Discover one the most beautiful sections of the Camino, passing through the Cantabrian Mountains.
Witness mountain life and stop for a chat with the shepherds en route.
Indulge yourself in rooms en-suite in specially selected hotels along the way and enjoy a high level of comfort.
Time travel along 1000 years of history and meet people from every horizon.

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Departures:

>Self-Guided
Any time, all year round!

>Guided
See Guided Departures page

This Walking Holiday explores the first section of the Camino Primitivo / Original Way, following the iconic Camino de Santiago de Compostela; the famous Way of Saint James.

This camino was used in the 9th Century by the first devout pilgrims from the kingdom of Asturias. This is the most beautiful section of the Camino, starting in medieval Oviedo.

Every day, during the walk, you are guaranteed a high level of comfort and fine food. This section requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.

Day 1 - Oviedo
You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of the town of Oviedo. The rooms are en-suite.

DAY 2 – From Oviedo to Grado (30km 8h +70m -170m)
Our day begins at the Cathedral of El Salvador and, after leaving the town of Oviedo, we head west. We arrive at the chapel of El Carmen in Lampajúa (Llampaxuga) and from here we descend toward Ponte de Gallegos. The Camino then follows a beautiful trail along the river Nora to finish in a steep ascent to the lovely village of Escamplero. As we get closer to the river Nalón, we cross the N-634, and the river.

DAY 3 – From Grado to Salas (18km 4h30 +430m -300m)
We begin this day with a tough enough start, climbing up for 5 kilometres to Alto del Fresnu. You will then enjoy a gentle downhill walk through hilly farmlands and hamlets until you reach Cornellana. Here we recommend a visit to the monastery (monasterio) of El Salvador. From here to Salas, the Camino follows an upwards trajectory through more farmlands and typical Asturias granaries (“horreos”). Finally, we approach Salas on more gentle terrain.

DAY 7 – From Berducedo to Grandas de Salime (16km 4h30 +520m -800m)
This is the most rewarding part of the Camino Primitivo, but also one of the hardest. We start by climbing to Aerogenedores at 1100m above sea level, where you will get spectacular views of the Embalse de Salime (artificial lake), the River Navia below and of course the mountains surrounding us!  Then it is a steep descent of 900m in just 7km. Finally, passing the dam, the Camino make its way up to Grandas Salime after a more gentle 350m ascent.

DAY 8 – From Grandas de Salime to A Fonsagrada (26km 7h +520m -170m)
Today the Camino starts with a steep ascent to El Acebo (1050m) for some fine views of the Cantabrian Mountains. It is now time to bid our farewell to Asturias and to say hello to the land of the Celts - Galicia! After passing the mountain villages of Cabreria, Fonfría, and Barbeito we arrive in A Fonsagrada, for a well-deserved rest!
In the town center stands the Fons Sacra. This town bore witness to one of the miracles of the apostle Saint James, who, after being attended to by an impoverished widow, turned the water from this fountain into fresh milk for her children.

DAY 9 – From A Fonsagrada to O Cadavo Baleira (23km 7h +320m -540m)
After leaving A Fonsagrada, the Camino passes through A Pobra de Buron. This Camino has been referred to as the "Camino de Oviedo". Coming to Hospital de Montouto, we can see the actual hospital sitting on a hilltop. It is now in ruins, but was one of the last to close, and was probably the most important on all the mountain Caminos of Galicia. There is also a magnificent dolmen in the vicinity of the hospital. The Camino then makes its way to the town of O Cadavo, passing quaint villages such as Calzada, Degolada and A Fontaneira.
O Cadavo is the second most important town that the pilgrims on the Camino Primitivo will pass on their way to Santiago. According to local history, Alphonse II the Chaste fought the Islamic Army nearby.

DAY 10 – From O Cadavo Baleira to Lugo (30km 8h +220m -530m)
The Camino continues through lands famous for their slate mines as far as Paradavela. This attractive village, which retains much of its original character, is home to a number of "Pallozas" (primitive thatched dwellings) and other buildings of interest. Then, passing by the convent of San Francisco de Vilabade we arrive later in the pleasant town of Castroverde. After Castroverde, the Camino passes the eery, abandoned village of Soutomerille; nestled in a landscape of great beauty. Finally, crossing farmlands, the Way arrives in "Lucus Augusti", or Lugo, by the Gate of Saint Peter. Lugo is the oldest town in Galicia! Take some time to explore it.

DAY 11 –Lugo
After breakfast we bid you farewell.

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• Rooms en-suite
• Half Board during the hike
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinner first and last nights
• Transfers from/to airport