→ 4.5km.
To end of camino
306.80
Altitude
245

If you are starting your camino in Oviedo be sure to leave enough time to visit the Cathedral, which is the origin of the camino itself. It is also the place to pick up your credential (pilgrim passport) which will cost you 2.5€ but will include a visit to the Camara Santa, the oldest part of the Cathedral which was originally built to secure relics.

The greater Oviedo area is home to more pre-Romanesque architecture than any other place in Asturias; including the Iglesia de San Julián de los Prados, Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. These last two are not in the city center, but instead require a small detour when leaving Oviedo on the way to Santiago.

On the other end of the spectrum is the ultra-modern Palacio de Congresos by Calatrava, and in between the oldest and the newest are dozens of churches and civic buildings of note. The Monasteries of San Vicente and San Pelayo are the most noteworthy.

History

When Oviedo was founded in 761 it was all but deserted apart from two monks; Fromestano and his uncle Máximo. These two dedicated their church to San Vicente, and 20 years later it would grow to become a monastery. In that monastery was born the future King Alfonso II, during whose reign would be discovered the remains of Santiago. It was he that first made the pilgrimage to Santiago, and in so doing the mountainous path between Oviedo and Santiago became known as the Camino Primitivo.

The Road

The road out of Oviedo is notoriously confusing. To make matters worse, there are too many shells on the ground to be helpful, especially in the center. They mark several of the caminos into, and out of, Oviedo. There is no distinction between the two directions.

This is how it is done:

1. With the main facade of the Cathedral to your back, walk to the opposite end of the plaza and take the exit on the right. This is the Calle San Francisco.

2. San Francisco ends when it meets Calle de Uría (350m from Cathedral). Turn right and follow Calle de Uría. For the first 250m, the Parque de San Francisco will be on your left. Stay on this road, regardless of arrows or shells. It is about 700m long and ends at the train station.

3. At the train station, turn left along the Calle de la Independencia. Stay on the right-hand side of the road. You will pass 7 cubist looking apartment buildings before the sidewalk turns sharply back to the right. Follow the turn and cross the road towards another cluster of 4 similar buildings with a plaza in front. From here it is safe to follow the arrows.

4. At the end of the plaza is a roundabout. Cross to the left (clockwise) twice and turn left along the Calle de la Argañosa. When it turns to the left (700m) you should turn towards the right, looking out for the pedestrian bridge which crosses the train tracks.

5. The arrows from here zigzag you through new development which ends quickly. By the time you get to an urban looking track and have left Oviedo behind, you will have covered about 3.6km.

Photo of Oviedo and the Start of the Camino Primitivo on the Camino de Santiago
Photo of Oviedo and the Start of the Camino Primitivo on the Camino de Santiago
Photo of Oviedo and the Start of the Camino Primitivo on the Camino de Santiago
→ 4.6km.
To end of camino
302.20
Altitude
235

The first hamlet after leaving the suburbs of Oviedo. This area is popular with day hikers from Oviedo so don't accidentally follow the person in front of you as they may have a much different destination.

The Road

The camino goes straight through the hamlet along the road but leaves it in favor of a track on the right. This track crosses the countryside into Lampajúa.

Photo of San Lázaro de Paniceres on the Camino de Santiago
→ 2.5km.
To end of camino
299.70
Altitude
225

There is a small chapel here, the Capilla de Carmen, where you can get a stamp.

The Road

Follow the track in front of the chapel as it veers to the right and away from the road. There are a fountain and picnic area a short distance ahead.

Photo of Lampajúa on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.1km.
To end of camino
298.60
Altitude
165
The Road

Follow the road through Lloriana. It will merge with the larger AS-232 in La Bolguina.

Photo of Lloriana on the Camino de Santiago
→ 0.6km.
To end of camino
298.00
Altitude
120
The Road

Beyond La Bolguina the camino keeps to the road, passing through Fabaria, and only leaves it just before the río Nora. It does so in favor of crossing the river via the Puente de Gallegos and quickly returns to the road as it passes through Gallegos.

