Bike & Boat Filling FastSecure your cabin now
Duration
9 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 7 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

The walk today does include 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). Aviles was a prominent naval town in the Middle Ages and has lots to see for those interested in architecture. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals:  B

Today is a longer day as you continue on to the fishing village of Cudillero which is slightly off the pilgrim trail but allows for a more manageable day. The middle of this stage takes you through some interesting villages including El Pito with its 19th Century Quinta de Selgas palace and gardens. Distance: 25km/15.6mi

Meals:  B

This morning you will walk along a picturesque footpath that takes you through forested hills and down through more small villages. In Soto de Luina a former pilgrims' hospital is now used as a cultural centre. Continue on to the coastal town of Ballota. Distance: 27km/16.8mi

Meals:  B

En route today you will pass through the medieval whaling port of Cadavedo before heading inland to Luarca. The walk into Luarca includes a steep descent, which involves many steps, you will then cross a bridge over the River Negro before arriving into the small fishing town where you will overnight. This afternoon you can take a stroll around the rectangular harbour. Distance: 24km/15mi

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

Trip 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

  • 7 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 7 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 7
  • Visitor tax
  • Emergency hotline

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

Grading

moderate  

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 18 and 29km 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 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season 7 - 21 Apr & 1 Jul - 30 Sep. Supplement applies.
Note:
Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during during local festivals and events
Note:
Due to limited accommodation, return transfers may need to be booked to other overnight locations at an additional cost.

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*
  • excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$150
  • Single Supplement - low seasonUSD$280
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonUSD$320
  • Single Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$360
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)USD$430
*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. 

Videos

Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips