Camino de Santiago - Camino Primitivo 2023 - Day 1: Oviedo to Grado

Camino de Santiago - Camino Primitivo 2023 - Day 1: Oviedo to Grado
Day 1. Oviedo - Grado, 25 km/15.5 mi
The Camino Primitivo route starts at the cathedral of Oviedo and then goes through the city into the hills.
•Beautiful mountain scenery
•Several ascents and descents
GettingLost onthetrail

[@BENBEN-ft8xg]

THANKS FOR SHARING. BUEN CAMINO…!!!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching Ben.

[@MsMariaSierra]

Your perseverance is commendable - walking in pain is not fun!! Great video. Buen Camino.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

You’re right, walking in pain is no fun. You know what they say “ no pain no Camino” LOL. All so worth it. Thanks for watching Maria.

[@marythereserenner1329]

What a beautiful area! This is my first time watching someone walking the Camino Primitivo. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Hi Mary. I’m in amazement to witness such a beautiful trail. I’m currently working on day 8 and let me tell you some of the view are just breathtaking. It’s quite challenging than Camino Frances. Thanks for watching.

[@hikethecamino]

I have 25 days and counting. Great to see your experience, well done on capturing the essence, I know it takes loads of time and effort. I look forward to the next day. Look after that ankle my friend.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

I’m super excited for your upcoming Camino. It was fun taking the time to record because it forces me to slow down and really take the time to enjoy the trail. Limping daily, but will get to Santiago LOL. Thanks for watching Anton.

[@antonietamartinez6682]

OMG, how exciting you are back on the Camino. So happy for you. Blessings to you on this journey. You and your family will be in my prayers.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

It’s great to be back on trail and hiking this beautiful and historic trail. It’s quite challenging, but each day it’s something new to see. Currently working on day 8. Thank you for watching.

[@hidavidwen]

Buen camino! Can't wait to see your trip

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Hi David. You got Camino Frances and Porto under your belt, now it’s time for the Primitivo. Do it David (David David… chanting). Such a challenging trail. So much to see. The view are just stunning and breathtaking. I’m lucky with perfect weather without rain. Working on day 8 and still going strong. I’m limping all the way to Santiago LOL. Thanks for watchful.

[@sofia-kn2kl]

Buen Camino, Peregrino!!!!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Buen Camino Sofia! Thanks for watching.

[@franciscosanjosebarrero8538]

so happy to see you again...bueno camino peregrino

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

It’s great to be back on trail. Camino is calling and I must go. Such a beautiful trail with so much to see. It’s challenging. Thanks for watching.

[@FrScottHikes]

Great photography. Thank you for the grand adventure. Peace.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching. Camino Primitivo is challenging, but oh so worth it. The views are just stunning. So much beauty each day while on the Camino.

[@FrScottHikes]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail I hear ya big guy. I walked it in 2015. I’m headed for the Portugues route the 27th of this month, from Lisbon.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

@@FrScottHikesOnce Camino enter our heart it’s hard to shake it off. I’m excited for you. Safe travel and a Buen Camino!

[@christine9753]

☺️🙏💗

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

❤❤❤ Thanks for watching.

[@my-camino]

Great to see you back in the Camino! Have a wonderful time, Buen Camino! 💛👣

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Such a wonderful feeling to step feet on the Camino again. The Primitivo really live up to its name with being challenging. Each day is something new to see. The trail are just gorgeous and the view breathtaking. Thanks for watching.

[@estellagutierrez4615]

where did you start and finish I'm interested for May 24

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

@estellagutierrez4615 The weather is really unpredictable, but May is a really good month to start a Camino. I did mine end of March, expected rain and cold, but weather was perfect.

[@COGmercy]

Watching but missing the family! Buen Camino

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

The wife and kids were on an all inclusive cruise while I struggled on the trail and limping everyday. They would send me pictures of their delicious food while I am with my bocadillo everyday. LOL Thanks for watching. Buen Camino.

[@COGmercy]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail oh no! Lol. Can't wait for the remaining videos. They should have documented their travels too.

[@Jes-gz6bn]

Nice video, thanks for sharing it. I'm starting mine end May but only part of it from Oviedo to Lugo

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Hi Jes! If I were to do the Primitivo all over again it will be just from Oviedo to Lugo like you. From Lugo to Santiago mostly road walking and flat. I’m excited for you. Challenging trail, but oh so worth it. Hope you’ll have great weather. Buen Camino fellow peregrino! Thanks for watching.

