It begins in the old Asturian capital of Oviedo and runs west to Lugo and then south to Santiago de Compostela joining[2] the more popular French Way in Melide for the last two hiking days.

The King left his capital, Oviedo, in the year 814 to travel to the present location of the city of Santiago de Compostela, at the time known as Libredon [gl].

[4] Alfonso built the original shrine to Saint James on the spot of the discovery of the remains by Pelayo and Theodemir.

The route has been growing rapidly in popularity in recent years, with corresponding improvements to waymarking and thanks to the provision of hostel accommodation for pilgrims (the so-called albergues).

[6] The distance from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela is 100 km, which makes this last section eligible to receive the certificate of accomplishment.