El Camino Primitivo - from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela

The Camino Primitivo is the Camino de Santiago that goes from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela through the regions of Asturias and Galicia. It owes its origin to the pilgrimage of King Alfonso II of Asturias in the 9th century, the first of the routes to Santiago de Compostela (hence the name "Primitivo"). Other routes have developed over the centuries but this one holds a certain timeless magic.

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   First Stage Camino Primitivo - Oviedo to Grado

   15.44 mi 1,243 ft 1,893 ft

   Apart from the section going out from Oviedo, the route for the most part goes along paths and roads that lead through pleasant rural scenery, with frequent ups and downs, tracks through woods, meadows and small villages.

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2. 2

   Second Stage Camino Primitivo - Grado to Salas

   13.95 mi 2,129 ft 1,526 ft

   This stage follows the motorway and a couple of rivers. There's plenty rural scenery, some ups and downs, tracks through woods, small villages, past ancient monasteries and plenty of hórreos.

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3. 3

   Third Stage Camino Primitivo - Salas to Tineo

   12.24 mi 2,605 ft 1,207 ft

   This stage is a bit shorter than the two previous stages and only has a gentle climb at the start. At the beginning, the route follows the river Nonaya and borders the Sierra de Bodenaya. After crossing the river Casandrasín, our journey takes us along the valley with the Sierra de Tineo up to our right. Plenty to see and a few villages to explore, just hope the rain stays off.

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4. 4

   Fourth Stage Camino Primitivo - Tineo to Borres

   10.03 mi 1,512 ft 1,562 ft

   The day starts with a climb even though Tineo is already perched over the Villar valley. The route takes us along the southern flank of the Pico Navariego, staying high above the valley and the road below, finally dropping down to Obona and then a fairly flat stroll all the way to Borres.

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5. 5

   Fifth Stage Camino Primitivo - Borres to Berducedo

   15.46 mi 3,153 ft 2,280 ft

   This stage has two route options: the High Road or the Low Road, otherwise known as Hospitales or Pola de Allande. One deciding factor might be the weather as the higher route is quite exposed. On the other hand, the lower route means more distance (17.9 km as opposed to 15 km). The recommendation is for the Hospitales route as it appears more authentic and has less tarmac to cover.

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6. 6

   Sixth Stage Camino Primitivo - Berducedo to Grandas

   12.88 mi 3,045 ft 4,147 ft

   This stage has highs and lows, reaching 1,041 m above sea level (3,415 ft) and droping to 209 m (686 ft). The route goes past a wind farm on the tops and crosses over the dam that holds the water of the Salime Reservoir. Some spectacular views and changing countryside make this stage one to remember.

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7. 7

   Seventh Stage Camino Primitivo - Grandas to A Fonsagrada

   15.85 mi 2,897 ft 1,624 ft

   This stage starts gently but soon becomes tougher as it ascends to the border with Galicia. This is where we say goodbye to Asturias and begin our journey across Galicia towards Santiago de Compostela. This is a long day but full of interesting encounters with people and places along the way. The change of region is also noticeable in the markings and villages the route goes through.

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8. 8

   Eighth Stage Camino Primitivo - A Fonsagrada to O Cádavo

   14.93 mi 2,123 ft 2,858 ft

   The route is a delight with a succession of descents and ascents surrounded by domesticated rural scenery. If the weather is kind, this stage is as enjoyable as any other and much easier on the feet that the previous stage. This is authentic Galician hinterland with a warm welcome from folk all the way along the trail.

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9. 9

   Ninth Stage Camino Primitivo - O Cádavo to Lugo

   19.34 mi 1,565 ft 2,411 ft

   This stage runs through rural Galicia, with at least seven villages en route and plenty of places to stop for a rest (or even to stay the night if you want to split this stage into two or three mini-stages). Likewise, there are plenty of chapels, churches and fountains to visit. Our route follows the original way to Vilabade, which includes a visit to the church of Santa María, known as the "catedral de Castroverde".

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10. 10

    Tenth Stage Camino Primitivo - Lugo to A Ponte Ferreira

    16.49 mi 1,670 ft 1,476 ft

    This stage is the official route and avoids the detour to Friol and Sobrado dos Monxes. There is a fair amount of road walking but if the weather is unkind (i.e. wet and cold) that is probably a blessing. There are a number of villages to go through so plenty of opportunities to chat with local folk along the way. Santiago is getting closer and that will also probably mean more people on the trail but that can also be pleasant and conversation on the road will make the journey more entertaining.

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11. 11

    Eleventh Stage Camino Primitivo - Ponte Ferriera to Melide

    12.63 mi 1,050 ft 1,342 ft

    This stage goes through more rural landscapes, along small dirt tracks and quite a lot of tarmac with frequent slopes. In general, it's pretty moderate with the opportunity to visit small villages, a few of which have restaurant services. The route finishes in Melide, where we join the Camino Frances.

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12. 12

    Twelfth Stage Camino Primitivo - Melide to As Quintas (Burres)

    11.80 mi 1,211 ft 1,401 ft

    The route follows the N-547 but using local paths and tracks, sometimes crossing the main road but only walking short stretches of tarmac. The route is a bit up and down, crossing the River Boente and the beautiful valley of the River Iso to reach Arzúa. Then it's a pretty comfortable 5 km as we go along forest tracks, through woods and meadows to reach the albergue at As Quintas.

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13. 13

    Thirteenth Stage Camino Primitivo - As Quintas (Burres) to Lavacolla

    14.55 mi 1,152 ft 1,467 ft

    A comfortable stage with very few slopes; along tracks, crossing forests and meadows. As in the previous stage, the route runs parallel to the main N-547 road and the soon to be completed A-54 motorway. Our route passes O Pedrouzo and the airport to give us a short distance to walk in the next stage to allow us to get to the Pilgrim's Mass, which is celebrated daily at 12 noon in the Cathedral of Santiago.

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14. E

    Fourteenth Stage Camino Primitivo - Lavacolla to Santiago

    6.16 mi 371 ft 495 ft

    The final stage of the Camino Primitivo, completing the 308.5 km. An easy walk to finish and still be in time for the Pilgrim's Mass at 12 o'clock midday. The route goes past the Monte do Gozo (Hill of Joy) which gives us a fine view of the three spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. From there, it's about an hour to the main door and entrance to the Cathedral and the end of this journey. However, the recommendation is to continue a few days more to Finisterre, on the Atlantic coast.

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