[@Jes-gz6bn]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail Thank you

[@christinetaggart2715]

So happy to see you back on the Camino, quite different to your travels on the Frances with your family. Hope your ankle recovers, strapping may be a good option. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Great advice. Strapping is one of my option to get me to Santiago. Solo is definitely is different than traveling with family. Quite a different experience for sure and I can walk in solitude. Lots of self reflection. Thanks for watching Christine.

[@faustovilela2998]

Your videos are wonderful. You are very friendly and have the talent to interact with those who watch your videos. It is very pleasant to watch your videos. Congratulations! I walked the Camino Primitivo in June 2023. It is a very difficult but charming path. Thank you for posting your videos.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Buen Camino fellow peregrino. Thanks for such kind words. The Primitivo is challenging indeed, but oh so worth it. The views are stunning and majestic. I struggled, but slow and steady allowed me to get to my distance by the end of the day. Congrats, you, for walking the Primitivo. Hope you had a successful and beautiful Camino. Thanks for watching Fausto!

[@faustovilela2998]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail I thank you for your attention in answering my message. I plan to do the winter path (Camino do Sil) in the next December and January and I'm looking forward to it. If you could tell me what equipment you used for the footage you did I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much again for your wonderful and helpful posts that make us travel along with you.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

@faustovilela2998 The Camino is so addicting, you have to come back for more. I’m excited for you on your upcoming Camino. Regarding video gears, I used a GoPro10, insta 360, and dji mini 2 drone. All lightweight and easy to use. And piecing the video together I used iMovie on my iPhone.

[@estellagutierrez4615]

how difficult

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

@estellagutierrez4615 it’s not like Camino Frances where mostly flat and road walking. From the start, Oviedo, to Lugo it’s very hilly and the accommodations and restaurants are spread apart which means longer hike. From Lugo to Santiago, the last 100 km, it’s very similar to Camino Frances. The best view are from Oviedo to Lugo. From Lugo to Santiago (last 100 km), it’s doable and if you need help then a taxi is a phone call away.

[@kanatlantakeoff6622]

👏👌

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@Kitiwake]

Nice vid.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching.

[@epsonag]

I started to watch your videos about Camino Primitivo, it looks beautiful, when did you start/end the Camino?

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching Edgar. Started March 23rd - April 4th 2023. Got really lucky with the weather for end of March. It was an amazing Camino. Primitivo is challenging, but very beautiful indeed.

[@NovoAXginger]

What a beautiful first stage. I am planning next September! Will be a much different season. I love the cherry blossoms all in bloom in the spring though!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Hi GingerAnn! Camino Primitivo was a challenging trail, but the view and the trail are just beautiful. Each day was challenging and something new to see. The peregrino you’ll encounter will make the journey even sweeter. Overall, a must for anyone looking into doing a Camino. September is a good time to go too. Do your research and bring the proper gears. There is no such thing as a bad time to do a Camino. “No pain no Camino.” LOL Your Camino adventure and journey start now as you’re planning. I’m excited for you and it will truly be an unforgettable experience.

[@NovoAXginger]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail hi!!! Thank you so much for all the input and sharing! Yes, preparation is key for me as this will be a solo Pilgrimage for me. Much much needed. I would be out there now but healing from a shoulder surgery and made the mistake of going to Italy couple weeks post op and that was hard, so I know I need to give myself the year to be well prepared. Especially to carry gear on my shoulders/ back. I will be watching the rest of your journey. Any advice on planning stages and places to stay along the way (like, what brought you to decide on the towns you stayed in on your pilgrimage?) I am taking the year to collect the right gear and figure out time frames, flights from and back to the US etc. that seems to be the hardest to me right now! I think I’ve figured out flying from sfo to Asturias to start in Oviedo then return from Porto after taking the bus from Santiago de Compostela, I just want to allow myself enough time to make it without the feel of needing to rush to beat any deadlines. :) thank you again for sharing - and replying!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

I flew LAX to Madrid. Flew Madrid to Oviedo. One hour flight or take the 6 hours bus, about same price. Return: flew Santiago to Madrid, then back home LAX. You don’t have to haul your backpack the entire Camino. If you already have accommodation then use the baggage transfer (6 euro, I think). You can do that for each day and just carry a small daypack for water and snack. Ask receptionist when you’re there and they can help you. The typical daily stage is all map out, but if you don’t feel like hiking you can always stop at any town for the night. Camino Primitivo is a little tricky than Camino Frances because town are more space out so you’ll have to walk a little farther. I personally like to book my reservation ahead of time so I can pace myself. During high season, making accommodation will prevent you from “bed race” trying to find the bed for the night. Although some like the freedom of spontaneity and stay wherever. I did the Camino with a swollen ankle. Some day are better than other, but pain is there. Other peregrino I met along the way had blisters etc. If worse case scenario were to happen then a taxi is a phone call away. As for gears, less is more. Go as light as possible. You’ll be surprised to learn that you don’t need much on the Camino. Gear shake down before the trip is very important. All info are available on KZbin and the internet. There are tons of resources out there. Hope you’ll find what you are searching for. Again, the planning is part of your Camino journey. Super excited for you.

