Description
Camino Primitivo | P359 | Level: Mod | Camino Primitivo
Introduction
The name Camino Primitivo originates from the ‘first’ Camino by Alfonso II, king of Asturias, from Oviedo to Santiago in the 9th century AD. Starting in Oviedo, it merges into the French Way at Melide. In total it is about 340 km long from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It crosses two autonomous regions, Asturias and Galicia and three provinces (2 in Galicia being Lugo and A Coruna).
The main characteristic of this route is the constant ascents and descents making it a relatively challenging route. This means that pilgrims need to have trained beforehand and be physically prepared for the daily uphill climbs.
From Oviedo to Lugo it is a typical mountain route of trails, dirt treks (muddy at times), stone and gravel paths as well as some asphalt roads. The altitude lends itself to spectacular panoramas; one of the distinctive features of this Camino. Also, at that altitude, the surrounding greenery intersected by rivers, streams, valleys and Asturian hamlets is refreshingly serene.
Less than 10,000 pilgrims walk this route annually (of the almost 0.5m pilgrims who collect walk the various Caminos de Santiago annually). Since this route is not as popular as, say, the French or Portuguese ways and therefore one does not meet as many pilgrims as one does on these routes. The advantage of this is that it is easier to make friends and share experiences with other pilgrims sharing the way. It also means that hospitaleros and locals are not overwhelmed by and more helpful / accommodating with peregrinos passing through. The route is less commercialised and more authentic. It provides for a good balance of mixing with other peregrinos and walking in solitude.
Flights
Flights to be advised. Dates may vary by a day or two as we determine to most economically efficient flight route.
Itinerary (dates may vary by a day or two)
The Camino itinerary is spread over 13 walking days as follows:
- Day 1: Oviedo to Grado | 26km
- Day 2: Grado to Salas | 22km
- Day 3: Salas to Tineo 20km
- Day 4: Tineo to Pol Allande 28km
- Day 5 Pola Allande to Berducedo 18km
- Day 6 Berducedo to Grandas Da Salime 20km
- Day 7 Grandas da Salime to Fonsagrada 26km
- Day 8 Fonsagrada to O Cadavo 24km
- Day 9 O Cadavo to Lugo 30km
- Day 10 Lugo to Ferreira 26km
- Day 11 Ferreira to Melide 21km
- Day 12 Melide to O Pedruozo 31km
- Day 13 O Pedruozo – Santiago de Compostela 18km
This event is open only to XirCammini Members. This camino is also characterised by a number of ascents and therefore, prior training is advised. It is also a very scenic camino, combining coastal areas and bays, cliffs, hills, forests and historic urban areas.
The total contribution covering (a.) local transport from / to airport and first / final accommodation (b.) daily baggage transfers (c.) daily accommodation on twin sharing basis including breakfast (d.) local training (e.) credencial and concha (f.) assistance with obtaining the Compostela is €995 for this 15-day trip. This contribution excludes the flight.
Flight details: to be advised.