Cycling tourism and the Camino de Santiago. Grandas de Salime

This route is a third stage, shorter than the previous ones, of the Primitive Way that takes us from Grandas de Salime to Fonsagrada in Lugo (Galicia). It has been added because, in general, it is a fairly unknown stretch for those who only do the Asturian part of the route, and presents spectacular scenery and places of great interest such as the Chao Samartín Hillfort.

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Address Grandas de Salime, Fonsagrada (Galicia)

Distance Distance: 27 kms
Difficulty Difficulty: Fácil
Total ascent Total ascent: 740 m
Maximum altitude Maximum altitude: 1050 m
Minimum altitude Minimum altitude: 560 m
IBP index IBP index: 45

Route Primitive Way of St. James
Type of bicycle Type of bicycle: Road
Type of route Type of route: Linear
Return by Train Return by Train: No

Starting point Starting point: Grandas de Salime
Ending point Ending point: Fonsagrada (Galicia)
Estimated duration Estimated duration: Half day

We leave Grandas de Salime, climbing up to Cereixeira and crossing pastures alternating with oak forests to reach Castro, a small enclave with a lot of charm where one of the numerous hostels on the Camino is located.

To get to Castro we must turn slightly off the road and go up a short ramp that takes us into the village. The Chao Samartín is one of the key sites for understanding the origin of the "castreño" phenomenon in the northwest of the peninsula, the evolution of the people who lived within its walls and their relations with other peoples. The origin of Chao Samartín as a human settlement dates back to the Bronze Age when, around 800 BC, a first fortified enclosure was established on its upper esplanade. During the Iron Age its defences were renewed on several occasions and in Roman times it became a prosperous administrative capital, until an earthquake destroyed the settlement in the 2nd century AD. A sample of the site can be seen and a visit can be arranged at the nearby Museo Castro de Chao Samartín.

From Castro we begin the climb up the pass in earnest, and halfway up we reach Penafonte, where we can visit the Church of La Magdalena with its curious hexagonal apse. We continue on until we reach the Puerto del Acebo pass (1030 m.) and immediately enter Galicia.

The descent alternates with small steep slopes until we reach the steep entrance to Fonsagrada. From here the pilgrims and travellers will follow their own way, in some cases continuing on to Santiago, and in others returning to Grandas de Salime after a short stage full of nature and history.

Respect the direction of traffic on urban stretches.