→ 0.6km.
To end of camino
297.40
Altitude
100

The Bridge of Gallegos belongs to the town of Gallegos (just up the road). It originally dated from the 13th century but was destroyed in 1934 during the run up to the start of the Civil War; this was a common fate for many other bridges along the way, a deliberate effort meant to slow the enemy.

Notice

If you chose to stay on the road, remember that drivers expect you to be on the trail.

The Road

After crossing the bridge, continue along the road. It will take you uphill and straight through town. The arrows at the end of town turn right into the forested countryside. This is officially the camino, but on very wet days it is very muddy and it is just as easy to stay on the road into Escamplero.

Photo of Puente de Gallegos on the Camino de Santiago
→ 2.6km.
To end of camino
294.80
Altitude
250

Two bars, one at the start of town and another (El Tendejón) closer to the albergue. The latter bar keeps the keys to the albergue. They are closed on Wednesdays and the key is then available at the shop on the road closer to the albergue. The albergue here is located in the old school building; its 14th century predecessor is now a private home.

The Road

Exit town via the road (turn left from the albergue). Before Valsera, the camino will leave the road for 400m.

Accommodation in Escamplero.
Municipal
→ 1.7km.
To end of camino
293.10
Altitude
195

Capilla de Fatima.

The Road

The camino rejoins the road in the small hamlet of Valsera, be on the lookout for a marker on your left where you will once again leave the road and follow a track through the countryside. You will once again meet a road shortly before arriving in Premoño.

Photo of Valsera on the Camino de Santiago
→ 3.1km.
To end of camino
290.00
Altitude
130

There is a small picnic area on the way into town.

The Road

At the end of town, the camino turns to the right near a large horreo (the square plan structure on stilts) and onto a country track. Cyclists should leave town by staying on the road, down the hill, and to the right at the first junction (PALADIN 1km). It is the same distance and well marked but avoids some unfriendly (for bikes) terrain. Both options descend to the río Nalón.

→ 2.7km.
To end of camino
287.30
Altitude
55

Paládin offers a bench and shaded rest area, as well as a fountain, the ‘fuente lavadero la sierra’, which is 20m away behind a house. To get to the fountain turn right at the first road, and then right again at the entrance to the first house, then head straight back.

The Road

Between Paladin and Peñaflor you will be walking with the río Nalón and the train tracks on your left-hand side. You will pass through the roadside villages of Puerma and Laracha. Peñaflor is on the opposite side of the river when you get to the first bridge. Once you have passed the church on the opposite side of the river, the camino immediately leaves the road to the right to follow signs in the direction of the FEVE railway station.

→ 3.2km.
To end of camino
284.10
Altitude
55

If you are accustomed to using road signs to know where you are, then Peñaflor might confuse you. It is signed twice, once before the bridge and again afterward. For the sake of distance measurements, this guide uses the latter as it is closer the actual town. However! If you are looking for the bar, it is the one that is before the bridge.

The Road

The camino leaves the main roads and crosses underneath the railway in Peñaflor, and will cross back over them at the outskirts of Grado.

Photo of Peñaflor on the Camino de Santiago
Photo of Peñaflor on the Camino de Santiago
→ 3.0km.
To end of camino
281.10
Altitude
50

With close to 10,000 inhabitants the city of Grado is the first opportunity to stock up on supplies since leaving the capital. There is a tourist information office in the park at the start of town and several grocery stores throughout the town. If you would like to stop and look around (or shop) cut through the park towards the more pedestrian streets to your left. Along this route you will pass near the Capilla de los Dolores and the Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro.

Notice

Beware guidebooks which erroneously place the Villapañada albergue in Grado, when it is in fact 3.5 km outside of town.

History

Los Indianos. In the late 19th century, during a period of great poverty, a great many Gallegos, Asturianos, Cantabrians, and Basques emigrated to Central and South America; their proximity to the sea enabled them to travel more readily. A great many left but only a few struck it rich, and when they returned they turned their fortunes to the task of building large manor homes, and to securing titles. Many of the houses still remain and those in Asturias are the finest examples. They are sometimes colonial in style, and always eclectic with palm trees as a tribute to their tropical lives in the Americas. These Indianos as they were called (the Americas were referred to as the Indios) also repaid their fortune by financing public works projects, and throughout Asturias the benefactors were responsible for bringing to their birth villages a level or modernization rarely seen elsewhere in Spain.

