Virtual Camino Primitivo Challenge: Walk the Original Way from Home

Walk the oldest of the Camino de Santiago routes from wherever you already move. The Camino Primitivo, or Original Way, runs about 341 km (roughly 212 miles) from Oviedo through the mountains of Asturias and Galicia before joining the French Way near Santiago de Compostela, and Route Rally turns every synced walk, run or daily step into progress along it. The most demanding of the Caminos, it rewards stronger walkers with wild, remote scenery.

  • Route: Camino Primitivo
  • Distance: 340.7 km
  • Elevation gain: 7500 m
  • Demanding mountain pilgrimage
  • Best for: Stronger walkers and hikers, hill-walking goals, and multi-week private rallies

Why this route

  • The Camino Primitivo, or Original Way, is the oldest Camino, the route taken by the first pilgrims from the Asturian court.
  • The Route Rally route runs about 341 km (212 miles) from Oviedo through the mountains of Asturias and Galicia before joining the French Way near Santiago.
  • It is the most mountainous and demanding of the Caminos, which gives it a distinct identity for stronger walkers and hikers.
  • As a virtual challenge you cover the distance in your own time, so hill walks, hikes and steps all count towards Santiago.
  • It rounds out the Camino de Santiago series with a tougher, more remote option alongside the gentler routes.

Highlights

  • Start in Oviedo, the historic capital of Asturias
  • Climb through the green mountains of Asturias on the original pilgrim path
  • Cross into Galicia and join the French Way for the final stretch
  • Finish at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Common questions

How does my activity actually count?

Connect your activity tracker to Route Rally and every kilometre you log adds up automatically. Your marker moves along the Camino Primitivo as new activities sync, with nothing to upload and nothing to enter by hand.

Do I have to live near the route?

Not at all. Walk, run or ride wherever you usually move. The route is a virtual target, so your hill walks, hikes and daily steps all push you closer to Santiago.

How long is the virtual Camino Primitivo?

The Route Rally route covers about 341 km, or roughly 212 miles, from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela, following the Original Way through the mountains.

Is the Camino Primitivo harder than the others?

In the real world it is the most mountainous Camino, with the most climbing. As a virtual challenge you are working towards the distance, but its identity as the tough, original route makes it a great goal for stronger walkers.

How long does it take to walk?

At 30 km a week it takes around eleven weeks, while 50 km a week brings Santiago inside seven weeks. You set the end date when you create the rally, so the pace is yours.