Primitive Way

Starting in Oviedo, the city where the Capital of the Kingdom of León was located, and passing through the walled city of Lugo, in the town of Melide it finally joins the French Way, from where they converge in a single Way to Santiago de Compostela.

Once the Court moved to Lion, This Way, little by little, ceased to be the main route traveled by pilgrims in the early days, becoming the  French Way, which crosses this city, the preferred route traveled by pilgrims today.

However, this Way was not abandoned at all, in fact many pilgrims from the French Way deviate to travel the route from León to Oviedo, which is known as Route of the Savior, to prostrate at the feet of Salvador, which is in the Oviedo Cathedral, as well as to venerate the relics found in its Holy Chamber. The importance of it is reflected in the following saying: "Who goes to Santiago and does not go to Salvador, honors the servant and leaves the Lord"

The Primitive Way travels, mainly in its central part, through mid-mountain terrain, with constant ups and downs, along trails, forest tracks, many of them muddy, where the main difficulty is found in the stage from pola de allande a table, with the Port of the stick as witness, with an altitude of 1146 meters.

We must also take into consideration the time of year in which we are going to do it, due to the climate of the area, so the months from May to September are recommended for its realization. For this reason, we advise that it not be your first Camino if you are not adequately prepared physically. 

However, despite this hardness, we can categorically affirm that it is one of the most beautiful and attractive routes of all the Caminos de Santiago, giving us spectacular landscapes, simple and "authentic" people, as well as numerous small villages with slate roofs. and stone with which we are going to find in our walk.

In the same way, it presents another important attraction, as it is that we will not find ourselves with the "possible overcrowding" that may exist on other paths, especially in the central months of summer.

If you are going to make your first Camino and you want to have a first contact with the route, not having much time, there is a great majority of pilgrims who, ending in Santiago de Compostela, begin their journey in Lugo.

In this initiatory path, its duration is approximately one week. After a first experience, it is very likely that the Camino will "hook you" as well as thousands and thousands of people from all over the world who, year after year, are waiting for the date to return, since it is already part of their " lifestyle"

If you carry out, on foot, this Way you will obtain “The Compostela”, which is the Certificate that will be given to you at the Pilgrim Service Office in Santiago de Compostela and that certifies that you have carried out, at least, the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago. If you do the Camino by bicycle, you will have to have traveled, at least, the last 200 Kms. Camino that would coincide with the city of Berducedo or Pola de Allande.

You can start the Camino anywhere you decide on the route. The sections outlined below are for informational purposes only, and any stage or section can be modified as you wish, adapting them to your personal needs or requests.

👣 Section Oviedo – Lugo (209 Kms) 👣

Oviedo – Grado – Salas – Tineo – Pola de Allande – Grandas de Salime- A Fonsagrada – Cadavo Baleira and Lugo.

👣 Section Lugo – Santiago (105 Kms) 👣

Lugo – San Román de Retorta – Melide – Arzua – O Pedrouzo and Santiago de Compostela.