Make the Camino Primitivo by bicycle from Oviedo is a challenge of personal improvement recommended only to the most experienced cyclists. This is a solitary route that runs through the western Asturian mountains until it enters Galician lands in the province of Lugo. The main difficulty of the route is the orography of the terrain, with long and very steep slopes for almost the entire route, a factor that together with the poor condition of the trails can become an adventure for cyclists. But nothing is impossible, and the spectacular scenery you’ll be surrounded by will more than make up for the effort.

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675€

Hostels and pensions

675 €

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Map of the Route

Stages of The Primitive Way from Oviedo by bicycle

Day 1. Arrival in Oviedo

The beautiful old town of Oviedo will transport you to the Asturian Middle Ages. It is a small city, designed for the enjoyment of the pedestrian, thanks to its pedestrian streets in which every corner holds a special charm. You can’t start your Camino Primitivo by bike from Oviedo without visiting the Cathedral of San Salvador, the Fontán market and getting lost in its squares tasting cider in its many tascas and chigres (cider bars).

Day 2. Stage Oviedo - Salas (50 km)

You will start the first day of your Camino Primitivo by bike from Oviedo with a beautiful route full of breathtaking landscapes that alternates paved stretches with wooded trails. The main difficulty of this day will be to crown two steep slopes, the Alto del Escamplero and the Alto del Fresno, the latter both uphill and downhill.

Practically the whole route can be done following the original route. You will discover picturesque villages, forests, meadows, bridges, small hermitages and countless granaries so characteristic of western Asturias.

Salas is a medieval village in inland Asturias, which currently retains important heritage elements. Among other things, you can visit the Medieval Tower, the Valdés Salas Palace and the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor. Of course, as in any corner of Asturias, you will be able to enjoy an unbeatable gastronomy.

Day 3. Stage Salas - Pola de Allande (48 km)

Yesterday’s stage will be a walk in the park compared to today. You will enter high altitude mountain areas where; in the rainy season the roads can become impracticable, especially if you travel with panniers. So if you have any doubts, it is better to do this stage by road.

You are facing the hardest stage of the whole route, so it is important to measure your strength and make the stops that your body asks for. It is a succession of long climbs and descents, some of them very steep, such as the ascent to La Espina or the ascent to Alto de La Guardia. You will cross villages like La Espina and Tineo, where you will have places to stock up and rest your legs.

The last challenge of the day is the ascent to the Alto de Lavadoira. Once you have reached the top, you will descend to the end of the stage, Pola de Allande.

Day 4. Stage Pola de Allande - Grandas de Salime (45 km)

The third stage of the Primitive Way by bike goes into the high mountains of Asturias, so the slopes will continue to be the dominant tone. Again, the trails are not very cycleable and require a lot of technique, so we recommend to do this section by road as well.

The route leaves from Pola de Allande in the direction of the feared ascent of the Puerto del Palo. Once you have reached the village of Lago, the road turns off onto a very difficult path that climbs up to the pass; less experienced cyclists will have to climb up the road to avoid getting off the bike. There are 10 kilometres of continuous ascent.

After a long descent, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Asturian mountains and the reservoir of Grandas de Salime, whose village will be your longed-for end of the stage.

Day 5. Stage Grandas de Salime - A Fonsagrada (28 km)

Short and necessary stage that you can take as a rest day after all the previous stages. But if you thought you were getting out of promotions, my friend, we’re sorry to hear the bad news. The first part of the stage starts following the road all the time, alternating with some paths and dirt tracks, all of them well signposted. On the way up to the Puerto del Acebo you will find the village of Bustelo del Camín, the last Asturian village before reaching the 1,300 metres of the pass. The Autonomous Community of Galicia begins just as you start to descend from the Alto de O Acevo. After reaching the top of the pass, we recommend that you follow the original route to A Fonsagrada and finish the stage.

Attention, bear in mind that when we enter Galicia, we not only change the community but also the indications. In Asturias, the famous scallops or shells used to indicate the way to follow by their narrow part, while in the lands of the apostle you must be guided by the open part of them.

Day 6. Stage A Fonsagrada - Lugo (60 km)

You will start pedalling from Fonsagrada following the original route to enjoy the impressive landscapes that this part of Galicia has to offer. In case you are very tired, you can also follow the route of the road. The most difficult part of the day is the Alto de A Fontaneira. From the town of Castroverde, the route will turn into a pleasant walk until you reach the city of Lugo and end the day.

