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The pilgrim's trail to Santiago de Compostela is one of the great historical 'long distance footpaths' through Europe. According to legend, it all began in the 9th century when the bones of the apostle St James, beheaded in Palestine, miraculously appeared in a village in what is now Galicia. Word spread around the Christian world, reaching (among others) King Alfonso II of Asturias. He undertook the pilgrimage, travelling through dark woods and daunting mountains, from Oviedo to Lugo to Santiago and invited fellow kings and noblemen to follow in his footsteps. The 'original' route became very popular in the early Middle Ages when areas south of the Cantabrian mountains were continuously at war. Walked by millions of 'peregrinos' over the centuries, this self-guided walk reveals the beautiful natural settings, captivating historical monuments, gorgeous rural farmland and authentically friendly villages of northern Spain. Near Lugo, the 'Camino Primitivo' joins the more popular French route.
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17kg of CO2-e PP per day
(134kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Oviedo
Make your own way to Oviedo, capital of Asturias. If you arrive early in the afternoon, make sure you visit the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador, the historic holy site where the Camino begins. This evening you can enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere and explore the charming lanes in the old town and traditional cider houses around the corner from your comfortable hotel.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk to Puerma and Grado, transfer to Sama de Grado (22km/13.7mi)
Setting out from the cathedral, you'll follow the brass Camino shells through the city centre and out into the green Asturian countryside. Quiet lanes and ancient footpaths take you past peaceful villages, some with historic pilgrims’ hostels and inns. From Puerma you will follow the main road to Grado. From Grado a short transfer will take you to your charming rural hotel. Overnight in Sama de Grado. Walking: 6.5-7hrs, 250m/820ft ascent, 375m/1230ft descent.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Transfer to La Espina and walk to Tineo (11km/6.8mi)
Today starts with a transfer to La Espina, to avoid the most recent “Camino” - a new motorway! There will be a short section walking on tarmac before you move into more serene landscapes on the way to Tineo, the capital of dairy production in Asturias. Overnight in Tineo, where our usual hotel has an indoor pool and spa. Own arrangements for dinner tonight. Walking: 4hrs, 240m/787ft ascent, 240m/787ft descent
Meals: B
Day 4
Continue through woodland and via Obona monastery to Campiello (14km/8.8mi)
From Tineo you will traverse forested terrain to reach the monastery at Obona, the region’s first School of Latin and a retreat for scholars in the Middle Ages. You then follow woodland tracks and quiet tarmac lanes to reach the village of Campiello and your overnight accommodation. Walking: 5hrs, 300m/984ft ascent, 340m/1115ft descent
Day 5
Walk the High Route from La Mortera to El Palo and Berducedo (22km/13.8mi)
Transfer in the morning to La Mortera, where your walk begins with a tough ascent on the High Route - “la Ruta de los Hospitales” - traversing steep slopes on barren mountainsides to reach the pass at Puerto del Palo. This section has always been one of the most treacherous, due to extreme winter weather, and you’ll see ruins of centuries-old pilgrims’ hospitals on either side of the pass. Enjoy superb views from the top before the last section, on tarmac, leads to your hotel. Overnight in Berducedo. Walking: 8.5hrs, 520m/1706ft ascent, 450m/1476ft descent. The lower route recommended in case of weather: transfer to Pola Allande to start walking - arrangements to be made locally. Walking: 7hrs, 18km/11.25mi It's also possible to arrange your pickup at El Palo and transfer on the last section, also to be arranged locally.
Day 6
Descend via woodlands and a dam to Grandas de Salime (15km/9.3mi)
From Berducedo, the route makes a slight detour to skirt a modern-day reservoir which effectively 'erased' the historic Camino in the mid-20th century. Follow a steep path down through lovely woodlands, then cross the dam to reach your charming hotel overlooking the water. Overnight in Grandas de Salime. Walking: 6.5hrs, 330m/1083ft ascent, 970m/3182ft descent
Day 7
Transfer to Fonsagrada and walk to Paradavella (14.5km/9.3mi)
Today starts with a 30 minute transfer to avoid a long section on tarmac and on the drive you leave Asturias and enter Galicia. Your walk begins in Fonsagrada or the nearby village of A Proba de Burón. This is one of the most ancient sections of the Camino Primitivo, among green meadows and fields, past the ruins of the historic pilgrims’ hospital at Montouto. Your walk ends in Paradavella where you'll transfer to your charming lodgings near Castroverde. Walking: 4.5hrs, 400m/1312ft ascent, 650m/2132ft descent
Day 8
Walk through quintessential Galician countryside to Lugo (18km/11.2mi)
A morning transfer takes you into Castroverde, then today's walk is a celebration of quintessential Galician countryside. Walking along quiet country lanes and farming tracks from one hamlet to the next, you'll pass well preserved traditional architecture, from stone barns to historic “pazos”. If you don't fancy walking so much, your hosts can drive you beyond Castroverde, to shorten the stage. Your comfortable hotel is located in Lugo’s historic town centre, just 100m from its splendid Roman walls, a UNESCO World heritage site. Walking: 4.5-5hrs, 200m/656ft ascent, 400m/1312ft descent
Day 9
Trip concludes
Trip concludes in Lugo after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 11 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Daily ascents are between 200-800m. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There are many ups and downs and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
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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.
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.
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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