The Camino Primitivo connects to the Camino Del Norte, starting near San Sebastián, which we walked last year.
The Primitivo became a more popular route to Santiago in the ninth century when Alfonso 11 established Oviedo as a defence against the Moors and guaranteed more safety for pilgrims than the coastal path or the Camino France's route further south. Considered to be more difficult because of the mountainous terrain but as far as we are concerned it could be cooler and level of difficulty is not more than our walking in Australia. We are not in a hurry to complete it and will take a rest/ sightseeing day in Lugo about day 9, recommended on the guidebook.
Today we walked from Oviedo to Grado. A rural walk through small towns,
St James Day - the patron saint of Spain. Huge celebrations in Santiago and a public holiday.
Despite being a holiday there were many bars open early this morning in Oviedo, so we could have a decent breakfast, buy some lunch and head off early.
We were fortunate to follow a Spanish family out of the city.
It was about 45 mins and we were out in the countryside.
It was pleasant walking in light, drizzly rain along hedge rows and minor roads.
Local fountains for fresh drinking water.
Ancient church of St Fatima in a tiny hamlet.
Lovely views across the valleys.
Shady paths..
Small farming plots - corn, lettuce, potatoes.. and a few sunflowers.
...some stunning passionfruit vines
Some wild poppies
Lunch was tortilla - potato omelette with tomato, ham purchased at the bar this morning. Very tasty..despite its appearance. Mark had a bocadillo with cheese and ham.
Walking into Grado.. a busy commercial town.
Tired, a little footsore on our first day. The new albergue is full - only 16 beds. Fortunately a local bar, Auto Bar, has accommodation and provision for a pilgrim meal and breakfast. Very happy as we can rest and have everything on tap. 59 euros for a double ensuite room, dinner and breakfast.
We were amused at the size of the shower...
Very friendly staff and lots of pilgrims coming. A much busier route than expected.
Evening meal provided!
M&M
1 comment:
The WC handbasin combo also looke a challenge. JJ
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