[@NovoAXginger]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail wow, thank you for the travel insight! I will check into Madrid then! Did you book small flights Madrid-Oviedo then Santiago-Madrid through a particular airline or just google flight multicity destinations? Everything I come across estimates @13 days for the Camino, what time frame did you allow yourself with adding all the travel? Thank you for letting me ask you a million questions!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Any airline will do, Madrid to Oviedo was 46 euro through Iberia, Santiago to Madrid was 20 euro through Ryanair. If you have the time then go longer than 13 days. Allow yourself time to explore Oviedo first day and Lugo as rest day and of course Santiago extra day to explore. I would go longer than 13, maybe 15-17 room to rest if injure or time to yourself to explore. Camino is about you, you don’t have to prove yourself to anybody, hike at your pace.

[@caminoonmymind]

I loved watching your video and can't wait for your journey to continue. You have the best positive energy and attitude. I start the Primativo on April 18th. I hope your ankle gets better. Sending prayers your way. I wonder what date was your day 1? Buen Camino!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

I started the Primitivo March 23, 2023. I got really lucky with the weather. The trail absolutely beautiful. Daily up and down from Oviedo to Lugo. After Lugo and on it was flat and road walking mostly. Do train for it and pack light. Make sure you dial in on your gears and of course the big one, your shoes. I hope mid April weather will be gorgeous for you. Daily limping to Santiago, but so worth it LOL. Thanks for watching. Buen Camino fellow peregrino!

[@ayongkot]

I'm planning to do the Primitivo next year, I did the Invierno last August, but I was in a hurry, so I pushed myself everyday finishing the Camino in 9 instead of 12 days. I will devote plenty of times for my next Camino to enjoy nature. Did you find accommodation easily? What month did you walk it? By the way, we have the same poles, the handle whistles when struck by the wind. I noticed it when I climbed monte de faro at 1,166 meters above sea level and it was windy downhill. By the way, I do have some hesitations as I am a 58 year old guy. Thanks for your video.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

That's so funny about the whistle pole. At first I thought it was my whistle, but then after close examination it was the pole LOL. That's cool, you are a veteran peregrino. Camino Primitivo is challenging from the start Oviedo to Lugo, but then from Lugo to Santiago (last 100 km) mostly road walking, flat, and similar to Camino Frances. Absolutely beautiful from Oviedo to Lugo. At any age slow and steady is how Camino should be done. I did the entire Primitivo with swollen ankle and bad knees. At your age it's very possible, you're still very young. When I did Camino Frances, I walked briefly with a 76 year old man. I did the Primitivo at the end of March. Accommodation was never an issue, but I imagine in June you'll have to make reservation ahead to prevent "bed race". I've been spoiled with Camino Primitivo and I fear my upcoming Camino Ingles in March won't be as beautiful as Primitivo. But then all Camino is different, just need to enjoy the journey. Primitivo, taxi is accessible if you're hurt, with exception if you do the Hospitales Route. I was always the last one into town and was happy about it because that just means I really took my time and enjoy my Camino. Overall, I definitely recommend Camino Primitivo. Thanks for watching Efren. A big Buen Camino to you fellow peregrino.

[@alanhamilton890]

When did you start? I begin April 15th 👍

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Started March 23, 2023. I got really lucky with the weather, no rain. Working on day 9 tomorrow, 30 km to Lugo. Hope the weather is in your favor for April. Primitivo is really challenging, not anything like Camino Frances. Lots up and down, but the view are stunning and breathtaking. Hope you’re well train. Like all Camino day 1 will be the hardest, but don’t give up because it’s all worth it. I’m excited for you Alan. Primitivo is all worth it. Buen camino fellow peregrino!

