Epic Camino de Santiago Journey - Walking The Camino Primitivo

[@storiestellr]

What a beautiful movie about the Camino Primitivo, Dan. You really had some tough luck with the weather in the beginning, but it also made for some extra-green scenery. The northern Spanish landscape truly is a marvel of extraordinary beauty, and your cinematography does it justice. Your meticulous editing is evident, creating a seamless and fluid viewing experience that mirrors the rhythm of the Camino itself - a journey of continuous forward motion punctuated by moments of reflection and wonder. in short: your documentary beautifully captures the essence of this ‘original’ pilgrimage route. The unfortunate tale of the dine-and-dash pilgrims is disheartening and is proof that even on a spiritual journey, one can encounter less-than-ideal behavior. It's a shame there are such inconsiderate individuals who tarnish the spirit of the Camino. But this isolated incident stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming sense of community and goodwill that permeates your film. I *loved* witnessing the organic growth of your Camino family, both in size and closeness. It beautifully illustrates how the shared experience of the pilgrimage forges deep connections among strangers. It’s my favorite part of the camino, in general. Your conclusion that "Camino is Community" aptly encapsulates the essence of the journey - it's not just about the physical act of walking, but about the bonds formed and the collective spirit of this transformative experience. The inclusion of pilgrims' voices is an excellent touch, adding depth to your narrative. Hearing directly from your fellow travelers provides valuable insights into the varied motivations and experiences of those who walk the Camino Primitivo. I “might borrow” your idea for my next Camino video, you have been warned! :) This is one of the most beautiful Camino movies I've seen. Your video makes me want to pack my backpack and set off on the Camino Primitivo at once! 😜

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you. This is such a wonderful and thoughtful comment. I'm at a bit of a loss for words at the minute, but know that having my work land and be received with such care and attention, has made my weekend. I make these videos to share my love of the Camino and the wonderful communities that are present on the way, so I'm relaly happy that side of this film resonates so deeply with you. Thank again, brother and Buen Camino

[@scotbotvideos]

Epic adventure, guys. Some stunning drone shots and spectacular cloud inversions. Thanks for sharing. I feel privileged to have been taken along in spirit.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for watching and for leaving such a great comment, appreciate you taking the time to say that. It's a truly epic Camino route that gives you so much, and thanks for joining us in spirit!

[@jcr-studios]

Great video! I've been putting off doing the Camino for years, partly because I didn't want to take 4-6 weeks to do the Frances. The Primitivo route seems to be the perfect mix of culture, beauty, and distance-not too long or too short!

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you! You can have a truly wonderful Camino experience in less than 4/6 weeks for sure. The Primitivo is a special route and I think it would give you such an amazing experience as a first time pilgrim, plus you get to sample a bit of the Frances as well when you hit Melide. I do hope you go an experience a Camino. Give me a shout if you need any tips. Buen Camino

[@johnrodgers2018]

I couldn't recommend it more. But t is a hard one. A lot of elevation gain

[@Caminohacks]

@@johnrodgers2018 Yes, there are some lung busting days on the Primitivo. Although your efforts are rewarded with some spectacular views when you finally reach the top.

[@johnrodgers2018]

@@Caminohacks breathtaking!

[@malj9557]

Don’t hesitate- I just completed and it was fantastic. Asturias section is outstanding

[@ArtieOne85]

came back from the primitivo 2 weeks ago. my first camino with no hiking experience. the hardest thing ive ever done. but after 1,5 weeks i didnt want it to stop. there were times where i thought of quitting. but the last 4 days were so enlightening and im now hooked! camino del norte next year!!!

[@ArtieOne85]

beware of the cat at the berducedo albergue xD. and take a break in grandas de salime. lovely little village. lovely people!

[@Caminohacks]

Wow, that’s a tough one to pick for your first, well done! 👏 I know that feeling all too well, not wanting such a wonderful camino experience to end. Great to hear you’re gonna do another one! As addictions go, I happen to think a Camino addiction is a healthy one to have 😄

[@Caminohacks]

I missed the cat, as we stayed in a private place there. Stunning walk the next morning leaving there. Yes, we stayed there for the night and the town was pretty full of pilgrims. Some lovely little bars there

[@PaladinBlades]

I just got back from doing the Primitivo a week ago. Great time!

[@Caminohacks]

It’s such a wonderful route, I loved it. I hope you had an amazing time on the Primitivo too 😊

[@ThormanR]

Awesome! The best video i have seen about the camino primitivo. These drone shots, your calm voice, all together ❤

[@Caminohacks]

That’s lovely of you to say, thank you ☺️. I think the views on this route will stay with me forever. Buen Camino

[@alanbailey1696]

Amazing video, well done! I appreciate your gentle, thoughtful, and informative programs. Keep 'em coming!

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for stopping by to watch my video and leave such a nice comment 😊

[@trueonemike]

Well done to you and the drone guy for making this video. I will be on the journey in the next few weeks and this is by far the best Camino Primitivo video I have seen. Thanks and all the best to you

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for watching the video and leaving such an uplifting comment, Mike. I spent a fair bit of time on this video as the journey and the connections I made were so special to me, so to know you enjoyed it makes me happy. I hope you have an amazing time out there in a couple of weeks. Do message back and let me know how you get on - you can reply direct to me through my newsletter so I don't miss it: camino.beehiiv.com/

[@IllGetThere]

Brilliant video. I’m only halfway through but have now abandoned my plan to do the Norte for the Primitivo! 😊 Looking forward to watching the rest your journey. Thanks and Buen Camino!

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for stopping by to watch and tell me that, it’s made my morning ☺️ It’s such a wonderful route with so many amazing albergues to stay in. Happy to answer any questions if you have them. Buen Camino to you too

[@rawadventures2024]

Great video Dan plus I loved the voices of your Camino family towards the end. It certainly is a beautiful Camino. It was good to see you join up with Nick as I've watched a couple of his YTs also, he seems like such a happy chap 😃 The crowds certainly pick up when you join the Frances! Cheers from Wendy in Australia

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you, Wendy ☺ I appreciate you saying that, it's something new I wanted to try. I thought it would help show what its like for the people around me, not simply have it all from my perspective. Good old Nick, he's a ball of energy that one. Laughter was never far away when I walked with him, hopefully we can share another Camino again in the future. Yes, that last 100 km is so much busier than the rest of the Primitivo. To be fair, the last 100 km of the frances is much busier than the rest of it. Buen Camino

[@lelyevans]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I went on the Primitivo on my own last year and your video has brought back so many wonderful memories. I did the Portuguese this year and the experience was utterly different. Look forward to more Camino in the future. Buen Camino!

[@Caminohacks]

It's great to hear you enjoyed this wonderful route, thank you for taking the time to watch my Primitivo video. How did you find walking the Portuguese? I've walked it a few times and I think as a route it suffers from offering some many different routes, all of which are wonderful, but it can impact making a Camino family.

[@christiankreps5920]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you Dan. I was in the process of deciding between the Primitivo and the Invierno for next May, and your video has definitely given the edge to the Primitivo. Will you be making individual videos for each stage?

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video - it was a labour of love. So pleased it’s helped you decide on this wonderful route, you won’t be disappointed ☺️ I prefer to make full video of routes now, it’s a bigger commitment of time but I think it’s worth the pay off. Happy to answer any questions you might have of the route.

[@donatellacarrus3308]

Bellissimo video dove finalmente vediamo i meravigliosi panorami che questo cammino offre❤

[@Caminohacks]

Grazie. Sì, è un modo così bello e sono così contenta di aver potuto assistere in prima persona. Buen Camino

[@adamslone9292]

Beautifully done guys

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you ☺️ Buen Camino

[@mariann52-r6j]

lovely video, awesome experience. I've been to Santiago but haven´t experienced the magic of the Camino yet. Hope to do it some day. Thanks for sharing this inspiring video. Greetings from Córdoba, Argentina, South America.

[@Caminohacks]

Hello from the UK. Thanks for your kind comment on my video. I hope you do get to experience some Camino magic, it’s such a special thing to do. If the longer routes are too difficult, you can still have an amazing experience on the shorter routes. Happy to help with advice if you need it. Buen Camino

[@justtryhikes]

Great video! It's on my bucket list.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you ☺️ It’s a truly special Camino route and one I’d highly recommend. I hope you get to walk it someday soon.

[@svamandolin3546]

wonderful video. THank you for sharing.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you ☺️ Appreciate you taking the time to leave such a lovely comment after watching the video.

[@monarjcounselor9045]

❤ enjoying your peace full journey... With great views 😊

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks for watching ☺️ It’s a route that has some spectacular views

[@Girl.Hike.Mountains]

What story telling!! Beautifully done 😍

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you ☺️ I’m looking forward to seeing your next project(s) and all the kick arse content i know you’re gonna create

[@mike.garnham]

That was so lovely. Thanks.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for watching it and taking the time to say that, Mike. I appreciate it ☺️

[@gerda_travel3016]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to write this ☺️

[@nancycompagnie6500]

Definitely one i should walk...thanks for sharing 🙂 And you met up with Nick...great 🙂

[@Caminohacks]

It’s such a wonderful route, I hope you get to experience it. He’s a real character, who brought lots of energy and laughs to the group. It was a pleasure to hike with him and his hobo walking trainers 😂

[@NickLivingLife]

Awesome mate!! ❤. Wish we were back there doing it again 😊

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks, buddy! You were a massive part of what helped make this trip special, even if I did end up choosing violence 😂

[@emma.rambles]

Glorious! 🙌

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks, Emma ❤️. I’m looking forward to seeing how your ingles adventure goes ☺️

[@tomwardle94]

That was a really enjoyable watch. It felt really genuine and heartfelt about the pleasures of doing a Camino without being preachy, which some videos are. I'm curious, was that rain and cloud early on typical for that time of year?

[@Caminohacks]

Hi Tom, thank for you saying that, it's such a lovely thing for you to say. I wanted to try and get across my love of the Camino and the wonderful nature of being part of a Camino family, so I'm pleased to hear my film resonated with you. Weather wise in June, you might get hit with a rainy day or two, but the good thing was that it wasn't very cold so you can have a poncho and shorts on and you'll be fine. Happy to help with anymore questions you might have, just shout.

[@johnrodgers2018]

Another great video, Brought back a lot of memories of when I did it. Enjoying your chammel

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks, John. It's a special route, isn't it.

[@johnrodgers2018]

@@Caminohacks it's definitely special.

[@Caminohacks]

I was surprised by how many wonderful privately run donativos there were, dotted along the route

[@johnrodgers2018]

@@Caminohacks Indeed, I loved the donativos, they seemed to be the most social experiences. How did you find accommodation availability? the plan for me was to just wing it and find accommodation at the end of the day but I ended up having to call ahead every morning.

[@Caminohacks]

I loved the donativos too. We called way ahead for bodenya as we’d heard that was super popular, annoyingly for others two pilgrims cancelled on the day at bodenya so extra beds became available. The owner then told us about Casa pascual which we booked. In June it wasn’t too busy so didnt always have to book. What month did you go? The fact that lots of them have limited beds can lead to them filling up pretty quickly.

[@kenthompson5758]

Great vid!! I was on the primativo from the 20th of May. The conditions were about the same...even when Nick went for a stroll in "country puddle" lol. At least you didn't get food poisoning! Are you going back to the San Salvador? I'm contemplating that before another week on the Primativo from Salas to Lugo We all keep coming back haha

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks! ☺️ Oh cool, did you follow similar stages? Ha ha, that section on the way to Tineo was cowpat city! Poor old nick’s trainers 😄 Did you get food poisoning? Do you know from which place? I actually got sick in august in the Frances from either food or water - not nice at all. San Salvador is on my list to complete, but I’d like to walk a new route with more pilgrims, not sure which one though. Will you go in May? Was it busy in May on the Primitivo? It’s addictive isn’t it! 😂

[@kenthompson5758]

A few longer stages. True and there was that section going down the steep rocks on the way to Salas trying not to.slip slide away haha There were a fee people on the Primativo and ad usual.you see them at the end of the stage. I had done the Norte in 2022 and did the first week this year. So many this year. Everyone was trying to get off the Frances. Good you had a colab with Nick. I ran into a few people and run into Efren as well as days we spend. You could have a mega colab😂😂 all you would need is camino tellers haha

[@kenthompson5758]

A dance off 😂😂😂

[@Caminohacks]

@@kenthompson5758 That would be a mega colab! The Camino Tellers were a couple of days behind us this year on the San Salvador, but they were walking shorter stages so we never saw them.

