sbt
it
fr
Group of cyclists in Santiago de Compostela
FIND your perfect trip!
FIND your
perfect trip!
Cycling days
Camino Primitivo on Mountain Bike
Camino Primitivo on Mountain Bike
hybrid :
Duration :
8 days
Comfort :
period:
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
ESSB013
Way of Saint James Mountains Green Spain Inland
Price in double room from: € 641
Camino Primitivo on Mountain Bike
View Photos

Cycling along the Original Pilgrim´s Trail following mountain routes

Print

Bike Tour: Camino Primitivo on Mountain Bike - 8 days

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!!

Map Original Way of St. James cycling
Route
Day 1: Arrival in Oviedo
Day 2: From Oviedo to Salas (48km / 29mill)
Day 3: From Salas to Pola de Allande (58 - 39km/ 36 - 24 mill)
Day 4: Pola de Allande to Grandas de Salime/Fonsagrada (67-39-32 km / 42-24-20mi)
Day 5: From Fonsagrada to Lugo ( 54 - 60 km / 33,5 - 37,2 mill)
Day 6: From Lugo to Palas de Rei/Melide ( 46 - 43 - 15km / 28,5 - 26,7 - 9,3 mill)
Day 7: From Melide to Santiago de Compostela ( 53 - 54km / 33 - 33,5 mill )
Day 8: End of program

Day 1:    Arrival in Oviedo

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

Day 2:    From Oviedo to Salas (48km / 29mill)
48 km

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.

You have the option to do this route both on a Mountain Bike and on a Hybrid Bike. Below, we show you the route options.

Challenge:

OPTION 1: MTB 48km, 1459m ascent, 50m descent

OPTION 2: HB 48km, 1400m ascent, 670m descent

Day 3:    From Salas to Pola de Allande (58 - 39km/ 36 - 24 mill)
58 km

Today´s cycling stage begins going southwards (via La Espina) in a continuous ascent towards Tineo, a historical town of great importance on the Camino. Then the stage flattens out and you continue towards the Romanesque church and Monastery of Obona. These partially demolished buildings formed part of an important cultural and intellectual centre for centuries. From here you will pass through a succession of small churches and chapels until you reach the top of Collado de Lavadoiro (812m), before descending to Pola de Allande, a pretty town with a distinctly Asturian touch. The final section through the old pilgrim hospitals once located along the entire ridge until reaching the Puerto del Palo is hard because it involves 600m more of ascent. This section can be avoided by following the ''Low route Pola de Allande'' or the simplest option by road ''Alternative main road Pola de Allande''.

Challenge:

OPTION 1: MTB 58 km, 2195m ascent, 1908m descent

OPTION 2: HB 39 km, 770m ascent

Day 4:    Pola de Allande to Grandas de Salime/Fonsagrada (67-39-32 km / 42-24-20mi)
67 km

Today is though day, since you will have to climb about 650m, in the first 12km, from Pola de Allande to Puerto el Palo. This pass, at an altitude of 1146m, is dividing line between the green and wooded areas of Allande and the arid slopes of the south face. Of course, you can always walk your bike in the hardest parts...and enjoy the landscape! From el Palo, you will literally "fly" down the mountain, through Grandas de Salime, a pleasant village with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnograpich museum. It´s also the last larger town in Asturias on your way into Galicia. Today´s another important ascent is between Grandas and the pass at Alto del Acebo (1030m). Once you´ve crossed over into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentler rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. However your destination for today - A Fonsagrada - is conveniently located on a hilltop wich makes for a steep ascent at the end.

If you decide to finish the route in Grandas de Salime, you can hire a transfer from there to Fonsagrada, this would be an extra transfer that you would have to request when booking the trip.

Challenge:

 OPTION 1: Pola de Allande - Fonsagrada MTB   67km, 3004m ascent, 2586m descent

OPTION 2: Pola de Allande - Grandas de Salime HB   39km, 1423m ascent

OPTION 3: Pola de Allande - Fonsagrada HB   32km, 1282m ascent

Day 5:    From Fonsagrada to Lugo ( 54 - 60 km / 33,5 - 37,2 mill)
60 km

A relatively long tour today, with lots of prolonged downhill sections and some short ascents. The easy riding allows 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, you reach Lugo, where the town centre was declared a National Historical Monument in 1973, mostly due to the impressive 3rd century walls wich merit a place on UNESCO´s Cultural Heritage List. There are several interesting buildings to be visited, including Romanesque- Gothic cathedral an Baroque town hall and Palace. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the natural hot springs on the banks of the River Miño.