[@The67Felipe]

Buen Camino... I am doing the Camino Primitivo next August so you are my personal pathfinder ;) . Btw there are not cherry trees but almond ones.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching. I’m excited for your August Camino. The Primitivo is quite challenging with lots of hills. Definitely train for it. Beautiful beautiful trail with stunning view. Hope the weather is in your favor. Cherry blossom 🌸

[@Kitiwake]

Try to pray at the churches and holy crosses along the way.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Great suggestion

[@SHiggy50]

Enjoyable video to watch - I am heading to Primitivo in June, getting as much ‘hilly’ walks in as possible beforehand and will join the gym for a daily ‘stair master’ session a few weeks before 😂 Did you manage it OK? Is it as hard as people make it out to be?

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching. It was a challenging trail from Oviedo to Lugo. Lots up and down daily, but the view and trail are oh so worth it. From Lugo to Santiago it was flat and lots of road walking. Yes, training is a must and preparation is key. Remember to travel light, you’ll be surprised that you don’t need much. For June, there will be lots of peregrino so I advise to book accommodations in advance to prevent “bed race”. Being spontaneous is fine, but you’ll enjoy the trail more if you know you have a bed at the end of the day. I’m excited for you fellow peregrino. Buen Camino!

[@manoelcastilho]

Buen Camino, Peregrino. What time of the year did you hike Camino Primitivo? I'm planning do to it next spring (middle of April, beginning of May). I'm afraid of the weather. It might be cold or rainy, specially on the mountains after Borres. What are your your thoughts about it. Thanks a lot

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching Manoel. I did Primitivo March 23rd to April 4th. The date you are planning will be perfect. Not too hot or too cold. I got really lucky and only light rain once leaving Lugo. Rain or shine you’ll definitely have story to tell about your journey. I’m excited for your upcoming Camino. May it all work out for you and hopefully you’ll get to experience an amazing and successful Camino. Buen Camino!

[@manoelcastilho]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail I really appreciated the answer. Hope i'll be as lucky as you. Congratulation for the high quality and edition of your videos. Also for your great energy and positive attitude.

[@asdenn]

Buen Camino peregrino!!!! ¿donde te has dejado a la familia?

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching Francisco! Primitivo is too challenging and tough for esposa e hijos. Awesome trail with lots of beautiful view. Buen Camino!

[@Scarletapple1]

Thanks for sharing. Do you know what’s the elevation gain of that mountain? Buen camino?

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Many consider the Camino Primitivo the most challenging of the Camino routes. You cross a mountain range, climbing over 3300'/1100m above sea level. But you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Embalse de Salime, the River Navia and the surrounding mountains. Challenging yes, but doable. Gradual uphill and switch back for decent. Really an unforgettable Camino. Thanks for watching.

[@Scarletapple1]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail thanks much for the quick reply. We are planning to do it next year and are currently training for it. We are doing some ascents and descents here but it’s only on 2000 ft elevation. I see that your measurement is in meters, so that is mighty high. Hopefully, it is doable for us. :)

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

@@Scarletapple1Don’t let the number scared you. I did the entire Primitivo with both pairs of bad knees and a swollen ankle (daily limping). It’s quite doable. A taxi is a call away if there’s a worse case scenario, except going through hospitales route. You also have a choice to do the hospitales route or not. From Oviedo to Lugo, lots of up and down. But from Lugo to Santiago (last 100 km), relatively flat and mostly road walking. The challenge is there, just go slow and steady and you’ll get there. If go in high season then make sure to make accommodations ahead to prevent bed race. My best advice, go slow and embrace the Camino magic. Trust me, it’s so worth it. You can do it!

[@Scarletapple1]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail thank you!! You are an inspiration! Yes, we can do it! :)

[@essaestil615]

Solo this time? Is this the same route that you took with your family?

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Yes, solo this time. More time to do self reflection. Camino Primitivo start in north of Spain and shorter than Camino Frances. The trail is more challenging, but the view are just breathtaking. Thanks for watching.

[@essaestil615]

@@Gettinglostonthetrail all the best…I’ll follow your journey

[@estellagutierrez4615]

is taxi service available on the Camino Primitivo?

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Yes, there are taxi services available, with exception of doing the Hospitales Route. I called for taxi twice. First time was really bad knees/ ankle and the other time was forest fire.

[@estellagutierrez4615]

what time of year

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Camino Primitivo: March 23rd - April 4th, 2023.

[@mariannejacot1668]

goot do see you back on a camino on a sabbatsical as a father. watched all the videos from you family trip.

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks for watching Marianne. I enjoyed putting it together. It’s fun for us to watch it sometime to remind us of such wonderful journey and how blessed we are. Buen Camino!