When to go

[windswept]

I can either leave late September 2010 or May 2011.

If I take the first option I will be walking for most of October.

The second option is dictated by the date of my 65th birhday which I have been ordered by all and sundry to be around for.

I would like the first option but prefer to walk when the weather has the best chance of being friendly.

Anyone have any experience of the French route in October

Thanks

[Covey]

I have walked the Camino Frances three times starting in September, and the weather has always been good. You get more rainy days once you are in Galecia towards the end, but such is life.

The September start has the advantage in that the universities and schools have gone back so the pace is somewhat less hectic and the average age goes up a few notches as the "recycled teenagers" come out to play!!

If you are going to walk the Burgos to Leon section known as the Meseta, then the average daytime temperatures are in the mid 20's rather than the mid 30's you get in July -August.

Go for it in September 2011 and enjoy!

[geraldkelly]

I think the autumn is a fantastic time to walk. You get cool people, cool weather, fresh figs off the trees, not much rain and no crazy crowds on the final section.

Ger

[unadara]

Our plan is to start on Sept 13th and walk till Oct 16th-will we need sleeping bags, 2 season ? rain jackets yes but over trousers ? can you get clothes dry in alberques if they get wet/wash them ? I think I might sleep in my soft jacket/leggings as covey does ? in a silk/cotton bag.
Thanks for all advice so far.
Una

[Covey]

Silk sleeping bag liner is best. Silk has excellent thermal properties and is lighter than a cotton bag.

If it feels a little chilly in the evenings in October then I sleep in my fleece and put on a pair of socks! Not exactly the height of fashion or elegance, but who cares???

[unadara]

Have some silk here I brought home from Thailand maybe I could follow the pattern Mr Kelly has posted -and make 2 bags, who knows, then spray them? It may not be the right quality silk though. Plenty time yet to make up mind.
Thanks

[Covey]

The two silk bags I have are made from something called "rip-stop silk" which is quite thin, but very strong. The rip-stop seems to be the type of weave they use which means it is hard to tear. I looked some weeks ago to try and find a single fitted sheet in rip-stop silk but so far no luck.

You can buy the material from on-line suppliers and make it up yourself, but at present it is a bit beyond my Metro-male skill set!!

[windswept]

Gerald
Many thanks for your advice. I drove the route last September/October in my campervan and had decent weather. I'm not sure I want to wait another year so Autumn it will be.
Best wishes
Roger