[@SamuelMichael1]

Wonderful video. Watched many of them and also walked Primitivo in June. Shared some of the stages and accommodation and definitely the rainy weather. Loved the sounds of walking and nature and calm,non intrusive commentary. Well done and buen camino. Which one are you doing next? 😊

[@Caminohacks]

Glad you enjoyed it! When did you walk the Primitivo, I filmed this in mid to late June. Thank you for the comments, I try and not over do it with the voice over and also give some space for the wonderful ambient Camino sounds. I do miss that route, it's a special one, isn't it! Hmm, I'm toying with a quieter route, say the Aragones or the Sanabres, there's also the fisherman's trail. Not sure yet, think I'll have my own drone by then tho. Have you got your next one planned?

[@SamuelMichael1]

​@@Caminohacks Hahahha I knew the weather looked familiar. I did it June 16th to 23rd Usually do 40+ a day so managed to walk it in a week. You are so right with the voice and sounds of nature vs music...I only realised that after your video hence I like it so much. Mostly people play music over the video. I was hoping that you walked past a field of cows with bells,they were all different and it sounded like a tune. Most beautiful thing. I did part of del Norde last year so would try to do a different country next which means the Portugese one.

[@Caminohacks]

We would’ve started on the same day! But, my friend and I decided to try and tackle the San Salvador first, which ended up kicking our ass 😂 Wowzers, those are some big daily distances! Do you hike a lot away from the Camino? Thanks, I’m still learning but I’m following my instincts and I love to hear the ambient sounds when it feels right in the edit. I’ve not done the Del Norte yet, would you recommend it? I’ve heard mixed things about it - accommodation issues, long sections of road, etc. The Portuguese is lovely, I’d possibly avoid in august as it gets very busy with bed races galore. There is so much choice on the Portuguese, inland, coastal, spiritual variant. All the routes have something special, so it’s hard to decide which one to do! Or you could simply sample them all 😂

[@SamuelMichael1]

@@Caminohacks Thats gas! Where did you fly to? How did you like San Salvador? Looks like a good warm up before Primitivo. I looked up yr other videos on yt and saw that u did the Portugese one. Did you do all three? I am planning to do the inland one as it has enough coast and then when you get bored with the ocean view(kidding) you move inland. My time and length of the camino is dictated by school/kids/work/college so not have much room or time to do anything too long. I'd say max 8 days. Maybe one day when they are grown up I will do camino de la plata. I liked parts of del Norte. The beach parts and the hills. There is a lot of road and cities and concrete walking which is hard; i dont mind hiking but the roads can be tiring especially if you do 40k+. How many Caminos have you done so far? Have you tried different seasons?

[@Caminohacks]

I flew into Madrid and then caught the train up to Leon. How about you? We tried to do it in 4 big days, first day ended up being an 11hr day and the second was 10 Hours of walking, proved too much in the end 🫠 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGilfp6vhc9ropIsi=Rh0eVxLInBD5UkuL I’ve walked it three time: the portuguese central, full coastal and coastal onto the spiritual. The one on my channel is where we moved inland half way through so got the best of both worlds. I’d say 8 days is more than doable, we did it in 10 and that was without big 40 km days. Will you sample the spiritual route? I loved that section and the boat journey is must 😊 The plata is a long one, and quiet solitary from what I’ve read - great for filming and not having people getting in the way of the perfect shot 😄 Where would you say the road walking is most prevalent, at the beginning or later on? I’m intrigued by it, although I’d avoid during July/August due to the tourist season. Gosh, let me think…I’ve done Frances full x2, Portuguese x3, ingles, Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador (1/2), Primitivo and Baztan. How about you? I walked the baztan in April into May, the first few days were brutal weather wise. I generally like to go with a bit of sunshine so you can pack less.

[@abukyle1999]

How much extra walking do you do to place and then recover the cameras for your walk by shots?

[@Caminohacks]

Probably only about 10/15 meters max. If im honest there were a few shots I wished i’d walked much further when it came to the edit as it makes for a cleaner cut when you exit the shot.

[@Dtiic5iyxixg]

David is given an awful lot of rain to embrace today…😂 Camino spirit!

[@Caminohacks]

Ha ha, it kept coming so he had to keep embracing it :)

[@XimenaFarias-b3r]

That is a great video! I am doing Primitivo at the end of October and would like to ask if you can share your city itinerary and how did you book the albergues in advance. Thanks a lot!

