March 2010 - Pilgrimage

[graham83]

Hey everyone,

I'm thinking of hiking the Camino in March of 2010 but I've been reading many blurbs about crap weather with snow and ice and so on. I'm not really digging the sound of this.

Does anyone have any positive things to say about the weather in March or am I looking to bring my snowboard along? lol

Also, are there anymore Southern or warmer (preferably just as long) trail to take in March where I wont be stuck in the cold?

Thanks for your opinions.
Graham

[JKing]

I was just about to post this very same question....I will be starting March first and am curious about the weather as well as boots....

[RoK]

I don't have an answer for you two but I'm searching for similar information. My second question was whether I'd be alone out there so I'm delighted to see that there'll be at least two fellow pilgrims out there.

I've already walked St Jean to Burgos (in relatively balmy weather in May) so I'm hoping Burgos to approx. Leon will be bearable in March 2010.

So hopefully someone has some information to share with us!

[geraldkelly]

Hi

I think that in March you could have almost any kind of weather imaginable in northern Spain. I was there in early March this year and before El Acebo we had snow and in Fisterra we had beautiful sunshine good enough to contemplate swimming (and we did contemplate it, from the terrace of a cafe!).

Unfortunately this variert of weather means you have to pack for every eventuality.

As regards another route further south, there is the Via de la Plata which starts in Seville where it could already be pretty hot in March. In fact March is an excellent time to start there because you won't suffer the extremes of heat you'll get in summer.

As regards being alone. In March there'll be other people. No mobs of people, but enough for you to have company if you want it. You'll meet hardy souls who have walked great distances in most inclement weather (like from Germany).

You will need boots.

Hope that helps.

Ger

[Sptl]

I'm going solo on March as well! I'm only doing the last 100km of the camino though... I wish I could do it all but unfourtunately I don't have more time!

I'm going the camino on the week of March 15th, hope we cross paths!

I thought a pair of tennis would do, do you think boots are that necessary? And another question... Do you know what is the average you can walk per day with a back pack on your shoulders (I was wishing to get lugagge transportation but I don't seem to fin any for that part of the camino, from Sarria to Santiago)

Thanks a lot and good luck!

[amanda]

i am leaving SJPP on March 26th (as long as the locals give me the thumbs up on getting to Roncesvalles safely)... i think i have an idea of what extremes to expect as far as weather goes... my question is are any of the auberges going to be open... ?

[maria]

I'm supposed to start on March 21 but there is no bus that would take me to Roncesvalles from Pamplona. Bus Artieda only operates Monday-Wednesday-Thursday. So, I have to wait another day in Pamplona to get to Roncesvalles. There is a a porter company that you can rent. www.jacotrans.com check this site. it has rate information. Weatherwise, I was told that it will be spring-like. I checked Weather Channel website. Average temp.around this time of the year: is 60F during the day and 30s in the night. For shoes: I recommend TEVA. My teva took me in most extreme places and never broke down. For clothes, take clima-cool or dri-fit. It's lightweight and easy to wash and dry. Of course, dont forget to bring one warm jackets too, just in case. This is my first time to do the Camino. Fortunately, I have friends who have done this 2-3 times and got utmost advice, so I understand your worries. Goodluck and I hope to see you all there.

[Covey]

I could think of many worse places to have to spend the day than Pamplona!!

Go to the main square in the center, find a nice cafe in the sun, select a table where you can watch the world go by, order a bottle of whatever you like, and comtemplate that the life of a pilgrim ain't so bad after all!!!

[TJL-E]

I take walking boots and walking sandals and over all the camino, depending on weather, you can use either. That's just my experience.

I've always walked parts of the camino end of march and the weather is perfect. Hot enough and sometimes a rainy day which only adds to the fun experience. It also means it is not too over crowded as it would be in peak months. You can walk alone or with the pilgrims you meet on the way. Just follow the yellow arrows and shells...The refuges have always been open and you generally see the same faces each night depending on your walking pace.

Your first two days of walking helps your body adapt to the strains of repetive foot steps and then you might average any where between 25 and 35 kms. Some walk steady, stopping to take in the sights, lunch, a siesta or two, and others walk fast. Everyone quickly finds what style suits themselves.
I'm walking from 26th march from Somport and will probably join your path at Puenta la Reina some days later...enjoy the unforgetable camino!

Tom