Pilgrims coming by sea from the North, or those coming by land across France were obliged to pass through Oviedo on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The objective was to visit the holy remains in the San Salvador cathedral, considered by many to be of equal importance as the tomb of Santiago - including a piece of the Cross, thorns from Jesus' crown, and most importantly - the Holy Shroud.

From Oviedo, the route leads through the hills westward 308 km / 193 mi, across the deeply rural Asturian countryside, becoming progressively mountainous before crossing into Galicia, where elevations decrease as we approach Santiago. Our itinerary follows quiet country roads, dirt and grass tracks, old bridle paths and mountain trails, etc., through greener, much wilder, less populated and more physically challenging terrain than on the more well-traveled "French Way", and truly immerses the traveller in that unusual and magical environment that is the rural, green Celtic Iberia of Asturias and Galicia. Mountain biking this adventurous alternative route to Santiago de Compostela is challenging, but well-within the reach of anyone who maintains a moderate level of fitness.