Fiesta

There is a traditional market held every Wednesday and Sunday.

The Road

Leave Grado along the main road (N-634). You will pass the 18th century Fuente de Arriba, from which the people of Grado drew their water before the installation of running water, on your right. Shortly beyond a cruceiro (stone cross) on your left the camino turns left and begins climbing, first on a concrete road and then on a gravel path.

The camino emerges onto the road, turns right, and passes over a newly constructed roadway. It then passes through the hamlets of Cascayal and El Valle (a place with no buildings whatsoever, but which does have a dumpster). At the next road junction is the turn to San Juan de Villapañada.

→ 3.5km.
To end of camino
277.60
Altitude
240
The Road

San Juan de Villapañada and the albergue are about 700m up the road and off the camino. If you spend the night there, retrace your steps to rejoin the camino.

On the way up to El Friesnu you will pass through La Pelona.

Altitude
240
History

In the 13th century the Order of St John operated a hospital for the poor and for pilgrims here. These days the hospitality is provided by Domingo in the modest albergue.

The Road

Retrace your steps to get back to the camino as it ascends to El Friesnu.

Accommodation in San Juan de Villapañada.
→ 1.4km.
To end of camino
276.20
Altitude
370

Warning!  There remain several yellow arrows directing you uphill from the church in El Fresno.  These are from a detour which existed during the construction of the nearby A63.  The camino has returned to it's original route which goes downhill from here.

Where the camino meets the road before El Fresno, a new information board indicates your options.  Descend to the left, following the old access road left behind from the construction of the adjacent highway.

 

Warning!  There remain several yellow arrows directing you uphill from the church in El Fresno.  These are from a detour which existed during the construction of the nearby A63.  The camino has returned to it's original route which goes downhill from here. However there remains an albergue on the temporary route and the route itself remains marked for pilgrims.

Where the camino meets the road before El Fresno, a new information board indicates your options.  Descend to the left, following the old access road left behind from the construction of the adjacent highway.

→ 1.3km.
To end of camino
274.90
Altitude
205
The Road

At the far end of Samarciellu, where the road meets a roundabout, the camino turns left onto a trail to Reaz, and beyond it Doriga.

Accommodation in Samarciellu.
Private
→ 1.1km.
To end of camino
273.80
Altitude
155
→ 0.3km.
To end of camino
273.50
Altitude
125

At first sight, there appears to be little of note in the very tiny town of Doriga. The church and bar stand across from one another. However just down the road a few meters to the east (turn right at the church) is the enormous and amazing Palacio de Doriga. Its earliest construction, the tower, dates back to the 14th century. Although it is private property, you can still walk right up to the gate and admire the garden and manor from a respectable distance.

The Road

Shortly beyond Doriga, the camino passes under the highway and on the other side it meets up with the alternate route that went through Cabruñana. Be mindful not to walk the wrong way back up to Cabruñana. The camino turns left sharply onto a narrow trail and descends to the quarry/village of Las Casas del Puente.

Accommodation in Doriga.
Private

Warning!  There remain several yellow arrows directing you uphill from the church in El Fresno.  These are from a detour which existed during the construction of the nearby A63.  The camino has returned to it's original route which goes downhill from here. However there remains an albergue on the temporary route and the route itself remains marked for pilgrims.

Where the camino meets the road before El Fresno, a new information board indicates your options.  Continue up to the right towards the church.

→ 1.7km.
To end of camino
276.10
Altitude
360

With the recent completion of road works in the area, Cabruñana has once again found itself NOT on the camino proper. It is still possible to go there, and the albergue is still open.

The Road

Keep on the road beyond the albergue for 2.3km. At that point the camino leaves the N-634 for a side road in the direction of Moratín.

Accommodation in Cabruñana [hors camino].
Municipal
→ 3.0km.
To end of camino
273.10
Altitude
155
→ 1.6km.
To end of camino
271.90
Altitude
55

The large plantations to your left as you walk through Las Casas are often mistaken for vineyards. In fact grapes grow poorly in this climate and these are kiwi.