After so many days in virtually unserviced locations, we’re sure you’ll appreciate the lively atmosphere of a city. If you still have some energy left, we encourage you to walk around the old part of the city and get lost in its taverns tasting delicious tapas and pinchos washed down with a good mencía wine.

Day 7. Stage Lugo - Melide (47 km)

After all you’ve been through in the previous days, you’ll be grateful for a stage like this. The only difficulty to highlight will be the ascent to the Sierra del Careón, which is not too difficult. You will ride through beautiful rural surroundings dotted with small villages until you reach Melide.

In this town the Primitive Way joins the French Way. From here the route has a better infrastructure and services, as well as a considerable increase in the number of pilgrims. The moments of loneliness are over until we reach Santiago de Compostela!

Today we recommend you to rest and get up early to arrive early to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8. Stage Melide - Santiago de Compostela (53 km)

Finally the day arrived, with our minds already focused on getting to Compostela. Today you say goodbye, we don’t know if with joy or sadness, to the Primitive Way that you started a few days ago from Oviedo, to pedal along the French Way until you reach Arzúa, where the North Way also joins.

You should take special care with pilgrims on foot, especially in high season you will find numerous groups that occupy the entire trail.

Today the rural landscape will disappear, becoming much more urbanized as you get closer to the Galician capital. After riding around the vicinity of Santiago airport, the last climb of the route will be in San Marcos, the broadcasting centre of the Galician television. When you arrive at Monte do Gozo, we invite you to stop and contemplate the views, we assure you that you will understand the reason for the name of this place. Santiago is getting closer and closer!

You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed your Camino Primitivo by bike. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.

Day 9. End of the trip

Congratulations! You have completed your Camino Primitivo by bicycle from Oviedo. This last day you are in charge, you can go back home or enjoy one more day in Santiago resting your legs after so much pedaling. And how beautiful is Compostela.

Did you know that all roads end in Finisterre? If you have been left with the desire to pedal and you have a few days more, we encourage you to complete the 90 kilometres separating Santiago from Finisterre. The most magical and spiritual route that hides real treasures such as Ponte Maceira, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain or the extraordinary sunset of the Finisterre lighthouse.

Accommodation prices

Hostels and pensions

675 €

Types of accommodation

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo
In private hostels from Oviedo

In private hostels from Oviedo

Dormitorio compartido de albergue privado

Dormitorio del Albergue Turístico Valle del Nonaya

Dormitorio compartido del Complejo O Piñeiral

In private hostels from Oviedo

Hostels are the perfect option if you are travelling alone, have a low budget or want to live the Camino de Santiago experience to the fullest. The ideal accommodation to meet other pilgrims, live together and experience all the values of this magical journey. They have mixed rooms organized in bunk beds, bathrooms separated by sexes, equipped kitchens, laundry and common areas where you can relax and enjoy unforgettable evenings with your travel companions.

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo

Due to the fact that some towns along this route have little variety of accommodation, we have selected the best establishments available for you to have an incredible experience on your Camino de Santiago. You will combine the rest in small and cosy pensions with rural houses and lodgings of superior category, always looking for the best quality and location.

Details ofThe Primitive Way from Oviedo by bicycle

Services included

9 days / 8 nights accommodation

Luggage transfer during the stages

Complete documentation

Pilgrim’s Credential

On-the-road emergency telephone assistance

Travel insurance

Optional Services

Service	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	In private hostels from Oviedo
Breakfast	77€ per person	Not available
MP (Breakfast and dinner)	215€ per person	Not available
Supplement for single room	210€ per single room	Not available
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)	28€ per person


Electric bike rental	440€ per bicycle	440€ per bicycle

	Breakfast
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	77€ per person
	In private hostels from Oviedo	Not available


	MP (Breakfast and dinner)
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	215€ per person
	In private hostels from Oviedo	Not available


	Supplement for single room
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	210€ per single room
	In private hostels from Oviedo	Not available


	Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)
	In private hostels from Oviedo	28€ per person



	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo
	In private hostels from Oviedo



	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo
	In private hostels from Oviedo


	Electric bike rental
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	440€ per bicycle
	In private hostels from Oviedo	440€ per bicycle