NORTHERN WAY: FROM RIBADESELLA TO RIBADEO (215 KMS)

Ribadesella – Colunga

Easy 5h20,1 Km

Our Northern Way will start with a fairly gentle stage along the Cantabrian coast after leaving Ribadesella. It is characterized for being a route without big unevenness where we will be able to visit some beaches as that of Santa Marina, La Espada or La Isla.

When we are close to our destination the road will go inland to reach Colunga, a small charming village located between the sea and the mountains where we can rest before resuming our journey the next day. We recommend visiting the Palacio de Estrada (Town Hall) and the Chapels of San Loreto and Santa Ana as the main attractions.

Colunga – Villaviciosa

Easy 4h 30′17’2 Km

During this stage we will only cross urban areas, so we recommend that you carry everything you need in your rucksack to cope with its 17 kilometers. The route departs from the coast and enters mountainous terrain with slight ascents and descents that will take us to Villaviciosa.

Villaviciosa is characterized for being a pleasant capital city of zone that counts on all the necessary services to recover forces after the stage. We recommend taking advantage of the afternoon to visit the Romanesque church of San Juan de Amandi, its main monument.

Villaviciosa – Gijón

High 8h29,8 Km,

This is a very important stage since a few kilometres after having started walking, specifically in the small village of Casquita, we will find the fork that separates the road from the North (towards Gijón), from the Primitive road (towards Oviedo). We are also facing one of the hardest stages due to the height accumulated in the two main ascents we will have to make.

Once in Gijón the pilgrim will be able to enjoy the charms of this coastal city. Do not miss the old fishermen’s quarter of Cimadevilla, the hill of Santa Catalina or the palace of Revillagigedo. To recharge your batteries we recommend trying its famous fabada watered with a glass of cider from the land.

Gijón – Avilés

Medium 6h25’4 Kms

In this stage we will travel a route of great commercial importance between two cities with a highly developed industrial sector. The entrances and exits to both cities are characterized by an urban and industrial landscape that will give way to a central section characterized by a more rural environment.

The main attraction of the stage is centred on Avilés, a traditional fishing village whose historic quarter has been brilliantly restored and declared an area of artistic and monumental interest. We recommend a visit to the Church of Santo Tomás or the Salinas Beach to taste some of its typical dishes.

Avilés – Muros de Nalón

Easy 5h 45′23,2 Kms

This stage is characterized by the constant unevennesses that we will have to save until our arrival at Muros de Nalón. Most of the itinerary runs along asphalt tracks and inland, leaving behind numerous population centres. The only point where the path approaches the coast will be at the height of Salinas.

Finally we will arrive at Muros de Nalón, a beautiful Asturian village located on the banks of the river Nalón famous for being an important seaport that offers its visitors a wide range of water sports. Muros de Nalón is also a village that has all the necessary services to rest and equip us for the remaining stages.

Muros de Nalón – Soto de Luiña

Easy 3h 45′15,3 Kms

This is one of the easiest stages of the entire itinerary, with just 15 kilometres characterised by slight ascents and descents on a route that runs through the interior. We can take advantage of this stage to rest our legs and enjoy the nature that surrounds the road more peacefully.

Finally we will arrive at the quiet village of Soto de Luiña, where we recommend visiting the palace of La Quinta de Selgas, stroll through its narrow streets or visit some of its nearby beaches such as the beach of San Pedro.

Soto de Luiña – Cadavedo

Medium 3h 45′18,5 Kms

In this stage we can choose between two very different routes: the Camí Real de Las Ballotas (along the coast) or the Sierra de Las Palancas (through the mountains). Most pilgrims opt for the layout of the coast that offers impressive views from its cliffs as well as perfectly signposted access to beaches of great beauty.

Finally we will arrive at Cadavedo, a small village that was chosen as the most beautiful village in Asturias for its magnificent location, surrounded by idyllic landscapes of mountains and beaches. The pilgrim will find everything necessary to rest after the stage and regain strength for the coming stages.

Cadavedo – Luarca

Medium 3h 45′18,5 Kms

A short stage of low difficulty that will allow us to enjoy the landscape offered by the town of Luarca. The route is mostly flat except for a slight ascent crowned by the Hotel Canero. From this point the descent offers impressive views of the small coastal village of Luarca, the final destination at this stage.

Once in the village we recommend a walk through the port and the fishing district where we can take advantage to taste the typical products of the town where seafood and red meat stand out.

Luarca – La Caridad

Medium 7h 30′30,5 Kms

This stage is characterized by a more monotonous and urban landscape where we will cross an important part of the route next to the road. We recommend extreme caution when crossing this road. One of the most beautiful points of the stage is at the height of Navia where we will cross one of the most important rivers of the Cantabrian coast.

Finally we will arrive at La Caridad, a small Asturian village, capital of the council, which offers all the necessary services to rest and prepares the next stage. The economy of the village is based on agriculture and livestock so we recommend trying the local products that ensure a first class quality.

La Caridad – Ribadeo

Easy 5h 30′22,4 Kms

In this stage we will be able to choose between several routes to reach our final destination, Ribadeo. The majority of pilgrims opt for the Castropol variant although those who prefer to visit Tapia de Casariego can also do so by opting for the layout of the coast.

Ribadeo is characterized by being the gateway to Galicia, located in a strategic point that has always had great historical and commercial relevance. From this point the road becomes more crowded and will increase the number of pilgrims we meet during the stages. One of the most attractive points would be the famous beach of the Cathedrals that we will be able to visit with Ribadeo as base point.

And we arrived at the shore! Find out more about Ribadeo in this post!

Ribadeo

In Ribadeo you will finish a journey that may well be the beginning of many. This last day will dawn with one more road in your lives, but not a road of miles, but of experiences, emotions and new friendships. You have been through a lot since you started this adventure in Ribadesella, and now this stretch of the Northern Way ends here.

We encourage you to continue the Northern Way to Santiago de Compostela!

*After leaving the accommodation, end of service.