Notice

After crossing the bridge into Cornellana there is a sign indicating a trail to your left. This option takes you directly to the albergue without first passing through town. It is the same distance.

The Road

There is a large traffic interchange at the end of Las Casas, in the hamlet of La Rodriga. The camino keeps to the left and towards the river. In the summer months there may be a bar open in the park alongside the river.

→ 2.9km.

Both routes rejoin in Cornellana

→ 0.6km.
To end of camino
270.30
Altitude
55

La Rodriga is the small cluster of buildings located at the roundabout before Cornellana.

→ 1.0km.
To end of camino
270.30
Altitude
55

Cornellana sits at the confluence of the río Narcea and the río Nonaya, which made for a suitably strategic place to build a monastery. Dedicated to San Salvador it remains the centerpiece of the town and is where the municipal albergue is housed.

History

A monastery has stood here for nearly 1,000 years. Operated in the earlier centuries as a Cluniac order. At that time it was one of the most important monasteries in Asturias and a key stopping point for pilgrims along the Camino Primitivo. It remains an active monastery, though of a much smaller and more Benedictine nature.

Fiesta

San Juan is celebrated on the 24th of June, and Nuestra Señora on the 15th of August.

The Road

The camino leaves town from the road behind the monastery. Arrows are weakly painted here. Simply follow the road to the left of the monastery, and turn right at the first junction to follow the property line behind the monastery and uphill.

Accommodation in Cornellana.
Municipal
Camino de Santiago Accommodation: Albergue de Cornellana
Photo of Cornellana on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.3km.
To end of camino
269.00
Altitude
100
The Road

600m after Sobrerriba, at a point where the houses crowd the road, the camino turns right onto a mountain track. The track uphill curves to the left and around the mount before descending near a sand pit and the town of Llamas.

Photo of Sobrerriba on the Camino de Santiago
→ 2.3km.
To end of camino
266.20
Altitude
105
→ 2.2km.
To end of camino
264.00
Altitude
130

Picnic area and “Fuente de Santiago”.

The Road

Beyond the town you will pass under a roadway. Shortly beyond that you will leave the road and continue by trail, passing over the Puente de Casazorrina.

→ 0.8km.
To end of camino
263.20
Altitude
140
The Road

Just past the fuente the camino leaves the road for a riverside trail on your left.

→ 1.2km.
To end of camino
262.00
Altitude
150

Gas station on main road.

The Road

Between Casazorrina and Mallecín the camino follows a trail, which crosses under the autopista (highway).

→ 2.0km.
To end of camino
260.00
Altitude
230
Fiesta

San Pedro is celebrated on the 28th of June.

→ 1.0km.
To end of camino
259.00
Altitude
245

Almost everything there is to see or do in Salas is centered around the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, a 16th century church whose patrons also built the nearby Palacio de Valdés Salas. The tower of the Palacio is now a museum for pre-Romanesque pieces.

History

Salas is the setting for the dramatic capture in the year 1586 of Bartholomeus Cassanu, an Italian pilgrim and habitual thief. Having successfully stolen from a Church in Zarautz (on the Camino del Norte) he tried to repeat the effort in Salas. Unfortunately for him he was caught with the loot in hand and sent before the judge. No leniency was granted to Bartholomeus. He was first hanged, then quartered, and finally displayed along the camino.

Fiesta

The Romería del Viso is held on the 15th of August.

The Road

To exit town, carry on under the archway and up the road. There is a fair amount of climbing ahead of you. The climb meets the road at El Llanón, which is easy to miss as its infrastructure counts for little more than an abandoned factory along the road.

Accommodation in Salas.
→ 3.3km.
To end of camino
255.70
Altitude
480
The Road

The upward climb out of Salas meets the road at El Llanón, which is easy to miss as its infrastructure counts for little more than an abandoned rest stop along the road.

Not long ago this junction posed problems, but the way is now clear.  Turn right here and follow the road.  You will cross under a pair of large elevated roadways, take a wide turn in the road, and then pass back under the same roadways.  Shortly afterwards the camino abandons the road and turns up to the left.

Photo of El Llanón on the Camino de Santiago
→ 3.9km.
To end of camino
251.80
Altitude
635

Bodenaya does not account for much more than the albergue. It is, however, a nice albergue and you are welcome to stop there for a break.

