Primitive Way
Have a good way!
Why choosing the Primitive or original pilgrim way?
The Primitive Way is a wonderful option to discover the real roots of the pilgrimage, departing from Oviedo and crossing the Asturian Principality by west to access Galicia by the province of Lugo until linking with the route of the French Way in the municipality of Melide, to scarce 55km Santiago de Compostela.
The route crosses sparsely populated mountainous areas, with landscapes of impressive natural beauty and almost no asphalt stretches, which contributes to its landscape splendour. In addition, the historical and patrimonial resources are abundant, especially in the two monumental cities that we visit in our route, Oviedo and Lugo, as well as Compostela itself, which awaits us on our arrival.
A harder Way than normal
It is a Route with a considerable hardness, with considerable ascents as the fearsome port of Palo (before Grandas de Salime) and with sections that, in rainy seasons, can become deep mudflats, complicating even more the crossing. The Asturian part is better signposted than the Galician one but, even so, it does not suppose too much impediment to be well oriented along our walk by the correct layout.
The length of the Primitive Way is 321 km, which 170 pass through Galicia after coming into the province of Lugo by A Fonsagrada. It is generally divided into 13 or 14 stages with an average duration between 20 and 30 km. The biggest disadvantage of the route is the shortage of public hostels. However, the private offer of lodging and catering, covers the needs of the pilgrim. For cyclists, it presents the problem of being a route lacking in specialized services, which is a real problem because it is a Route with a hard layout and many steep slopes.
In short, we are talking about a route with a certain hardness but full of charming corners, municipalities and places from two of the most impressive Autonomous Communities of the Spanish territory, such as Asturias and Galicia. The frequent rains that fall in the north are the price to pay for enjoying the magic of such enigmatic places. However, enjoying the Asturian valleys and Galicia’s natural wealth is more than enough reward for the pilgrim who decides to follow in the footsteps of Alfonso II the Chaste.
14 Stages / 310 Kms
Stages of the Primitive Way on Foot
Continuation along the French Way
7 Stages / 313 Kms
Stages of the Primitive Way by bike
❯ Salas
50Km • 3/5
❯ Pola de Allande
48Km • 3/5
❯ Grandas de Salime
37Km • 4/5
❯ O Cádavo
53Km • 3/5
❯ San Romao da Retorta
51Km • 2/5
❯ Arzúa
44Km • 4/5
❯ Santiago de Compostela
39Km • 2/5
You will like this way, if you like…
Cities and towns
Oviedo
Salas
Grandas de Salime”
Lugo
O Cádavo
Melide
More information…
About the Primitive Way
History
As soon as the tomb of the Apostle Santiago was discovered in the year 813, Alfonso II, nicknamed the Chaste and king of Gallaecia at that time, started the way to Galician lands from Asturias with his mind set on the incredible discovery. He took the route that runs through the interior of the Asturian lands to arrive at Lugo and, from there, continue to the capital of Compostela. At his arrival, he ordered the construction of a cult church where the sepulchral remains of the Apostle could be collected, creating in this way the bases of today’s world-famous Cathedral and creating, since then, what would become the first of all the Ways to Santiago, the Primitive.
Distances and elevation
Elevation Profile
Other recommended routes
There are many other routes, take a look below at the best alternatives:
804 km / 35 days
764 km / 33 days
119 km / 6 days
115 km / 5 days
620 km / 25 days
960 km / 38 days
Useful Information
Frequently asked questions about the Primitive Way
As reflected in the stage section, The Primitive Way is made up of a total of 14 stages over a distance of 313 km starting from the Asturian capital, Oviedo. If you do the Primitive Way by bike there will be 7 stages.
If your goal is to achieve the Compostela, you must do at least the last 100 km of the Camino, which in the case of this route starts from the town of Baamonde. However, if you do the Camino by bike, the minimum distance is 200 km, which would take you to start from Pola de Allende.
Along the primitive route, you will pass through a large number of villages, each with its own charm. However, there are a series of villages that make pilgrims fall in love with them as they pass by. are: Oviedo, Pola de Allande, Grandas de Salime or Lugo, among others.
The Primitive Way runs between the mountainous border that separates the communities of Asturias and Galicia, which allows us to appreciate green landscapes and from a respectable height that offers views worthy of admiration. One of them is the Grandas de Salime reservoir, which can be seen from a privileged position along the primitive route..
The Primitive Way has the honour of being the first of all the routes of Jacobean routes, despite the fact that the French Way is the most widely recognised. The first steps taken by King Alfonso II laid the foundations for the history of the Camino de Santiago. As it crosses elevated areas, it is more difficult than other routes, which makes it a challenge and reduces the number of pilgrims due to its difficulty.
In Pilgrim.es We have the most complete information about this way and many more. Enter our website and discover all the routes that make up the Camino de Santiago, its stages, maps and even the towns with their indications about what to see in each one.
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