18 June 2025. Berducedo to Grandas de Salime. 23.3/14.5mi. 8 hours. “What goes down must come up.” Today’s challenge was a gnarly, 750 meter descent over 7km in full sun (that’s 2460 feet over 4.3mi), followed by a 350m (1150ft) ascent on the other side of a reservoir. Thanks to patience and trekking poles, my […]
Camino Primitivo Stage 5: Borres to Berducedo
17 June 2025. Borres to Berducedo. 29km/18mi* Peak elevation was 1220m/4000ft. 10 hours. Holy Hospitales. Today was a long, hot, grind. I seriously considered my life choices at several points. Even so, the day was glorious and the views stupendous. And now I’m blissfully exhausted. Buen Camino indeed. *My mileage is a bit long because […]
Camino Primitivo Stage 4: Tineo to Borres
16 June 2025. Tineo to Borres. 16.5 km/10mi. 5 hours. Long but beautiful climb out of Tineo, and made it to Borres with plenty of time to rest before our pilgrim’s dinner! I’ve been having knee pain when going downhill since Friday afternoon (I admittedly did not stretch or rest enough). Thanks to a lot […]
Camino Primitivo Stage 3: Salas to Tineo
15 June 2025. Salas to Tineo. 22km/14mi. 7 hours. 1600′ elevation gain (currently at 5000ft). “Today you begin the mountains in earnest” Some highlights: .5km detour to a waterfall; steep, rocky (but manageable) trails; COWS; vending machines with all the things, Arturo Taxi’s brilliant marketing; MUD; peregrino + pilgrim; mountaintop Tineo overlooking the valley. Peregrino […]
Camino Primitivo Stage 1: Oviedo to Grado
13 June 2025. Oviedo to Grado. 26km/16mi. 6 hours of up-down-VIEW-cows-up-VIEW-up-horses-down and now at resting for the night. I walked with lovely people from New Zealand, Catalonia, and Czech Republic! Peregrino notes: Spending the night at Alburgue La Quintana. Cold beer, warm shower, clotheslines, and excellent company.