[@Caminohacks]

Here are my stages, the first two days were short so we could stay at the monastery and then Bodeneya. We emailed Bodenaya to reserve and called casa Pascual the day before to reserve a bed. All albergue contact details can be found on gronze.com 1. Vila palatina - Paládin 2. Albergue de Cornellana - Cornellana 3. Albergue de Peregrinos de Bodenaya- Bodenaya 4. Casa Pascual - El Espín 5. Casa Uria - Berducedo 6. Albergue de El Salvador - Grandas de Salime 7. Albergue Casa Cuartel - A Fonsagrada 8. Pensión porta santa - O Cádavo Baleria 9. Hostel Portón - Lugo 10. Albergue de peregrinos - As Seixas 11. Miraiso de Ribadiso - Ribadiso 12. Camping peregrino O casteńeiro - A Rúa 13. Km0 - Santiago de Compostela

[@felicitasosborn9146]

Nice video❤😊

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you ☺️

[@estellagutierrez4615]

okey. i want todo the Prmativo where do i start... i leave in California.. where do i fly into to start?

[@Caminohacks]

You can fly to Madrid and then catch a train to Oviedo. Use the website Rome2Rio.com to look at train times

[@geraldinegallagher2895]

Wow, the shots are wonderful, what gear did you use? And it seems booking ahead rather than leaving it to fate?

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you, I'm really pleased with how the shots turned out. Here's the gear I used from the description: DJI Mini 3 Drone - amzn.to/3TwKkpK Footage shot on GoPro 11 -amzn.to/4e8KnjQ GoPro protective case and screen - amzn.to/3Zsi37j Scandisk extreme pro - amzn.to/3XMzJtk GoPro shoulder mount - amzn.to/3Zok7NP GoPro extension pole - amzn.to/47rzt6b Sometimes we booked ahead, but more for the places we were keen to stay in and had heard they were special. The municipal couldn't be booked, and a couple of private albergues you could just walk up to on the day. A few of us booked every day on the frances to be safe, but the municipal in Ribadiso had lots of space still. Happy to help with any other Primitivo or Camino questions if you have them.

[@geraldinegallagher2895]

@@Caminohacks wow thats a lot of gear !

[@Caminohacks]

The GoPro gear is pretty small, so doesn’t take up too much space at all.

[@geraldinegallagher2895]

You have such a gentle voice, its very soothing

[@Caminohacks]

That's nice of you to say, thank you. Another viewer told me today I sound like a professional sports voice over guy, so that's two nice comments in one day :)

[@deckiedeckie]

They only take.......never give.......

[@Caminohacks]

One thing to bear in mind is that some of the smaller more remote towns on some of the routes are kept alive by the Camino passing through. Bringing much needed trade and employment to areas that has seen younger generations leave for the bigger cities. Also, pilgrims do return to volunteer in the towns and villages too, where they slow down and have more time to get to know locals.

[@Caminohacks]

I saw this story today and wanted to share it with you - www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/pilgrims-step-up.88983/?

[@deckiedeckie]

One thought often assaults me, how little interaction/contact between the pilgrims and the locals....not a word....good or bad....I despise that attitude.....not a word of gratitude for being able to be able to transit unhinged/unmolested.....in thheir countries things would not be as easy......but not a word.....I do not like their kind.....

[@Caminohacks]

Pilgrims do often mix with locals in the cafes, bars, and shops that frequent the towns and some of the way. Many a morning you exchange a friendly smile and a “buenos días” with locals. Deeper conversations can be harder for pilgrims who don’t have a good grasp of the local language, but I have witnessed it. I understand what you’re saying if someone comes in and simply sticks to their pilgrim bubble, from start to finish.

[@storiestellr]

I’ve only watched a few minutes and I already know it’s one of the best videos on the Camino Primitivo 😅 - thank you for putting this thing of beauty together (especially since i am Primitivo-curious). Will follow up with a review later 🫡

[@Caminohacks]

This comment has made my morning, thank you, sir :) I hope you enjoy the rest of it. I think the Primitivo needs to get the Storiestellr treatment next year, when you start your Camino travels once again. I'd love to see your insightful take on this route.

[@WendyBocken]

Hi Dan, what a beautiful pictorial report of your Camino Primitivo!! After watching this Camino definitely is still on my bucket list! I liked the stunning nature and of course your ability to gather a Camino Family around you!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you. You have to walk this route, Wendy. It’s such a wonderful camino, with views to die for. Some steep hills to navigate and loads of lovely accommodation. ☺️