Continue with CdN or change to C Primitivo

[DMMirjam]

I am doing the CdN and startet in Irun. Quiet a few people I met plan to continue with the C Primitivo instead of the CdN.
Is there any specific reason? Is accommodation or the path getting worse?
Any comments on this? Thank you

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I did both on different occasions. To me the combination of the two routes offers " the best of both worlds ". The wonderfull seaviews in the first half of the C de N wirh the beautifull mountainwalk on the primitivo. The second half of the C de N is still beautifull, but in general is " more of the same". ( if you stay on the norte be sure to spend a (half) restday in Ribadeo to visit the Playa de Catedrales

 

[davejsy]

I have no walking experience of either, but I have spent many happy road trips around there. I don't agree that the coastal route would be more of the same. Some of what you will miss by diverting to Oviedo is some of the most beautiful coast that I've been lucky enough to spend time in Luarca, Cudillero, Playa Silencio, Playa Guierra etc.
But equally, Oviedo is a beautiful city, with the Christ the Redeemer statue looking down on it, and then the mountains that the Primitivo crosses will be spectacular.
So I've probably not helped, but don't think you will regret either. Coastal would probably be better in bad weather if there is any on the horizon. And of course, if you've made good friends then maybe that will help make your mind up too. Enjoy

 

[DMMirjam]

Thanks to both answers. That already helped. The final puzzle actually just came from a friend who reminded me that the Primitivo has significantly more nice walking ground, which from my perspective means less asphalt which really is a problem for my feet.
So -if there is no dramatic weather change in the next 5 days- Primitivo it is

 

[trecile]

The final puzzle actually just came from a friend who reminded me that the Primitivo has significantly more nice walking ground, which from my perspective means less asphalt which really is a problem for my feet.

I also was looking forward to nicer walking ground on the Primitivo, but still found plenty of asphalt, and a lot of the trail was very rocky. There were some spectacular views though.

 

[CanadianBarb]

I struggled with this same question last year as I walked del Norte - I decided at the time to complete that journey and am soon to go back to walk the Primitivo, so I can experience BOTH journeys! Buen Camino!

 

[BombayBill]

I am currently near GIjon and have had no accommodations problems or have heard of any. But I book 1-2 days out especially if it’s a beach ‘ resort town or a weekend.

I plan to continue on Norte having done Primitivo last year. I’m a walk every step and carry your pack guy. However I would never walk the stretch west of Santander to Santilla Del Mar again. It was 34c and the traffic was overwhelming. I would catch the train at Boo but take it 3-4 stops beyond the recommended 1 stop to Mogro. Just my personal opinion.

EDITED I repeat never….. ever.

 

[trecile]

However I would never walk the stretch west of Santander to Santilla Del Mar again

I walked along the coast from Santander and spent the night in a coastal town called Liencres. The next day I walked to Boo and took the train to Mogro. St the advice of @Dave I walked on the old Camino route which was shorter and not a lot of traffic.

 

[BombayBill]

I walked along the coast from Santander and spent the night in a coastal town called Liencres. The next day I walked to Boo and took the train to Mogro. St the advice of @Dave I walked on the old Camino route which was shorter and not a lot of traffic.

For other reasons I could not do your variation which at first I intended. It looks very nice.

Maybe it was the heat or maybe the motion (traffic) but even just walking west from Boo was just …..awful. I actually didn’t mind walking to Boo. I find some industrial walking to be interesting.

The OP should consider your alternative.

 

[DMMirjam]

I also was looking forward to nicer walking ground on the Primitivo, but still found plenty of asphalt, and a lot of the trail was very rocky. There were some spectacular views though.

Oh, that is really not what I wanted to hear: I do not mind rocky but asphalt is really killing my feet.

 

[peregrina2000]

Oh, that is really not what I wanted to hear: I do not mind rocky but asphalt is really killing my feet.

There are lots of coastal alternatives that are all on dirt trails. You may need a GPS to get from the Camino to those trails, but they are marvelous. And much easier on the feet.

See this old thread with lots of info.

 

[DMMirjam]

Thanks for reminding me of that collection of alternative. I kind of forget about them, though they actually brought me to this forum in the first place