About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
Lugo to Santiago de Compostela
The last stretch of the Camino Primitivo, also called the Original Way, starts in Lugo and takes 6 nights, with just over 97km of walking. It is much easier than the first half of the route from Oviedo. Lugo's Roman wall runs for more than 2km around the old town. It is the best-preserved Roman wall in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its food, and many bars serve free pinchos when you order a drink. If you travel in October, you can catch the traditional San Froilán festival.
The Camino Primitivo is one of the oldest Camino routes, and perhaps the oldest, with plenty of historical interest along the way. It suits pilgrims who want a quieter, more rural walk, with long stretches where it will be just you and your thoughts. If you complete this last 100km on foot, you can get your Compostela Certificate.
Forests, farmland and the French Way
The trail leaves Lugo by the Cathedral and through the Porta Miñá. It goes on to the quarter of San Lázaro and crosses the old Roman Bridge. A few kilometres on, you pass Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, a national monument and museum with some of the most fascinating early medieval paintings in the Iberian Peninsula. From there the path runs through farms and woodland to San Román da Retorta. It follows old Roman paved roads, crosses medieval bridges and uses ancient tracks that are still in use, linking villages and hamlets such as Seixalvo, Xende, Ferreira, Merlán and Toques.
At Melide the Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, and from here you will see many more pilgrims. Melide's pulperías serve pulpo (octopus), Galicia's classic dish, and the town is known for melindres, its traditional aniseed cakes. Forest tracks, streams and meadows lead on to Boente, with its Santiago Church, and through Ribadiso to Arzúa. Arzúa is in dairy country, so try the local cheese. The town has the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.
The final stages into Santiago
Peaceful forests, small hamlets and quiet country roads take you past the chapel of Santa Irene, known for its St James statues, to Pedrouzo, a town of hórreos (granaries) and granite farmhouses. On the last walking day you pass Amenal and Lavacolla, where pilgrims once washed in the river before reaching Santiago. The path climbs through eucalyptus to Monte do Gozo, the Mount of Joy, which has a large sculpture marking John Paul II's visit. You then walk down into Santiago along Rúa de San Pedro and enter the UNESCO-listed old town through the Porta do Camiño.
Hotels and getting there
You stay in hotels and guesthouses of up to 3 stars, chosen for their character. They are in town centres close to the trail, and every room has an en-suite bathroom. If a hotel is ever a few kilometres off the route, transport to and from it is arranged.
From Santiago de Compostela airport, a direct bus runs to Lugo bus station five times a day and takes about 2h30. There is also a bus from Madrid Barajas airport to Lugo three times a day, which takes 6h30 to 7h30. To go home, a shuttle bus runs from Santiago city centre to the airport every 30 minutes. Private transfers can be arranged on request.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
