Have you ever thought about walking the Camino de Santiago, but can’t take three weeks off – or aren’t sure you’d enjoy 25 km a day? On this half-day hike from Oviedo you become a pilgrim for a day. We walk the first 12 km of the Camino Primitivo, the oldest Camino of all, starting at Oviedo’s cathedral and ending in the village of Venta de el Escamplero. You’ll get your own pilgrim passport, collect your first stamps and get a real feel for life on the Camino.
Why start the Camino in Oviedo?
The Camino Primitivo is where it all began. In the 9th century, the Asturian king Alfonso II took off from Oviedo to Santiago to visit the newly discovered tomb of the apostle James. Hence, he is the first pilgrim we know of! Most of today’s route still follows his path. Many pilgrims on other camino´s also make a detour to Oviedo’s cathedral, because of an old saying:
“Quien va a Santiago y no al Salvador, visita al criado y deja al Señor” – whoever goes to Santiago but not to San Salvador visits the servant and forgets the Lord.
What to expect on the walk
We leave the cathedral at 10:00 and follow the scallop shells out of the old town. After the last houses of Oviedo, the Camino climbs some challenging hills, through meadows, chestnut woods and small villages with hórreos (Asturian granaries). Along the way we stop for a casadiella, a typical Asturian pastry, and you collect stamps in chapels and bars. You’ll meet other pilgrims who are only at the start of a journey of several weeks – one of the nicest parts of the day. The walk ends in the village of Venta de el Escamplero, where a taxi takes us back to Oviedo.
Practical information
- Start: 10:00, in front of Oviedo Cathedral (Plaza de Alfonso II el Casto)
- End: Venta de el Escamplero, with a taxi back to Oviedo included
- Distance: 12 km (about 7.5 miles), around 5 hours including stops
- Level: moderate; the route is hilly, between 100 and 250 m altitude. No hiking experience needed, but you should be comfortable walking for a few hours.
- Days: Tuesday and Thursday (no tours in July and August)
- Group: 2–8 people. Travelling alone? You’re very welcome – you pay the price for 2 people. For larger groups, or another day, just send me a message.
Would you like to combine this walk with a guided tour of Oviedo? Take a look at our Highlights of Oviedo tour.
The trip includes:
- An official 'Credencial del Peregrino' in which you'll receive your first stamps today!
- 1 casadiella (typical Asturian pastry)
- 1 bottle of water
- 1 bag of local potato chips
- Taxi back to Oviedo
Additional costs:
- Expenses (food, souvenirs) along the way
