The Salvador is short, but it won’t let go of you. From León you head into the Cantabrian Mountains, over the Pajares pass, then descend on the far side to Oviedo. An old saying goes: whoever goes to Santiago but not to the Salvador visits the servant and forgets the Lord.
First, León lets go of you slowly. Then the mountains begin to rise. On the second stage comes the first real blow: more than 400 metres of climbing in five kilometres. After that come long ascents and steep descents that really take it out of your legs. Few pilgrims walk this route and there are few facilities in the mountains, so carry food with you and walk with a plan. At the end, the cathedral of San Salvador awaits you in Oviedo. If you want to carry on to Santiago, you join the Camino Primitivo there.
This route is for fit walkers who are looking for peace and quiet and a serious challenge. It’s best walked in May or from August to October. In June and from November to April it is cool and wet, with up to 19 rainy days a month. A mountain pass like this is then a good deal less pleasant.