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Stage of the Camino

Oviedo to Huelva

From Oviedo To Grado

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Origin

Oviedo

Destination

Grado

Distance

25.80 km

Duration

8.00 h

Difficulty

Alta

Descent

165 m

Stage of the Camino

Stage Description

The Camino Primitivo starts with force. This first stage is a declaration of intentions, a challenge that immerses the pilgrim in the essence of rural and mountainous Asturias. Leaving behind monumental Oviedo, the path ascends rigorously to the Alto del Escamplero, offering the first major views. The rest of the day is a continuous up and down through valleys and hills, passing by small nuclei like Loriana. It's an stage that requires good physical condition but rewards with its landscapes' beauty and the solitude of a less-traveled route. Arrival in Grado, an animated village with an important market, offers well-deserved rest.
The first stage of the Primitivo Way, which connects the Asturian capital Oviedo to the village of Grado, is an authentic challenge that serves as a presentation of the hardness and beauty of this historic route. The journey begins by leaving Oviedo and, after passing alongside preromanic jewels such as San Julián de los Prados, it faces its first major obstacle: the ascent to Alto del Escamplero. Although not very long, this climb has considerable ramps that put the legs to the test from the start. Once the summit is reached, the stage's profile becomes a continuous "break-hips", a rollercoaster of ups and downs that traverses the heart of rural Asturias. The path winds its way along trails, tracks, and small local roads, surrounded by a landscape of green meadows, beech forests and eucalyptus trees, and small villages (called "caserías"). It passes over points such as the Puente de Gallegos over the river Nora. Despite its physical demand, the stage is notable for its scenic beauty. The solitude and tranquility of this route, compared to the bustling Camino Francés, are one of its signature features. After a long day of effort, it arrives at Grado (Grau), a village with a great commercial tradition and an animated atmosphere.

Last updated: 12/08/2025

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