Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
- January to April
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Overview
Intro
The King of Spain himself was the first one to cross Camino Primitivo in the 9th century, followed by countless pilgrims ever since. Follow in their biketracks and pedal your way through Asturias and Galicia to see why the 200-mile trail is a magnet for hikers and mountain bikers even today.
Due to its literal highs and lows, the path is the most demanding one out of the Santiago trails, which only means one thing: a bunch of thrilling downhill flows preceded by panoramic views of the Spanish countryside. Ancient drover’s trails, switchbacks and backlanes lead you through historic places—charming medieval hamlets, premier wine growing regions, crisp woodlands, wild mountain sides, rolling pastures…
The list goes on, but wherever you are, pause to feel the locals’ hospitality and taste artisan products: treat yourself to polbo á feira paired with a glass of crisp Albariño white.
Due to its literal highs and lows, the path is the most demanding one out of the Santiago trails, which only means one thing: a bunch of thrilling downhill flows preceded by panoramic views of the Spanish countryside. Ancient drover’s trails, switchbacks and backlanes lead you through historic places—charming medieval hamlets, premier wine growing regions, crisp woodlands, wild mountain sides, rolling pastures…
The list goes on, but wherever you are, pause to feel the locals’ hospitality and taste artisan products: treat yourself to polbo á feira paired with a glass of crisp Albariño white.
At a Glance
- Season: May to September
- Duration: 8 days
- Accommodation: Hotels
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Gallery
What's Unique About This Adventure?
Highlights
While many choose to walk the classic route of the Camino, cycling the Camino Primitivo offers a whole new level of excitement and discovery.
Here’s what makes this adventure exceptional:
1. Thrilling Trails
The Camino Primitivo is renowned for its technical singletracks, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents. It’s perfect for experienced bikers seeking a thrilling ride through diverse terrains.
2. Less Crowded
Unlike the more popular routes, the Camino Primitivo is less traveled, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of Northern Spain without the crowds. It’s a more intimate and raw experience.
3. Rich Scenery
From lush valleys and forested paths to ancient villages and majestic mountains, the Primitivo route offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Spain. Every pedal stroke reveals new and stunning views.
4. Cultural Immersion
Cycling allows you to cover more ground each day, allowing you to explore historic cities, and villages, and interact with locals. You’ll taste regional cuisines, from Asturian cider to Galician seafood.
Here’s what makes this adventure exceptional:
1. Thrilling Trails
The Camino Primitivo is renowned for its technical singletracks, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents. It’s perfect for experienced bikers seeking a thrilling ride through diverse terrains.
2. Less Crowded
Unlike the more popular routes, the Camino Primitivo is less traveled, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of Northern Spain without the crowds. It’s a more intimate and raw experience.
3. Rich Scenery
From lush valleys and forested paths to ancient villages and majestic mountains, the Primitivo route offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Spain. Every pedal stroke reveals new and stunning views.
4. Cultural Immersion
Cycling allows you to cover more ground each day, allowing you to explore historic cities, and villages, and interact with locals. You’ll taste regional cuisines, from Asturian cider to Galician seafood.
What's Included
What's Included
- An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
- Accommodation (shared twin or double ensuite rooms) in hotels or shared hostels
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- At least one guide qualified in first aid
- Support vehicle and luggage transfers
- Airport transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days to and from Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
- If you wish to rent a bike, as well as a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip, you can do so upon request for an added fee of $415.
- Accommodation (shared twin or double ensuite rooms) in hotels or shared hostels
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- At least one guide qualified in first aid
- Support vehicle and luggage transfers
- Airport transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days to and from Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
- If you wish to rent a bike, as well as a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip, you can do so upon request for an added fee of $415.
What's Not Included
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Spain
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Single room (available upon request and for an additional fee of $295)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers on days other than the arrival and departure days
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Single room (available upon request and for an additional fee of $295)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers on days other than the arrival and departure days
- Guide gratuities — optional
Location
Itinerary
Day 1: Oviedo
Your adventure begins in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. After meeting your guides and fitting your bikes, explore this historic city. Visit the magnificent Cathedral of San Salvador for your first pilgrim’s stamp. In the evening, enjoy a local briefing and indulge in some of the best sidrerÃas (cider bars) and restaurants in town.
