MTB Spain: Camino Primitivo

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival: Oviedo

   You will be met at Asturias Airport (OVD) and transferred (40 minutes) to the handsome, proud capital of Asturias; Oviedo. Bikes will be built and fitted before you head out to discover the city. The beautiful Cathedral of San Salvador is a must and a great place to get the first stamp in your pilgrim’s passport, proof of completion of the pilgrimage.
   
   In the evening your local guides will brief you on the journey to come before guiding you to the best ‘siderias’ in the city for some drinks and local cuisine.
   
   

   • Local accommodation
2. Day 2Oviedo to Espina

   The exciting first steps of the route will take you out of the city on quiet lanes before taking in some heavenly riding on ancient paths and forest single track down to the river Nora. A mid-morning coffee in a pilgrims’ hostel will set you up for racy trails along the Nalon riverside, passing the rock pinnacle of Penaflor and entering the picturesque market town of Grado for a well-earned lunch of local delicacies.
   
   Rested, your first cheeky climb takes you over the Alto de el Fresno before dropping into a fun and furious 5 km of trail down to the Rio Narcea. What’s left is the long steady climb into the Cordillera along ancient trails, through historical Salas, famed for its cookies, to the small, isolated settlement of Espina, with amazing views over the forested valleys and heathered mountainsides.
   
   

   • 35.4 miles
   • 5,249.3 ft
     5,249.3 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
3. Day 3Espina to La Mesa

   Well-rested and fed on the best produce of the region, it’s back on the bikes for an epic day in the Asturian mountains. First, easy trails take you up the valley through the historic village of Tineo, once a Roman goldmining centre. A sharp climb over the Alto de Guardia on stone pathways gains a technical descent through pastures, forest and isolated villages.
   
   Our arrival at Samblismo throws up an important decision for all travellers on their way to Santiago, whether to drop into the valley to Pola de Allande or take on the wilds of the isolated mountains to the roof of the Camino Primitivo, the Palo pass at almost 1200m.
   
   I’m sure you’ve guessed, you’ll be taking the exciting route through ‘hospitales’ along fabulous trails riding high ridges, ancient trading routes and natural singletrack. On a clear day, you can see back to the Atlantic Ocean, hidden behind layer upon layer of rolling sierras.
   
   Once hospitals to help pilgrims in need, tiny hamlets provide shelter as you undulate and descend to the isolated resting point for the night, La Mesa. Humble mountain accommodation is accompanied by local mountain fare, just the ticket after a rewarding day on the bike.
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 6,397.6 ft
     6,397.6 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
4. Day 4La Mesa to Fonsagrada

   After a short climb in the fresh morning air, you'll arrive to fabulous views towards Galicia and far below to the Grandas reservoir. This never-ending descent takes you over 800m down into the deep Grandas valley, through lush forest and ancient ruins on great singletrack and switchbacks.
   
   Once in the valley bottom, you'll regain height through the pretty Grandas de Salime, Castro and Penafonte villages along farm tracks and tree-lined meadows to reach the lofty Puerto del Acebo for lunch with a view as you sit with your back leg in Asturias and front leg in Galicia.
   
   The afternoon ride gently descends through pine and deciduous woods along enchanting dry-stone wall-lined trails, passing isolated chapels and hermitages. Historical Fonsagrada is your home for the evening and a first chance to taste the excellent Galician cuisine. Sitting at just under 1000m it’s the highest town in Galicia and a place, they say, wolves never dare come down to!
   
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • 4,921.3 ft
     4,921.3 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
5. Day 5Fonsagrada to Lugo

   Today starts with beautiful paths climbing to reach the emblematic Alto de Montouto and the ruins of an ancient pilgrims' hospital beside an impressive Celtic burial chamber. It’s a wonderful place to contemplate past times before a terrific descent down to Paradevilla for a mid-morning snack and coffee.
   
   The trail snakes its way through numerous ancient settlements where time seems to have stood still. In Galicia, much of the terrain is made up of smallholdings where it’s not uncommon to see people scything grass by hand or ploughing fields with oxen.
   
