25 Trails We're Excited ForView List
Duration
9 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 8 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts

Price

$960USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CN5

Trip highlights


  • Traversing the Camino Norte from Gijon to Ribadeo
  • Discovering the historic coastal city of Gijón, Luarca the "White Town on the Green Coast" and Ribadeo, a town known for the iconic Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals)
  • Reaching the northernmost point of Asturias, Cabo de Peñas, offering breathtaking coastal views and a lighthouse.
  • Walking through a variety of landscapes, including the dramatic coastline of the Asturias region
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
  • Visiting traditional cider houses
  • Swimming at beaches along the route

'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua.

Embarking on the Camino del Norte from Gijón to Ribadeo traces a path through the northern reaches of Spain. This leg of the journey weaves through the dynamic landscape of Asturias, showcasing a blend of coastal wonders, rustic villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Beginning in the lively city of Gijón, discover the the rugged coastline, historic towns, sandy shores, and green hillsides that characterize the region. Reach the northernmost point of Asturias, Cabo de Peñas, offering breathtaking coastal views and a lighthouse and end in Ribadeo where you can discoverthe Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals), a stunning beach with natural rock formations. All along the journey, stay in comfortable accommodation with welcoming hosts and experience the best of Asturian cuisine.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

On arrival in Gijon, make your way to the joining hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the sights in the historic centre.

Meals:  Nil

Setting out on your first day's walk there are some stretches through an industrial area and along the highway, but you will also walk through the Monte Areo recreational area, which features a prehistoric dolmen (you will need to detour slightly to visit the Dolmen de San Pablo). Your destination is Aviles, a prominent naval town in the Middle Ages which today has lots to see for those interested in architecture. Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B

The walk today begins in the Plaza de España in Avilés, passing through the historic centre before gradually leaving the city. The route crosses the villages of San Miguel and Piedras Blancas and passes by the Church of Santiago del Monte. From there, you walk along the main road until reaching Soto del Barco. This stage is mainly on paved roads, with moderate but continuous inclines, with typical waymarks of the Camino to show the way. Distance 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B

Leaving Soto del Barco, you gradually reach the Plaza Marqués de Muros de Nalón. The route combines well-trodden dirt paths with paved roads, leading you to Pitu/Pito. After a descent to Cudillero, the path ascends along a trail parallel to the highway until reaching Reyano. You then continue toward La Magdalena and descend along the road to Concha de Artedo Beach. After crossing Mumayor, the route follows a main road to Soto de Luiña. This stage has moderate elevation changes. Enjoy the scenery and the stops along the way. Distance 19km/11.9mi

Meals:  B

Starting from Soto de Luiña, the route follows a quiet secondary road with little traffic, passing through the villages of Novellana and Santa Marina until it reaches Ballota. From here, you ascend along a path to Río Cabo Beach and then pass through the village of Tablizo. Finally, an uphill stretch on a paved road leads to the medieval whaling port of Cadavedo. Distance 19km/11.9mi

Meals:  B

After crossing the village of Cadavedo, the route continues along a road that soon becomes a trail. Passing through fields and forests, you arrive at Querúas and then cross the village of Chano de Canero. From here, you follow the VA1 road towards the port of Luarca. After skirting the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora la Blanca, descend to the Paseo del Muelle in Luarca. This afternoon you can take a stroll around the rectangular harbour. Distance: 16km/10mi

Meals:  B

This morning will start with a climb as you head out of Luarca, before the path levels out for the rest of the day. Continue through the countryside before arriving in the lively market town of Navia. Distance: 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B

Transfer to La Caridad where you continue the walk. You could walk this section and forgo the transfer however it does add 10km to the day. Today will be your last day walking close to the coast. Much of the walking will be done slightly inland so you won't have a real sea view although there is an alternative route which hugs closer to the coast. When you cross the bridge of the Saints over the River Eo to enter Galicia, the last region of the walk, you will arrive in Ribadeo. The town is renowned for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course! Distance: 22km/13.8mi

Meals:  B

Arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 8 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Transfer on day 8
  • Pilgrim passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Gijon and from Ribadeo
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 16 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. Part of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

DN1
High season is from 7 to 21 Apr and 1 Jul to 30 Sep. Supplement applies for high season departures.
Note:
Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during during local festivals and events. Due to limited accommodation, return transfers may need to be booked to other overnight locations at an additional cost.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$960USD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Walking the Camino Norte in Spain | Camino de Santiago
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