Accommodation in Bodenaya.
Private
→ 1.2km.
To end of camino
250.60
Altitude
665

You will pass through La Espina by a secondary street which runs parallel to the main road. If you need any of the services in town, head to the main road which is to your left.

Notice

This is the last place to buy anything until Tineo.

The Road

At the far end of La Espina keep on straight, do not follow the curve of the N-634.

Photo of La Espina on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.3km.
To end of camino
249.30
Altitude
675
→ 2.7km.
To end of camino
246.60
Altitude
715

Sadly, El Pedregal no longer offers any services to passing pilgrims. The church in town, that of Justo y Pastor, dates from the 16th century. When the camino turns right to leave the road it passes two important camino landmarks. The first is El Humilladero, a stone cross that was installed in the early 18th century to mark the camino. The large estate with a rectangular tower that sits on the site behind the cross is the 16th century Casa de la Torre o del Hospital, which served as a pilgrim hospital.

The Road

Approximately 3.5km beyond Pedregal, the camino nears but does not enter the village of Santa Eulalia de Tineo. Turn sharply right when the camino meets the road at this point.

To reach the municipal albergue in Tineo: from the Capilla de San Roque at the park before town, follow the road and turn left at the first fork (towards the pool). Follow this to the first intersection and turn to the left sharply and downhill. The municipal albergue is the second building.

Photo of El Pedregal on the Camino de Santiago
→ 7.3km.
To end of camino
239.30
Altitude
675

Tineo was built on the side of a steep valley and everywhere you go feels like a climb, but don’t let that deter you from getting out of the albergue (particularly the municipal) for a bit of exploring. The church is dedicated to San Pedro and adjacent to it is the Museo de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art).

Notice

Buy supplies. Between Tineo and Campiello there are no services apart from a fountain at the edge of Tineo.

History

Tineo can trace its growth back to the early 13th century when King Alfonso IX mandated that all pilgrims pass through this place. It was at this time the largest pilgrim hospital on this route was built, the Mater Christi. The hospital is no longer, but remnants of its chapel and exterior walls remain.

Fiesta

San Pedro, patron of the city, is celebrated on the 29th of June. A longer fiesta is held from the 12th to the 18th of August in celebration of San Roque.

The Road

The camino descends to the center of Tineo as far as the church. From there it turns right and begins the uphill climb out of town on the Calle la Fuente; the fuente is the fountain at the edge of town near a small picnic area.

Accommodation in Tineo.
Private
Photo of Tineo on the Camino de Santiago
Photo of Tineo on the Camino de Santiago
Photo of Tineo on the Camino de Santiago
→ 6.3km.
To end of camino
233.00
Altitude
800

After descending from the alto you emerge onto the main road (AS-350) in Piedratecha which no longer has a bar.  Turn right and follow the road.  About 600m the camino bears to the left along a trail. 

Halfway down the hill to Vilaluz there is an option detour to the ruins of the Monasterio de Obona.

→ 3.4km.
To end of camino
229.60
Altitude
620
The Road

From Villaluz the camino rejoins the road and passes through the small hamlet of Berrugoso and the abandoned aldea of Las Tiendas. It continues along the road into Campiello.

→ 1.5km.
To end of camino
228.10
Altitude
600
→ 0.6km.
To end of camino
227.50
Altitude
595
→ 0.8km.
To end of camino
226.70
Altitude
610

There are two bars in Campiello. Casa Ricardo on the left is a grocery, bar, restaurant, and albergue; the owners have been at it for three generations. Across the street Casa Herminia, proprietors of the other albergue, the other restaurant, and now the Hotel Rural. In the case of the latter, take the dire advice of the owner with a grain of salt; she is likely to warn you of the horrors of the albergue in Borres. It is not great but you will survive.

Notice

If you plan on continuing to Borres, stock up on food in Campiello.

The Road

Keep on the road through and out of town.

Accommodation in Campiello.
Private
→ 1.1km.
To end of camino
225.60
Altitude
590
The Road

At the end of El Fresno the camino turns left onto a smaller road, and then leaves that road 300m later to follow a track through the countryside and into Borres.

