Lock-in Worries

[InOrlando]

I'm planning our pilgrimage for next summer's Jubilee Year of St. James, and I was quite content to stay in the albergues along the way until I found out they lock pilgrims inside every night. I am uncomfortable with the idea that I can't leave--even if only to take a late-night walk, and I do suffer somewhat from claustrophobia. I am a backpacker, so I already own a super-light tent. Would it be inappropriate (illegal? dangerous?) for my husband and me to pitch our tent in an open field nearby?

[Matty]

I'm planning our pilgrimage for next summer's Jubilee Year of St. James, and I was quite content to stay in the albergues along the way until I found out they lock pilgrims inside every night. I am uncomfortable with the idea that I can't leave--even if only to take a late-night walk, and I do suffer somewhat from claustrophobia. I am a backpacker, so I already own a super-light tent. Would it be inappropriate (illegal? dangerous?) for my husband and me to pitch our tent in an open field nearby?

Hi, in some of the albergues i stayed at when i did the camino in 2007 there were spaces located especially for those who slept in tents. I can?t however confirm that all of them have these areas. But yes most albergues will close their doors around mid night.

[redrat]

I'm planning our pilgrimage for next summer's Jubilee Year of St. James, and I was quite content to stay in the albergues along the way until I found out they lock pilgrims inside every night. I am uncomfortable with the idea that I can't leave--even if only to take a late-night walk, and I do suffer somewhat from claustrophobia. I am a backpacker, so I already own a super-light tent. Would it be inappropriate (illegal? dangerous?) for my husband and me to pitch our tent in an open field nearby?

I never like that idea that much, I found the main alberge in San Juan de Ortega fitting this bill and I will avoid on my next trip. No food around and the doors locked at 10pm.
Avoid this place.

Marcel

[InOrlando]

I never like that idea that much, I found the main alberge in San Juan de Ortega fitting this bill and I will avoid on my next trip. No food around and the doors locked at 10pm.
Avoid this place.

Marcel

Thanks for the tip, Marcel; I'll remember to avoid this place when I go. Did you see any pilgrims in tents in San Juan de Ortega?

[InOrlando]

Hi, in some of the albergues i stayed at when i did the camino in 2007 there were spaces located especially for those who slept in tents. I can?t however confirm that all of them have these areas. But yes most albergues will close their doors around mid night.

I'll look for them, Matty; thanks. Wherever there are no tent spaces, I guess I'll just deal with the locked doors.

[redrat]

Thanks for the tip, Marcel; I'll remember to avoid this place when I go. Did you see any pilgrims in tents in San Juan de Ortega?

I did not see people in tents there, but the area was peaceful and safe.
Also I was told that there are another 2 alberges down the road, they are smaller than the main one. I will check both of them out next month and I will post what I see.

Safe trip

Marcel

[Covey]

The lock up rule is laid down by the Government (Provincial) and applies to all albergues both Official and Private.

From Roncesvalles to Leon it is 10pm and changes to 11pm in Galecia. The Nuns Albergue in Leon is 9.30pm!!!

The cynics amongst us think it is more to do with clearing the streets of pilgrims before the Spanish go out to eat at 10pm, but it does ensure that everyone is in bed by 10pm for a good(sic) nights sleep before being woken by those anti social buggers who start crashing around at 5am ready for a day on the trail. Most albergues require you to be up and out by 8am.

[InOrlando]

Thanks, Covey; you've given me a clear idea of what's going on with the lock-outs. I guess it's not a big deal if the nuns don't also make us finish our milk!

[Covey]

They want you to pray!!!