Camino Primitivo 'challenge'

If you arrive in Oviedo with some time, we recommend visiting the old town and, of course, the Gothic Cathedral, the starting point for pilgrims to Santiago. Do not miss the lively atmosphere in this historical city centre, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and cider houses. 

Challenge: Arrival in Asturias

Villages along the way: Oviedo

We start our pilgrimage following the Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes in the city centre, then out into the green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes, old footpaths and country roads take us past quiet villages and through hilly countryside. We go past Cornellana Monastery. Founded in 1024, this centre was of great religious and political importance throughout the early history of the Christian kingdom in Asturias. After this stop to rest, the last part of the route will follow some ascents and descents unitl we arrive at Salas. The Hotel*** in Salas is located in the historical town centre, inside a former castle and with a museum of Pre-Romanesque architecture beside it.

Challenge: MTB: 48 km / 30 mi, 1460 m ascent

                      Trekking Bike: 48 km / 30 mi, 1400 m ascent

Villages along the way: Oviedo, Cornellana, Salas

As you start you head south, via Soto de los Infantes, through the beautiful Narcea River Valley before you ascend to Tineo, a historically significant town on the Camino. As you continue 'en route' you will pass by the Romanesque church and Monastery of Obona. These monuments, partly in ruins, formed part of an important cultural and intellectual centre for centuries. From here a succession of small churches and chapels will lead you up to Lavadoiro Pass (812 m), before you descend to Pola de Allande, a lovely little town with Asturian flavour. Accommodation at a good hotel** famous for its regional cuisine.

Challenge: MTB: 58 km / 36 mi, 2200 m ascent

                      Trekking Bike: 39 km / 24 mi, 770 m ascent

Villages along the way: Obona, Lavadoiro Pass, Pola de Allande

A tough day, since you have to climb 625 m this morning to reach Puerto del Palo. This pass, at 1146 m, divides the green, wooded area of Allande from the vast, more barren mountains to the south. But then, the 1st reward: you will be able to 'sail down' the 35 km left to Lake Grandas, only 4 km before the ascent to Grandas de Salime, located at the top of a hill! Grandas is a pleasant town with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnographic museum. Another steep ascent still awaits: Alto del Acebo Pass (1030 m, 475 m up), before you glide down into Fonsagrada, where your next accommodation is.

Note: if you want to shorten the stage, you can ask for an extra night in Grandas de Salime, after 40 km / 25 mi.

Challenge: MTB: 71 km / 42 - 44 mi, 2700 m ascent

                  Hybrid: 71 km, 1800 m ascent

Villages along the way: Berducedo, Grandas de Salime, Fonsagrada

Once you cycle into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentle rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. This easier riding will allow you to truly enjoy the Galician countryside, with exquisite traditional architecture such as the ‘Pazos’ and ‘Casas Grandes’, well-preserved country homes on large estates, all impressive buildings in stone and wood. At the end of the day, Lugo awaits with its Roman walls (3rd century) and many interesting buildings to be visited in the old town secluded inside these walls. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the natural hot springs on the banks of the River Miño. Accommodation at a 3-star hotel in historical centre of Lugo.

Note: if you want to shorten the stage, you can ask for an extra night in O Cádavo, after 28 km and 1400 m ascent. The next day the route is only 30 km (between Cádavo and Lugo) so you have more time to visit Lugo in the afternoon.

Challenge: MTB: 54 km / 33,5 mi, 1150 m ascent

                      Trekking Bike: 60 km / 37,5 mi, 650 m ascent

Villages along the way: Fonsagrada, Lugo

You might have some time to visit the major monuments in Lugo, and maybe do some shopping, before you get back on your bike today. From Lugo onward, the Camino Primitivo merges with the more recent, but more popular French Route, somewhere between Palas de Rei and Melide, the quiet lanes and path get busier and you will feel a stronger "pilgrim atmosphere" from here.

Challenge: MTB: 46 km / 28,5 mi, 1150 m ascent

                      Trekking Bike: 58 km / 36 mi, 820 m ascent

Villages: Lugo, Melide

On your last day you will feel how everyone around starts to feel to excitement of a close arrival to the final goal. You will share the route, scenery and atmosphere with other pilgrims as you approach the Monte del Gozo (where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago de Compostela) and then downhill to the St James Cathedral. Accommodation at a charming hotel in the centre. The afternoon is free to spend exploring Santiago.

Challenge: MTB: 53 km / 33 mi, 1140 m ascent

                      Trekking: 54 km / 33,5 mi, 1010 m ascent

Villages along the way: Arzúa, Lavacolla, Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast your cycling trip comes to an end.