Soto de Luiña

Camino del Norte

To end of camino
278.5
Altitude
15

Mumayor

2.80

Soto de Luiña

19.90

Cadavedo

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Train
Yes

The Iglesia de Santa María was once a hospital for pilgrims. Those pilgrims, like today’s pilgrims, had to choose between two westward routes. They did not have maps or gps or Pepe who gives a description of the following days walk every night at 7pm at the municipal albergue.

Keep in mind that Pepe was part of the group that waymarked the Ballota route, so his opinions are somewhat biased. Choose the option that suits you best.

If you arrive early, consider an extra 2km to the beach, signed.

The Road

From Soto de Luiña there are two different routes to take. Both are well waymarked and the split is evident. It occurs along the road and there is a marker with two shells indicating which direction to go.

Option 1: ‌Mountain Route - 19.9

This route is entirely mountain walking and is far and away the most scenic option. As the name suggests it takes you up to and along the ridge of the mountain. If you chose this route be sure to pack enough food and water as there are no services along the way. At the point where the camino splits, the Mountain Route turns left and begins to climb.

Option 2: ‌Road / Ballota Route - 19.5

Although this route does not reach great heights, it does do a considerable amount of climbing and descending; it is essentially a long series of switchback shortcuts that parallel the road. A word of caution is in order. Because this route frequently joins the road it is necessary to keep a watch for all the arrows which take you away from it. Although you will reach your destination if you stay on the road, you will walk a great deal farther and do a lot more up and down. There are quite a few more services along this route. To follow it, simply keep to the road where the split occurs.

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

We took the mountain route in June 2022 and it was fantastic. Very well marked and a relatively easy walk (whenever you look ahead and it seems as though you have a steep incline to a peak, the Camino goes around the mountain side - safely!!) Spectacular views of the sea and hills. There is a very short bit on the road during the route, during which a man in his car stopped and told us we should go down to the coastal path - nothing after this was particularly difficult, not sure why the encouragement of the road way when the mountain route is so beautiful and not too difficult!!

Camino de Sant…

Its exxeptionally well marked! All markings are NEW! Mountain route is NOT difficult, almost no Steel sections. But its very Beautiful and relaxing. I highly suggest to take it!!

Camino de Sant…

One of the best albergue to stay. Elena and her husband makes your day! Clean, very nice beds with linnen. Delicious food and wine. Nice showers. Call her in advance to check if there are places left for the night as she plans to reduce bed places. A bit of the toad, but it is worth it!

Camino de Sant…

The mountain route is not maintained and poorly marked. The shells point in weird directions, there’s tons of grass and plant overgrowth on the trail. We felt like the only people to do it in months. We made the mistake to go in the rain and had to bail part way through. Don’t do it!!!! (Unless it’s sunny and you are prepared to check the map constantly). The Ballota Route (after Ballota, the part we walked) was really pleasant with hidden beaches.

Camino de Sant…

So nice to be able to get off the road and in to slightly challenging terrain. The way marks are fewer and there is NO fountain or supplies so pack well. If you are reading this , you have the app . I checked it pretty regularly and really enjoyed this stage.

Camino de Sant…

One of the best albergue to stay. Elena and her husband makes your day! Clean, very nice beds with linnen. Delicious food and wine. Nice showers. Call her in advance to check if there are places left for the night as she plans to reduce bed places. A bit of the toad, but it is worth it!

Camino de Sant…

It’s not on the list, but it’s a brand new Albergue. Elena made us feel right at home. Delicious lentil soup and salad and wine for dinner. Really welcoming. Definitely recommend!!