Which is hillier, the Norte or the Primitivo?

peregrina nicole

RIP 2016

• Apr 5, 2015

• #1

Hello! My travelling companion Camino Bob is currently on the Norte on a bicycle (now in Bilbao). His knee is starting to act up, so he was wondering if he should continue along the Norte or turn onto the Primitivo at Vilaviciosa. He want's to take the less hillier route as it's the uphill bits that are hard on the knee. We've walked the Primitivo, which is lovely, but I remember there being a lot of up and down. We've never walked the Norte (apart from the last 100km). Any advice? He'll be taking a couple of rest days, but he still wants to do what is easiest for his knee.

 

evanlow

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

After 11 Caminos, want to Ruta de la Lana next...

• Apr 5, 2015

• #2

Continue on the Norte. Primitivo is hillier. There will be some hills on the Norte when going inland after Ribadeo but it more rolling hills.

 

Rajy62

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances 2013, Norte/primitivo 2014, vdlp (2015)

• Apr 5, 2015

• #3

Continue on the Norte for sure.

 

Theatregal

Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Most recent: Fall 2023 Aragonés, Frances

• Apr 5, 2015

• #4

I haven't walked the Norte but there are some intense ascents and descents on the Primitvo!

 

peregrina nicole

RIP 2016

• Apr 5, 2015

• #5

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll tell Camino Bob to stay on the Norte!

 

jpflavin1

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino 2024 unknown starting 4/1 from somewhere.

• Apr 5, 2015

• #6

peregrina nicole said:

Hello! My travelling companion Camino Bob is currently on the Norte on a bicycle (now in Bilbao). His knee is starting to act up, so he was wondering if he should continue along the Norte or turn onto the Primitivo at Vilaviciosa. He want's to take the less hillier route as it's the uphill bits that are hard on the knee. We've walked the Primitivo, which is lovely, but I remember there being a lot of up and down. We've never walked the Norte (apart from the last 100km). Any advice? He'll be taking a couple of rest days, but he still wants to do what is easiest for his knee.

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Most of the tough Norte Hills are in the earlier parts. The last third is far less hilly than the Primitivo, imo.

Ultreya,
Joe