→ 2.0km.
To end of camino
223.60
Altitude
625
The Road

The camino returns to the road in Borres, and immediately crosses it to climb up and out of town on the other side.

Accommodation in Borres (albergue).
→ 1.2km.
To end of camino
222.40
→ 7.6km.
To end of camino
214.80
Altitude
1205

Option 1:  The 'Ruta Hospitales' up and over the mountain 13.8km

This option is only to be undertaken in good weather conditions. There are no services and very little shelter between La Mortera and the Alto de Palo. However in good weather this route offers the best views to be had on the Camino.

→ 1.4km.
To end of camino
213.40
Altitude
1165
→ 2.1km.
To end of camino
211.30
Altitude
1105
Photo of Alto de La Marta on the Camino de Santiago
→ 0.5km.
To end of camino
228.60
Altitude
705
Notice

This is the last bar, and source of water, for quite a distance for anybody following the route through hospitales.

Option 2: Down into the valley, via Pola de Allande

The alternative to going up and over the Hospitales route is to instead descend into Pola de Allande and then climb back up. This route is the safer of the options during inclement weather and offers the shortest distance to an albergue.

→ 1.4km.
To end of camino
227.20
Altitude
690

The bar is no longer open, plan accordingly for the two options ahead.

The Road

Cross the road in front of the bar and turn right (uphill) on the first road. Where it ends, turn left and soon you will rejoin the camino that arrives from the first split.

→ 2.3km.
To end of camino
224.90
Altitude
760
→ 1.9km.
To end of camino
223.00
Altitude
755
Two friendly bars in town, one at the beginning and one at the end. Both have a stamp. The latter one is closed on Sundays and Saturday evenings.
Accommodation in Porciles.
Photo of Porciles on the Camino de Santiago
→ 2.0km.
To end of camino
221.00
Altitude
800
→ 0.2km.
To end of camino
220.80
Altitude
805
The Road

At the Alto the Chavadoira the camino leaves the road on a track to your left. From there it descends to Pola through Ferroy.

→ 1.9km.
To end of camino
218.90
Altitude
630
→ 1.4km.
To end of camino
217.50
Altitude
530

Located on the bank of the río Nisón, Pola de Allende has never been a town that was easy to get to; in fact the three hospitals for pilgrims were built high up on the mountain pass precisely because it was easier to go up than down. The Hotel and Restaurant ‘La Nueva Allandesa’ routinely receives praise from pilgrims for the kind service and healthy portions of Asturian home cooked meals.

The Road

The camino leaves Pola along the road and passes the village of El Mazo.

→ 0.7km.
To end of camino
216.80
Altitude
550

Turn left off the road towards the village of El Mazo.

→ 5.9km.
→ 1.8km.
To end of camino
215.00
Altitude
670

Note that Peñasieta, AND the albergue, are not on the camino. Signs point the way and see the albergue notes on how to get a hold of the keys at the bar on the road.

The Road

From Peñasieta, the climb begins. The preferred, and more beautiful, route is along the trail so if you spent the night in Peñasieta avoid the temptation of following the road (even though it will get you there). The elevation gain is about 600 meters up to the Alto de Palo, with a few particularly steep sections along the way.

Accommodation in Peñasieta.
Municipal
Photo of Peñasieta on the Camino de Santiago
→ 2.6km.
To end of camino
208.70
Altitude
1145
The Road

Welcome to the top. Be mindful of the way down, which is poorly signed.

The best way is to keep the road, and the guard rail, to your left while following the curve in the road. It soon joins a track and descends into Montefurado.

Photo of Alto de Palo on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.7km.
To end of camino
207.00
Altitude
910

Montefurado is largely abandoned, apart from a few still occupied houses. One of them has a tap you can use for drinking water but ask first as a courtesy. There is also a small chapel dedicated to Santiago.

The Road

Pass through town and follow the trail to your left. You will have to step over a small wall. When the trail rejoins the road (AS-14) a few km onward, you can either stay on the track or follow along the road to Lago.

