The Primitive Way is the original Jacobean route: the path walked by King Alfonso II of Asturias in 814 AD to become the first pilgrim to visit the newly discovered tomb of the Apostle James in Compostela.
At 309 km and 14 stages from Oviedo, it is the most mountainous of all Camino de Santiago routes. It crosses the impressive Asturian mountains with considerable elevation changes, remote stone villages and landscapes of incomparable wild beauty.
At Melide the Primitive Way joins the French Way for the final stages to Santiago. Despite its difficulty, it is growing in popularity for its authenticity and deep connection with the origins of the Jacobean pilgrimage.
Ideal for fit pilgrims seeking an authentic mountain experience who want to walk through the living history of the Camino de Santiago.