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It is possible for a 70 year old to walk the Primitivo. You might want to look at Sara Dhooma's Primitivo videos on the youtube, and bear the season in mind. Another thing that jumps out at me in your initial post is that you don't mention what kind of shape the land in your area has. If it's flat, you will want to find a way to build up your uphill strength and your knees, IMHO.
Thanks for this - and all the other - replies. I have family in Northern Spain (on the Norte at Boo de Pielagos) so was thinking of starting from there to Oviedo and joining the Primitivo. I take your point about weather but it's always going to be a bit of a gamble.
Yeah, it’s that gamble that I’m hoping maybe you can hedge a little if you allow the possibility of different routes (assuming you can’t change the timeframe).
If you can walk the Norte you can walk the Primitivo.
I was thinking the same thing.
Well, for comparison, I'm 69 and just did the Primitivo, Fisterre and Ingles, in Sept./Oct., in that order. I too am a runner (for 42 years) and had little problem with any of them. I think that you'll be fine, especially since you're experienced at it.
Hi Bob
I'm 70, and just walked the Primitivo, after SJPP to Burgos, then the Invierno. Agree that you will need to watch the weather, especially for the Hospedales. Go at your own pace, and you'll be fine.
I was your age, Bob, when I walked the Norte and Primitivo in September and early October two years ago. One of the ideal times of year, I would say, although I walked the Norte in spring a few years ago and that was equally delightful. In autumn, you will probably experience some dense mists in the higher parts, Pola de Allande, for example. If you use a good guide book (such as Wise Pilgrim) you will have sound advice about the alternative route to take, if necessary. Plan in advance and you will find that there is no real problem with albergues now, and that there is no need for any particularly long days. The Primitivo is generally well marked, but in the more remote parts it is easy to miss your way in poor weather. I would strongly advise you to carry a compass, although many pilgrims don't seem to bother. (Perhaps they keep their mobiles phones on instead!) That said, I had no problems and enjoyed myself enormously. Finally, two nights spent in Oviedo and Lugo are well worthwhile if you have the time - they are fascinating towns. Best wishes, Tom
Hello Bob,
I walked in 2017 at 73 and had no trouble. I found it much easier than people said it was. I cannot see you having any trouble if you are in any kind of reasonable shape. Go for it !!
Hi there. I am a pretty fit 64 year old and I did the 6 hardest stages of the Primitivo in September 2019. I found it to be physically demanding but well within my compass. The scenery especially, in Asturias, was breath-taking and the overnight stops were all interesting. The locals were all very supportive. I would recommend going for it. Buen Camino.
It certainly is. I was 75 at the time and my husband was 80. If you have done the Norte, I doubt you would find the Primitivo any more difficult.
too. Ultreia
We enjoyed stopping for an early afternoon break at that restaurant following the steep downhill switchbacks. The views feom the terrace were amazing and we decided to spend the night at the adjoined hotel. No regrets and it was a favorite memory on the Primitivo.
I walked the Primitivo in 2018 and I was 78. It is tougher than the CF but if you are fit and know your limitations you should be OK. I tried to limit my walk to 20klms a day. I did not attempt the Hospitales route and went via Pola de Allande. It turned out to be just as difficult but it made it a shorter day.
I walked the first part of Norte, then turned onto the Primitivo at Oviedo. Glad I did. That was in 2017, age 66. I didn’t think it difficult. Sometimes I called ahead (by noon) if I thought there might be a crush (never was) and the albergue took reservations. Gronze is great. If you do Primitivo, consider taking the Hospidales route - highest, most scenic part. Norte and Primitivo were both enjoyable walks. I’d have no hesitation doing it again at age 70. Enjoy.
Of course it is feasible. I'm 77 and just did it and the San Salvador
Actually, the route from Pola de Allande is MORE difficult than the route from Hospitales in terms of elevation. From the place where the camino splits for Hospitales and Pola de Allande, if you go to Pola, you have to descend 400 more meters. That means that the ascent from Pola to the pass is 400 m more ascent than the ascent over Hospitales. That is a non-trivial amount of added ascent.
Me too
I agree... and maybe will see you if you do the VdlP as I'll be starting April 8th,,, unless I change my mind... again
Bob , forget the age mate , just go.
I start walking out of Seville on April 7...perhaps we'll meet on the WayI agree... and maybe will see you if you do the VdlP as I'll be starting April 8th,,, unless I change my mind... again
