Camino Primitivo MTB Tour

If you arrive in Oviedo with some time to spare, we recommend visiting the old town and, of course, the Gothic Cathedral, the starting point for pilgrims to Santiago. Do not miss the lively atmosphere in this historic city centre, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and cider houses to enjoy!

Your pilgrimage begins this morning by following the Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes in the city centre, then out into the green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes, old footpaths and country roads take you past quiet villages and through hilly countryside, passing the 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 before the last part of the route which follows some ascents and descents on the lead up to Salas.

Your hotel in Salas is located in the historic town centre, inside a former castle and with a museum of Pre-Romanesque architecture just beside it.

Start off today’s beautiful ride as you head south, via Soto de los Infantes, through the beautiful Narcea River Valley before ascending 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.

A tough but rewarding day lies ahead, due to the 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, your 1st reward: a downhill 35kmstretch to stunning 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), before you glide down into Fonsagrada, where your next accommodation awaits.

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 visit in the old town, secluded within its walls. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the natural hot springs on the banks of the River Miño that are well-worth a visit.

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 the excitement grow more and more as your arrival to the final goal gets closer and closer. 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. On arrival, bask in the moment as you reach the world-famous Santiago de Compostela, surrounded by many smiling pilgrims who have also completed this journey.

After breakfast your cycling trip comes to an end. Check and depart for the airport.