Photo of Montefurado on the Camino de Santiago
→ 3.8km.
To end of camino
203.20
Altitude
890
The Road

Just beyond town the camino again leaves the road in favor of a trail to your right. It will rejoin the road and then leave it again for a smaller side road to your left towards Berducedo.

→ 3.7km.
To end of camino
199.50
Altitude
910

The diminutive Berducedo is a common end of stage stopping point and is roughly halfway between Pola de Allande and Grandas de Salime.

The Road

The camino follows the road uphill for a quick ascent of about 80m and then descends another 100m into La Mesa.

→ 4.4km.
To end of camino
195.10
Altitude
875

The new albergue in La Mesa also has a bar and restaurant, a welcome addition to this convenient stopping point.

The Road

Pay close attention to the arrows when leaving town, there are 4 roads not including the one you walked into town on. The camino follows the road steeply uphill all the way to Buspol.

Photo of La Mesa on the Camino de Santiago
→ 2.3km.
To end of camino
192.80
Altitude
975

The Capilla de Santa Marina de Buspol is the only thing of note in Buspol. The weather here is frequently shrouded in a rainy mist which obscures views of the embalse (reservoir) below.

Notice

At the sharp curve in the road in Buspol, the camino finally leaves the road in favor of a mountain track.

NOTE: It is almost entirely downhill to the dam of the reservoir, a descent of over 750m and often very steep. Furthermore, the trail crisscrosses several other mountain tracks, look carefully for the arrows and avoid the temptation to shortcut the switchbacks.

Photo of Buspol on the Camino de Santiago
→ 7.1km.
To end of camino
185.70
Altitude
220

Bar and Restaurant 1km from the dam on the way back up.

History

The hydroelectric dam here was built in the early 1950. The abandoned concrete structures on the north side of the dam are leftovers from its construction, which required that most of the materials (primarily the concrete) be produced on site.

The Road

What goes down must go up, in this case it is about 300m back up to Grandas de Salime. It is mostly, but not entirely, along the road. Along the way is a scenic overlook (about 2km from the dam). Shortly after the most severe turn in the road (a 180 degree bend) the camino turns left to follow a trail uphill.

Photo of Embalse de Salime on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.9km.
To end of camino
183.80
Photo of Scenic overlook on the Camino de Santiago
→ 4.3km.
To end of camino
179.50
Altitude
560

Grandas de Salime is the largest town since Salas and offers enough bars and shopping to occupy your afternoon. The Iglesia de San Salvador stands at the center of town. There are several old manor homes scattered through the town, most of them dating from the 18th century. The gem of the town is the highly recommended Museo Etnográfico de Grandas de Salime, which has more objects in its collection than you could possibly lay your eyes on.

Fiesta

Nuestra Señora del Carmen is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd of July. San Salvador is celebrated during the first weekend in August.

The Road

The camino leaves town along Calle Carmen and passes the Capilla de Carmen before joining the AS-28 highway for several parts; leaving and rejoining between towns on its way up to the alto that marks the border between Asturias and Galicia. There is one more albergue on the Asturian side of the border, in Castro. The first hamlet you come to, that of La Farrapa, has no services for pilgrims.

Photo of Grandas de Salime on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.3km.
To end of camino
178.20
Altitude
670
→ 1.4km.
To end of camino
176.80
Altitude
645

Two bars in town, one in the town (Casa Federico, which is also a small shop) and one at the far end of town on the main road.

The Road

Just past the bar located on the main road the camino turns right to follow a quieter path. Between Cereijeira and Castro is the small Capilla de la Esperanza de Malneira.

→ 2.3km.
To end of camino
174.50
Altitude
675

The ruins of a prehistoric settlement, the Castro de Chao Samartín, are visible to the west (right) of Castro when leaving town. There is a museum (adjacent to the camino) which offers guided visits to the bronze age settlement.

Accommodation in Castro.
Photo of Castro on the Camino de Santiago
→ 1.1km.
To end of camino
173.40
Altitude
695
→ 3.5km.
To end of camino
169.90
Altitude
860

Peñafuente sits at the top of a long gentle climb along the AS-28.

Notice

The camino crosses through town to the right and follows a track above the road, and eventually intersects it. Cross the road and continue UP the track, NOT down towards Bustelo.