Camino del Norte & Camino Primitivo

Emma — Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Walk two of northern Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage routes, the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo, popular variants of the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino del Norte stretches 820km (510 miles) along the scenic northern coastline, visiting historic cities such as Irun, San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Santander. The inland Camino Primitivo (221 miles) follows 355km from Villaviciosa through Oviedo and Lugo, offering a quieter, more mountainous route steeped in cultural and religious history.

Suitable for walkers of most abilities, the Camino del Norte typically takes around five weeks, while the Camino Primitivo can be completed in about two weeks. The Camino del Norte is described in 32 stages and the Camino Primitivo in 12 stages, each between 15 and 39km (9-24 miles) in length. Extensions to Finisterre and link routes connecting the Norte and Primitivo are also included, giving pilgrims the flexibility to plan a longer or customised journey.

32 stage-by-stage descriptions of the Camino del Norte and 12 stages of the Camino Primitivo, each between 15 and 39km (9-24 miles) in length, with distances, terrain summaries, and daily walking times
1:100,000 mapping for both routes, plus larger-scale town maps for key locations such as San Sebastián, Bilbao, Oviedo, and Lugo for precise navigation
GPX files for the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo compatible with GPS devices and smartphone apps, supporting digital navigation
Detailed accommodation and pilgrim lodging listings along both routes, including hostels, albergues, and hotels for planning overnight stays
Handy route summary tables, refreshment stops, and facilities along each stage to assist with daily planning on your pilgrimage
Practical advice on preparation, packing, seasonal considerations, and optional extensions, including the Finisterre route and link paths between the Norte and Primitivo

Plan your pilgrimage along northern Spain’s Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo with confidence, experiencing coastal landscapes, historic towns, and mountain scenery with this comprehensive guidebook.

Cycling The Camino de Santiago

Emma — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Camino Francés or Way of St James) is among the world’s most famous pilgrimages: Christian pilgrims have travelled to the shrine of St James in Santiago, northern Spain, since the ninth century. This guide provides all the information you need to successfully cycle the Camino.

The Camino Francés is the most popular variant of the Camino, linking St Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French-Spanish border with Santiago via Pamplona, Burgos and León. The guide presents the journey in 18 stages. Two versions of the route are described, the first (770km) based closely on the walkers’ route and suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes; the second (798km) a ‘road route’ for road and touring cycles. It can be cycled in around 10-14 days and is very well provisioned. Clear route description and mapping are accompanied by notes on local points of interest, as well as background information on Spanish history and the history of the Camino. The practicalities are also thoroughly covered, including travel to and from the route, accommodation, facilities, kit and how to qualify for and obtain your Compostela (pilgrims’ certificate).

Whether you’re seeking a spiritual journey, a physical challenge or just a holiday, the Camino promises an unforgettable experience – from the beautiful landscapes, historic towns and rich culture of northern Spain to the famed camaraderie with other wayfarers. Blending information with inspiration, this guide is an ideal companion to cycling this UNESCO-listed route.

Cicerone – The Bell Bookshop

Camino del Norte & Camino Primitivo

Cycling The Camino de Santiago