Day 2: Oviedo — Espina
Leave the city behind and dive into ancient paths and forest singletracks. Enjoy racy trails along the Nalon riverside, a scenic lunch in Grado, and a thrilling descent to Rio Narcea. End the day with a rewarding climb into the Cordillera, reaching the remote settlement of Espina with breathtaking views.
Day 3: Espina — La Mesa
Prepare for an epic day in the Asturian mountains. Ride through historic Tineo, tackle the Alto de Guardia, and relish downhill technical flows through pastures and forests. The Hospitales route offers high ridges and natural singletracks with stunning Atlantic views. Descend to La Mesa for a cozy mountain lodging.
Day 4: La Mesa — A Fonsagrada
Start with panoramic views of Galicia and the Grandas reservoir. Navigate switchbacks through lush forests and ancient ruins, then climb to Puerto del Acebo for a scenic lunch. Descend through enchanting trails lined with dry-stone walls, remote chapels, and hermitages, reaching the historic town of A Fonsagrada.
Day 5: A Fonsagrada — Lugo
Climb to Alto de Montouto, descend to Paradevilla, and snake through ancient settlements. Reach Alto de Fontaneira for breathtaking views before descending to the fortified city of Lugo. Explore the old lanes and savor local cuisine, pairing polbo á feira with a crisp Albariño white.
Day 6: Lugo — Sedor
Descend from Lugo, cross the Rio Mino, and intersect with ancient Roman roads. Pass through bustling Melide, intersecting with Camino Frances. Ride through oak woods and eucalyptus plantations, ending with a flowing descent into the Boente Valley and reaching your charming lodging in Sedor.
Day 7: Sedor — Santiago de Compostela
Climb to Arzua, cycle through Galicia’s legendary landscapes, and wind through ancient stone paths linking granite hamlets. After a lunch break in Santa Irene, push towards Santiago. Conquer the final climbs, cycle along Monte del Gozo, and descend into Santiago de Compostela, marking the end of your memorable journey.
Day 8: Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy your final breakfast before your transfer to the airport. If you wish to explore Santiago further, your guides will be happy to provide recommendations. This beautiful, historic city holds countless treasures waiting to be discovered.
Meet Your Guide
Company
This tour is provided by Saddle Skedaddle.
For almost 30 years, they've been pedalling the globe in search of good vibes and great adventures. Whether you choose to go for their small-guided parties of around 6 to 15 people or decide to ride self-guided with friends or family, their hand-picked destinations and routes, led by local experts, are designed to make sure everyone has an incredible time.
For almost 30 years, they've been pedalling the globe in search of good vibes and great adventures. Whether you choose to go for their small-guided parties of around 6 to 15 people or decide to ride self-guided with friends or family, their hand-picked destinations and routes, led by local experts, are designed to make sure everyone has an incredible time.
Reviews
Write a ReviewLeave a Review
Cycling | Spain
Cycling El Camino Primitivo
Season:
May to September
Difficulty:
Intermediate to advanced
Duration:
8 days
From $3,240.00 (USD)
Mark T
We have done a few supported cycle tours with various companies and found that Saddle Skedaddle did select the best standard of hotel and our guide was great too. However, unfortunately there was only one vehicle / trailer for 12 of us, with 4 bike boxes and all our luggage. It was not enough.
With only one vehicle, any break down, cycle problem, late collection form the airport, medical emergency etc/etc. would mean no support which can mean no cycling. Of 10 days cycling, we lost one complete day and had a very late start on another day.
I would recommend Saddle Skedaddle but at their slightly higher prices would only book when there are two support vehicles.
Simon
Well designed tour, excellent group of guides. Excellent resourceful pick-up team. Comfortable vehicles. Expert guides with superb people skills. Steve is a superb leader, I will follow him blindly. Helen and Laura were excellent. Most agreeable people, expert cyclists who clearly knew what they were doing. Very good communication between the three professionals and the client group. Breakfasts as a rule lavish, good variety and plenty of volume of lunch goodies, ample snacks and drinks for underway.
A. B.
Skedaddle are a very professional cycle tour group in my opinion. It was clear that all aspects of the tour were carefully planned to maximise the adventure but also with upmost regard to mechanical maintenance, health and safety, nutrition, quality hire equipment and most importantly – well trained guides Well done. I’ll be back.
Andrew Ridout
Love their cycle tours. Great routes, great guides.