Traveling to the camino
You are welcome Naneen.
The Primitive route is also known as the "Original Way", as the first pilgrims are said to have travelled to Santiago from the primitive kingdom of Asturia in the north. It could be the route taken by King Alphonso 11 who played a role in confirming that the remains found in Compostela belonged to the apostle St James.
The route from Oviedo marked the starting point of the Original Way.
You can read all about it on the Xacobeo website -
http://www.xacobeo.es/2006/index.asp?id ... idIdioma=3
You could also ask for a free booklet called "The Original Way" by mailing them at:
informacion.xacobeo@xunta.es
Just a comment on not walking to the cathedral in Santiago. Besides perhaps the road to Finisterre, all caminos (roads) lead to the Santiago Cathedral!
In my opinion, walking into the Obradoiro Square and seeing the cathedral is like the 'full stop' of the journey; or the cherry on the cake; or the dessert after dinner!
For me, not walking into Santiago would be like walking the Via Francigena and stopping short of St Peter's; or climbing the Jomson trek and not going to Muktinah; or travelling to Agra and not seeing the Taj Mahal....... etc etc
Put San'Tiago on your schedule - you won't be sorry - after all, there would be no Primitive Way or any other way without old Jimmy resting there in Compostela!
Big pilgrim hugs,