   A bit of effort is needed to reach the Alto de Fontaneira, offering amazing vistas down to the rolling green valleys of Galicia, then the trail begins to descend on a multitude of tracks and paths for the last 20km to the fortified city of Lugo, your home for the night.
   
   Lugo is a great place to overnight and wander its old lanes to the impressive cathedral and Plaza Mayor. The food is excellent too and it’s probably time to try the Galician dish of pulpo a la feira, octopus with spicy paprika to be washed down with a crisp Albarino white!
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 4,199.5 ft
     4,199.5 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
6. Day 6Lugo to Sedor

   Leaving Lugo you'll first descend to cross the snaking Rio Mino, which further west is the natural border between Portugal and Spain. After a few easy kilometres along a narrow lane, your way intersects with a Roman road connecting Braga in Portugal with the trading route of the Via de la Plata coming from the Mediterranean. There are beautifully restored Roman temples and milarios that make interesting breaks in the journey.
   
   Once over the open moorland of Hospital das Seisas you'll take a long steady descent passing Celtic Castros (settlements) and interesting horreos (grain stores) to arrive in the small bustling town of Melide. It’s here where you will join the Camino Frances, the most popular of the pilgrim routes to Santiago.
   
   On the final kilometres of this penultimate day, the trail continues through oak woods and eucalyptus plantations, following a well-restored medieval road. One last flowing descent takes you down to cross the Boente Valley, from here it’s a short pedal to your relaxing accommodation for the night, a great place to refuel for the final hop to the great city of Santiago.
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 3,477.7 ft
     3,477.7 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
7. Day 7Sedor to Santiago de Compostela

   Your final day’s cycling on the journey to Santiago is full of fun, with a party atmosphere filling the trail! It will be a memorable day, with just 45km to go! A steady climb brings you to the artisan’s town of Arzua where, according to legend, a local woman who denied a tired, hungry pilgrim a piece of bread had her head turned to stone! So please be in a sharing mood!  You will cycle deep into mysterious Galicia, rich with legends and stories of Brujeria (witchcraft) and mythology. The route is intricate, winding through tiny granite hamlets and farmsteads, giving you the chance to savour the region’s beauty.
   
   Many of the trails you'll ride on today are corredioras, ancient stone paths linking villages, which make fabulous mountain biking trails.
   
   There is a quiet rest area in Santa Irene where you can stop and rest for lunch, refuelling for the final pedal to Santiago. After riding through Lavacolla you’ll take on the last climbs of the Camino as you head up on paved roads and along to Monte del Gozo (Mount Joy), so-called as the long-awaited sight of Santiago comes into view for the first time. From here it’s downhill all the way to a place declared a World Heritage Site in its entirety by UNESCO, Santiago de Compostela. Your sights will be firmly set on the Plaza de Obradoiro, Santiago’s impressive cathedral square, which houses its greatest treasures. It’s a special moment, signifying the end of a truly memorable ride!
   
   

   • 28 miles
   • 2,821.5 ft
     2,821.5 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Santiago de Compostela

     Arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of the tour

8. Day 8Departure: Santiago de Compostela

   After a relaxing breakfast it’s time to pack those bags one last time, as you’ll be transferred to Santiago de Compostela airport for your flight home (just a short 30 minute transfer).
   
   Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city to explore at your own pace and it is well recommended if you wish to stay for longer. The cathedral never fails to impress and delight, especially the impressive incense-bearing Botafumerio as it swings from the rafters. Other sights of particular interest include Convento de San Paio de Antelares, which houses the Museo de Arte Sacro, the Praza de la Azabacheria and Museo do Pobo Galego. The Hospital Real (now a luxury hotel) is worth a visit, even if it’s for a quick drink in the bar. Or why not take a few moments to relax and reflect on the trip and watch the world drift by in a plaza – a fantastic place to end the trip, relax and unwind.
   
   

   • Breakfast

   • 

     Santiago de Compostela

     Arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of the tour