Challenge:

OPTION 1: MTB 54km, 1147m ascent, 1935m descent

OPTION 2: HB 60km, 1220m ascent

Day 6:    From Lugo to Palas de Rei/Melide ( 46 - 43 - 15km / 28,5 - 26,7 - 9,3 mill)
46 km

This morning you have time  to visit the major monuments in Lugo, and maybe do some shopping, before you get back on your bike for the ride to Palas de Rei. From Lugo onward, the Camino Primitivo merges with the more recent, but more popular French Route, somewhere between Palas de Rei and Melide. From here the Camino de Santiago is busier and you begin to feel the pilgrim 'atmosphere' more strongly.

Challenge:

OPTION 1: Lugo - Melide MTB 46km, 1149m ascent, 1155m descent

OPTION 2: Lugo - Palas de Rei HB 43km, 940m ascent 

OPTION 3: Palas de Rei - Melide HB 15km, 280m ascent, 370 descent

Day 7:    From Melide to Santiago de Compostela ( 53 - 54km / 33 - 33,5 mill )
54 km

Today is the last stage of the trip, to Santiago. You pass Monte del Gozo, the viewpoint at the top of the hill just before descending towards Santiago that offers a small view of the city. From here you follow the Camino at the same that you feel the atmosphere of excitement and illusion as you reach the cathedral of Santiago, in the historic center.

Challenge: 

OPTION 1: MTB 53km, 1138m ascent, 1340m descent

OPTION 2: HB 54km, 1010m ascent

Day 8:    End of program

Today, after breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end.

Accommodation

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.

Hotel Fruela (Oviedo)
Hotel Fruela (Oviedo)

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.

www.hotelfruela.com

Hotel Castillo Valdés (Salas)
Hotel Castillo Valdés (Salas)

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. 

www.castillovaldessalas.es

Hotel Nueva Allandesa (Pola de Allande)
Hotel Nueva Allandesa (Pola de Allande)

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.

www.lanuevaallandesa.com

Hostal Cantábrico (Fontsagrada)
Hostal Cantábrico (Fontsagrada)

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...

www.cantabricofonsagrada.com

Hotel Méndez Núñez (Lugo)
Hotel Méndez Núñez (Lugo)

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.

www.hotelmendeznunez.com

A Lúa do Camiño (Melide)
A Lúa do Camiño (Melide)

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.

www.aluadocamino.com

Hotel Bonaval (Santiago de Compostela)
Hotel Bonaval (Santiago de Compostela)

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.

Hotel Alda Bonaval

Bikes
  • Bike model: GIANT,  ESPECIALIZED or CUBE TOURING
  • Bike Type: Hybrid trekking bike with alu frame and 28" wheels
  • Gears: Adults bikes: 21 or 24  gears // Kids bikes: 7, 14 or 21 gears
  • Suspension: Yes
  • Frame sizes: (Adults): XS ,S ,M , L, XL (Kids): 20"/24"/26"

                           Male                                                                  Female

                                    GIANT

                               CUBE TOURING

  • Bike model:        Kalkhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez
  • Bike Type:          Electric
  • Motor:                 Bosch Performance Cruise, 250 W
  • Frame:                28 '' Aluminum Wave
  • Battery:              500 Wh
  • Autonomy:        180 km
  • Technology:       Shift-sensor technology for smooth shifting 
  • Wheels:              Schwalbe Marathon Plus  
  • Sizes:                  S, M & L (Unisex

         e-bike Kalhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez

                  Kalkhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez

  • Bike model: MMR KUMA 29
  • Bike type: MBT
  • Frame: Aluminium 6061-T6 double hydroformed crowned 
  • Brakes: Shimano MT-200 Hydraulic 
  • Tires: Hutchinson Python 2

 Rental Bike MMR Kuma 29

                           MMR KUMA 29

                            Male                                              Female

Race bike MMR Grand Tour 105Race bike Specialized Dolce

                MMR Grand Tour 105                                      Specialized Dolce


  • Rental bicycles ALWAYS include: repair kit, pump and lock.
  • Depending on the type of bicycle you can add (for free, but on request): map holder, 1 front pannier or 1 rear pannier
  • Helmet available (on request); € 5/adults, free for children

Practical info

7 nights accommodation

3*/4* stars hotels and rural guest houses

7 breakfasts

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

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Transport to first and from last accommodation
  • Bicycle hire: MTB or hybrid

Extras

  • Single Room Supplement(s)
  • Solo Traveller Supplement
  • Bicycle hire
  • Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station
  • Bus or train tickets
  • Extra nights at any of the hotels along the way
  • Extra nights may be booked separately at a hotel on the lovely Cantabrian coast or in the cities of Oviedo, Gijón or Bilbao
  • Shipment of printed documents to the first accommodation
prices & dates
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

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.

newsletter

 
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Spanish Bike Tours uses cookies to manage the website, to show you personalized content and to manage business goals. Below you can find more information on how we use cookies. You can accept all cookies, select them individually or reject them all. To learn more about our cookie policy, you can visit the dedicated page at any time. 

extraSmallDevice
smallDevice
mediumDevice
largeDevice