Camino Primitivo: The Original Way - 11 Days

The walk starts in Oviedo and finishes in Lugo. The closest airport is Asturias (OVD), a short taxi ride from Oviedo. Madrid (MAD) is a well-connected alternative, with trains from Chamartín to Oviedo taking around 4-5 hours, changing once at León. Those arriving via Bilbao (BIO) can reach Oviedo by bus in around 4 hours. A private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo can be arranged on request.

The walk ends in Lugo, which has good rail and bus connections across Spain. A bus to Santiago de Compostela takes around 3 hours, with a taxi available for a quicker journey. Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) offers onward flights across Europe. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.

This walk is available from March to October, with no fixed start days.

The Camino Primitivo crosses the mountains of Asturias before descending into Galicia, and the terrain means weather deserves careful consideration when choosing your dates.

March can bring cold, wet and foggy conditions on the higher mountain stages, with frosty mornings and very cool nights. Conditions improve steadily through April and into May, when the hills are lush, wildflowers are out and temperatures are comfortable for the mountain sections, though some showery days are to be expected. From May onwards you can expect plenty of dry, clear days and better visibility on the high, exposed sections.

July and August are the warmest and driest months, though the route can feel busy as it joins the Camino Francés approaching Santiago. September offers warm, steady weather with a slight easing of crowds after the summer peak and is many walkers' preferred time to walk.

October remains walkable but conditions on the mountain stages become more changeable, with rain and low cloud more likely. Throughout the season, Galician literature festivals and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa add colour to the journey. Pack waterproofs and warm layers whatever the month.

Graded moderate to challenging, this 215-kilometre route earns its rating through the cumulative demands of walking substantial distances day after day. The ascent is spread relatively evenly across each stage, so the climbing rarely feels abrupt. The exception is the Grandes de Salime day, which is notably more demanding and should be factored into your preparation.

Trails are well-defined throughout, following an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain. Expect designated walking trails, farm and forest tracks, and long open stretches of countryside, with sustained climbs to hilltop towns and villages. Road walking features less prominently here than on the French Camino, though some road sections remain. Walkers should remain mindful of traffic at all times. Good walking boots are essential.

Daily walks cover up to 28 kilometres with up to 800 metres of ascent and descent. You should be comfortable with both before setting out. An exercise regime of two to three times per week, in addition to regular walking, is recommended in preparation.

The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.