower body.
Normally just lightweight long pants.
If cold, I put on rain pants. Provides wind protection and another layer.

Really the only 'spare' clothes I carry (apart from underwear, is another walking shirt and another pair of long hiking pants. They get rotated daily. (pants not washed every day though) I could drop the spare hiking pants and only wash them when required, wearing my rain pants whilst they dry...... having 2 pants is just a comfort thing. in case they get muddy, very sweaty etc.