The Original Way

The Camino Primitivo - the Original Way - was the first Camino route to Santiago de Compostela, walked by pilgrims from northern Spain and Europe as far back as the 9th century. The Primitivo is said to include some of the most challenging and beautiful sections of all the Camino routes, where your efforts are well rewarded with breathtaking scenery. 

Starting in the town of Oveido, the Primitivo crosses the Cantabrian Mountains, giving walkers outstanding views of the Picos de Europa, and passes through quaint mountain villages in the regions of Asturias and Galicia. The widely accepted view is that Picos de Europa (the peaks of Europe) were so named as they were the first sight of Europe from ships arriving from the Americas. They sound high!

The second section of the Original Way starts in the city of Lugo, its old town nestled inside the only fully preserved Roman wall in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Lugo, the Primitivo continues towards Santiago de Compostela along peaceful forests, and then joins the Camino Frances in the town of Melide for the final 50 kms to Santiago.

At around 335 kms, the Primitivo is short compared to my earlier Caminos - the Camino Frances across northern Spain and the Camino Le Puy, in south west France.  I expect it will take a little under two weeks - and I'll be walking with my French friend Dominique, whom I met on the Camino Le Puy in April this year.

I am looking forward to another Camino adventure, discovering the Original Way one step at a time.

Hasta luego

J. x

Camino Primitivo - the Original Way - Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela