The so-called Camino Primitivo (the Original Trail) was the trail that the Asturian King Alfonso II chose to get to the from Oviedo, via Lugo, to Santiago in the year 829 to visit the place where the bones of St. James were said to be buried. This cycle tour follows this authentic route, traversing part of the ‘España Verde’, through the varied countryside of Asturias and Galicia. His pilgrimage was done following ancient trails, so it mostly runs along dirt tracks, paths and some local minor roads creating a challenging mountainous route in which you will enjoy spectacular landscapes. As you cycle along this historical trail, you will also get a taste of the special atmosphere that surrounds the pilgrims who follow the Camino de Santiago, or Saint James’ Way, in any of its versions. You will not miss the most important highlights in this pilgrimage trail!
Mountain E-bikes are available for this tour!!
Independent arrival in Oviedo. If you have some time, we recommend visiting the old town and the Gothic Cathedral, the starting point for pilgrims to Santiago. You can stroll through the lively atmosphere in this historical city centre, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and cider houses.
Challenge: Arrival in Asturias
We start our pilgrimage following the Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes in the city centre, then out into the green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes, old footpathsand country roads take us past quiet villages and through hilly countryside. We go past Cornellana Monastery. Founded in 1024, this centre was of great religious and political importance throughout the early history of the Christian kingdom in Asturias. After this stop to rest, the last part of the route will follow a few detours, as the motorway is still under construction here. Your Hotel*** in Salas is located in the historical town centre.
As you start you head south, via Soto de los Infantes, through the beautiful Narcea River Valley before you ascend to Tineo, a historically significant town on the Camino. As you continue èn route´you will pass by the Romanesque church and Monastery of Obona. These monuments, partly in ruins, formed part of an important cultural and intellectual centre for centuries. From here a succession of small churches and chapels will lead you up to Lavadoiro Pass (812m), before you descend to Pola de Allande, a lovely little town with Asturian flavour. Accommodation at a good hotel** famous for its regional cuisine.
A tough day, since you have to climb 625m this morning to reach Puerto del Palo. This pass, at 1146m, divides the green, wooded area of Allande from the vast, more barren mountains to the south. But then, the 1st reward: you will be able to `sail down´the 35km left to Lake Grandas, only 4km before the ascent to Grandas de Salime, located at the top of a hill! Grandas is a pleasant town with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnographic museum. Another steep ascent still awaits: Alto del Acebo Pass (1030m, 475m up), before you glide down into Fonsagrada, where your next accommodation is
Once you cycle into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentle rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. This easier riding will allow you to truly enjoy the Galician countryside, with exquisite traditional architecture such as the ‘Pazos’ and ‘Casas Grandes’, well-preserved country homes on large estates, all impressive buildings in stone and wood. At the end of the day, Lugo awaits with its Roman walls (3rd century) and many interesting buildings to be visited in the old town secluded inside these walls. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the natural hot springs on the banks of the River Miño. Accommodation at a 3-star hotel in historical centre of Lugo.
You might have some time to visit the major monuments in Lugo, and maybe do some shopping, before you get back on your bike today. From Lugo onward, the Camino Primitivo merges with the more recent, but more popular French Route, somewhere between Palas de Rei and Melide, the quiet lanes and path get busier and you will feel a stronger "pilgrim atmosphere" from here.
On your last day you will feel how everyone oround starts to feel to excitement of a close arrival to the final goal. You will share the route, scenery and atmosphere with other pilgrims as you approach the Monte del Gozo (where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago) and then downhill to the St James Cathedral. Accommodation at a charming hotel in the centre. The afternoon is free to spend exploring Santiago.
Today, after breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end.
All hotels of this trip are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. You can find the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way.
Located in one of the most central streets of Oviedo, Fruela street, this hotel is an excellent place from which to discover all the corners, the gastronomy and the people of Oviedo, one of the pleasures of your stay.
Set in a 16th century historical builiding ( the former palace of the Counts of Miranda), restored and transformed into a rural hotel with 12 quaint and comfortable rooms that preserve the medieval essencce of the original building. Located in Salas, surrounded by valleys and mountains of great beauty.
This hotel was founded in 1953 and still preserves the traditional taste and the friendly tratment without forgetting comfort. The highlight is their famous restaurant which offers traditional homemade cuisine and attracts visitors from the whole region.
Strategically located in the centre of A Fonsagrada, near the church and the Sacred Fountain. The basic services in town are quite close; restaurants, bars, supermarkets, pharmacy, taxi, etc...
Unbeatable location in the historical town of Lugo, inside the Roman walls and surrounded by the monumental quarter. The cultural, commercial and leisure area is also here. With modern and functional rooms, offering its guests every amenity.
Right on the Camino. Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, A Lúa do Camiño offers a welcoming accomodation in Melide. The rooms have a nice and bright decoration, some feature views of the pool or garden, and there is a shared lounge at the property.
Modern and elegant hotel overlooking the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and next to the Bonaval park. It is located in a very quiet area and a step away from the historic center and the area with atmosphere and a wide range of restaurants.
Male Female
GIANT
CUBE TOURING
Kalkhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez
MMR KUMA 29
Male Female
MMR Grand Tour 105 Specialized Dolce
7 nights accommodation
3*/4* stars hotels and rural guest houses
7 breakfasts
Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
The possibility of renting our bikes
24-hour telephone assistance
Luggage transport according to program
Possibility of parking your car in town or hotel
Acces to the trip on our navigation app
Single Room Supplement(s)
Solo Traveller Supplement
Optional transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station
Nearest airports are Asturias airport (OVD), Santander (SDR) or Bilbao (BIO)
Arrival in Oviedo
If you are flying to Asturias airport-Ranon (OVD), there’s a regular shuttle bus service to Oviedo city centre. Departures every hour on the hour. Travel time is 45min and a single ticket costs approx 8,00€.
If you are flying to another airport (Santander-SDR, Bilbao-BIO or Valladolid-VLL), there are good bus connections to Oviedo from those cities. For timetables and reservations, go to www.alsa.es. You can also book your bus tickets in advance through S-cape Travel.
Direct taxi transfers can be booked in advance through S-cape Travel. Prices on request.
Departure from Santiago de Compostela
If you’re travelling back to Asturias airport (OVD), Santander (SDR) or Bilbao (BIO), there’s a morning bus from Santiago that takes you to Oviedo, Santander or Bilbao. The trip to Oviedo takes about 8h30min, to Santander 9h30min and to Bilbao 11h30min.
Bus tickets can be booked online at www.alsa.es or through your agent, S-cape Travel.