Search hotels in O Cebreiro

Walking the Camino de Santiago in March has brought rain, snow, cold and sunny-warm days. I could see the weather forecast when I was approaching O Cebreiro was calling for snow as a system for days was hitting Galicia and in particular the mountains/elevations. I look forward to returning later in the year - however this was a magical opportunity to enjoy the sudden blast of winter weather. March 7, the day before I was due to stay at Casa Navarro in the Hamlet of O’Cebreiro, I went up to check it out. While there were traces of old snow melt from a previous storm, much of the patchwork terraces and valley below was green, looking like spring was just around the corner. Walking the footpath and even the shoulder of the road would have been considered “safe”. March 8, the snow began to fall in the region, snow ploughs started to get to work. With a fresh blanket of snow local news crews were out capturing the weather for their broadcasts, some visitors had arrived to rent platters and play in the snow. By March 9, the accumulation of snow meant 4x4 were the only ‘reliable’ transportation. Thankfully I had the contact info of a local “Taxi Rubio” +34 626 58 77 96 whom I contacted via WhatsApp and shared my ride towards Lugar Viduedo (Biduedo) with 3 additional trekkers, as the marked Camino Frances was covered in snow at least knee high and the only option of walking the road was dangerous (even though we passed numerous peregrinos who were unprepared for the conditions). Between the snow ploughs scraping and spraying snow and the single track slippery conditions for vehicles to pass walking along the road was extremely dangerous on top of the physical challenges not slipping/falling and keeping warm/dry. No one had snowshoes / racquets which would have been appropriate. So, with warm cozy accommodation and careful transportation snow in and around O Cebreiro was an “aventure” I wasn’t anticipating. What a treat!