Winter in inland Galicia forgives few things, and a badly planned backpack is one of them. On the Winter Way, you can set off full of enthusiasm, but if your footwear lets you down, your clothes get soaked or you carry too much weight, the stage really drags. At A Rectoral de Seadur, your accommodation for pilgrims in Ourense, we welcome travellers who want to rest after a beautiful, quiet and demanding route. Prepare your gear wisely and you will enjoy the Camino de Santiago in winter far more.
Break in your footwear before starting the Camino
The most dangerous mistake is wearing new boots. Your footwear must be worn in, adapted to your foot and tested before you start the route.
In winter, it should also have a good sole and perform well on wet stretches. More than one pilgrim has had to turn back early because of blisters.
Your backpack must be truly light
On the Camino there is always something too many. “Just in case” clothes, items that weigh more than they seem and small extras are what end up punishing your back.
The best advice is to carry only the essentials and distribute the weight well. If you are going to rest at a rural guesthouse near the Winter Way in Ourense, you can plan the stage better and avoid carrying too much.
Clothing needs to work in layers
In inland Galicia you can start the day cold, walk in damp air and warm up halfway through the stage. That is why layers work better than one thick garment.
You need clothes that keep you warm, breathe and let you adjust. Also a waterproof layer, because in Galicia rain can appear at any moment without warning.
Protect your feet and hands
Bring comfortable, clean socks suited to walking. If you notice a hot spot, treat it before it turns into a blister.
Your hands and head count too. A hat and light gloves will always be an essential part of a pilgrim's gear for the Winter Way.
Think about rest too
Where you recover your strength is also very important. At A Rectoral de Seadur we offer accommodation near the Winter Way, in a quiet setting, with equipped rural apartments in Ourense and space to rest after the stage.
Book your rest on the Winter Way
If you are going to walk in winter through inland Galicia, contact us and plan your rest well. At A Rectoral de Seadur we look forward to welcoming you to rest, recover your energy and continue the Camino from our home beside the route, in the heart of the province of Ourense.