Camino Frances starting in late October?!?!

[MarcoPolo]

Hi All! I'm considering taking to the Camino Frances starting in late October. I've long wanted to go, and would have preferred going at a more pleasant time of year, but circumstances are such that this may be my last chance for a while. So...

Any advice/suggestions regarding walking the Camino Frances in October and November? Will there be lodging available? I really want to build a community of fellow pilgrims along the way... will I find myself all alone? Any suggestions for packing for this time of year?

Appreciate any ideas you can share!

[joe]

I have just returned a couple of weeks ago from the Camino Frances, and it was busy! (At least from Leon).

I think you will be fine, some albergues may start to close in November, but there will be quite a few that stay open, especially in the bigger towns/cities. My only advice would be to take warmer clothing, you shouldn't need to worry about taking a thick sleeping bag because most of the albergues I stayed at provided blankets, and you could use 2 of them as there won't be as many pilgrims... which leads me to the next point, there most likely will be a lot less people than in the summer months, but personally I envy you for this. You will definitely meet other pilgrims, there will be many who do not like walking in the heat so they choose cooler months to walk.

I know a pilgrim who works in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago who is walking this month (not sure of the date), so you may meet him, he said he prefers going this time of year simply because the road will be less populated.

You should go for it! Try not to worry too much, you will be absolutely fine.

[MarcoPolo]

Thanks, Joe. I'm still not sure if I'll be able to go at all this year, but I have the impression from you and other things I've read that there's no reason NOT to do the pilgrimage in November. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!