The stage, step by step
From the cathedral to the first villages
Leave Oviedo with your rucksack properly adjusted, and make the most of the city to have breakfast and buy water. Over the first few kilometres, the route gradually leaves the urban surroundings behind; Fuente del Pez appears near the start, followed by the first gentle climbs between km 2.5 and 5.3.
El Escamplero and the first long descent
El Escamplero is the first clear landmark of the rural section. From km 5.3 to 8.3, the route drops 135 m at an average gradient of 4.5%; the Lavadero Gallegos is near this section. The terrain alternates between paths, tracks and tarmac, so do not expect a completely green stage.
Valduno, Paladín and the climb you will feel
After the descent comes the most demanding part of the profile: between km 10 and 11.5, you climb 116 m at an average gradient of 7.7%. The route then passes through Valduno and Paladín before a 148 m descent to km 15.3. Save your legs here: there are still plenty of kilometres ahead.
Towards the Puente de Peñaflor and Grado
The final section is more manageable, although it continues to alternate between paths and tarmac. Between km 16 and 20, you continue losing height and, from km 23.3, face one last gentle climb of 41 m to Grado. The Puente de Peñaflor is the most recognisable landmark before entering the town.
What to see on stage 1
Catedral de San Salvador de Oviedo
This is the historic starting point of the Camino Primitivo. The Gothic cathedral preserves the Cámara Santa, home to the Cruz de la Victoria and the Cruz de los Ángeles.
Santa María del Naranco
This 9th-century pre-Romanesque church stands on Monte Naranco, 4 km south of Oviedo. It is a superb visit, but the detour adds time and effort to an already long first day.
Puente de Peñaflor
The medieval bridge, rebuilt at different times, is one of the historic entrances to the Camino in the territory of Grado. It is a good place to pause before tackling the final kilometres.
Where to sleep in Grado
If you want to stop before Grado, Albergue de Peregrinos del Escamplero lies in the first half of the stage. At the start, you can choose between options such as Albergue de Peregrinos de El Salvador de Oviedo, Albergue La Peregrina and Green Hostel. On arrival, you will find Albergue municipal de peregrinos Villa de Grado and Albergue La Quintana. For this first day, especially in high season, it is worth booking before setting out.
Where to eat and refuel
Oviedo has most of the food options on this stage: you can have breakfast at Café El Camino or Flor do Toxo and set off with provisions from Mercadona or Alimerka. For a sit-down lunch or dinner, options include La Mano de Cano, Alterna Sidrería and La Corte de Pelayo. Between El Escamplero, Valduno and Paladín, do not count on a particular food stop: carry something in your rucksack and wait until Grado to refuel at the end.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off early
At 25.7 km, this is a serious distance for the first day. Leaving Oviedo early gives you more time for the final section and lets you reach Grado without racing the daylight.
Fill your water bottles before leaving the city
Fuente del Pez appears near the start and Lavadero Gallegos around the first third, but do not plan the stage as a succession of water points. Carry enough water from Oviedo.
Save your strength for km 10
The climb between km 10 and 11.5 has an average gradient of 7.7%. It is not long, but it comes after several rises and will be noticeable if you have started too quickly.
Make a considered decision about Naranco
Santa María del Naranco is 4 km from the main route. If you want to visit it, factor in the detour from the outset; do not leave it as a last-minute decision at the end of the day.
Frequently asked questions about stage 1
How long does it take to walk from Oviedo to Grado?
The stage is 25.7 km long and takes 7.3 hours on average. The actual time will depend on your stops and the pace at which you tackle the climbs and descents.
Is the first stage very difficult?
It includes 254 m of ascent and 409 m of descent, so it is not a high-mountain stage, but it is long for the first day. The climb from km 10 to 11.5 is the most demanding section.
Is there accommodation halfway?
Yes. In El Escamplero, you can stay at Albergue de Peregrinos del Escamplero. If you continue, Grado offers Albergue municipal de peregrinos Villa de Grado and Albergue La Quintana.
Is it worth detouring to Santa María del Naranco?
It is a very worthwhile visit, but it is 4 km from the main route. On a 25.7 km day, I would only add it if you set off early and are sure you can manage the extra time.