winter walk

[Ursula Populoh]

I was wondering if somebody has walked the camino frances in february and march and what the experience was?

[Sil]

Ursula, I've got a few links to pilgrims' diaries on my Winter Walking blog post. Look also at the Walking in Spring post.

Amawalker: Walking in Winter

Amawalker: WALKING THE CAMINO IN SPRING

[Covey]

Ursula.......

Ignore most of the advice on this Forum regarding what kit to carry, because it is mostly aimed at those walking in the sun and heat. Feb/March is a completely different ball game in terms of clothing and you need to think seriously about layering your clothing to cope with everything from freezing snow and ice with temperatures below freezing, and warmer spring like temperatures as you progress along the way in Galecia in late March. Silk is good next to the skin and you need warm, wind and rain proof jacket and trousers.

Boots are a must rather than walking shoes with Smartwool socks. Gloves, woolly hats, thermal base layer and decent trousers. Don't bother about the usual thin zip off leg trousers, you need warm trousers! You need a thermos flask as water will freeze in a bottle or camel pack. Lots of sugar in your drinks, and think seriously about your diet. If you are a vegetarian, then think seriously about how you are going to get 4,000-5,000 calories a day in to your body in a country that basically does not understand the needs of the vegetarians.

[drew21close]

i was one of the lucky person who have walk in camino on February. And it was a very unforgetable experience because i walked along with my wife that time. And it looked like a valentines date for us.

[Ursula Populoh]

thanks for your post. was it difficult to walk? manageable? I would like to walk between 2/15 and 3/15. you think it could be done? many greetings

[scbphoto]

I am also looking to start walking in mid or late Feb and through March. It is the only time I can get off work... I am slightly afraid to walk in the winter. Looking for advice as well. Possibly looking for a travel companion?

[Ursula Populoh]

thanks for your response. I had to change my plans and will walk now in late September/October. With the weather so unpredictable this year everything is possible (or impossible!) If you are experienced in walking trails you may succeed. Good luck!