Charles’ Journey on the Camino Primitivo

Back on the Camino: Round Three
Here I go again—packing my hiking shoes, lacing up my excitement, and setting off on yet another adventure along the Camino. This will be my third pilgrimage, and this time I’m walking the Camino Primitivo.

The Primitivo is often called the “original Camino.” Its roots trace back to the 9th century when King Alfonso II of Asturias walked to Santiago de Compostela to honor the newly discovered tomb of Saint James. At about 250 miles, it’s shorter than some of the other routes, but don’t let the mileage fool you. This trail is a beast—rugged mountain climbs, constant elevation changes, and narrow, technical paths. In return, though, it offers some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes you’ll find on any Camino. Think misty peaks, wild forests, and villages where time seems to stand still.