The Camino de Santiago from Ferrol
The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) from Ferrol is known as the English Way (or “Camino Inglés” in Spanish): The English Way has only one route, from Ferrol to Santiago, which became popular because most pilgrims who took this route to get to Santiago were from the British Isles and Ireland.
The English Way begins in the city of Ferrol, as this was the port where the pilgrims first arrived. Along our trek to Santiago, we will pass through many emblematic towns, such as Pontedeume or Betanzos.
We will also cross through the interior region of Galicia, which is known for its lush forests and green countryside.
Ferrol
Ferrol is an important coastal city in Galicia due to its port and strategic military position. We recommend visiting Ferrol’s white sandy beaches, where it is typical for people to go surfing.
Overnight: Ferrol
From Ferrol to Pontedeume
The port of Ferrol dates back to the 9th century, and this is where we will begin our hike. We will leave the city of Ferrol heading in the direction of the Monastery of San Martino de Xubio from the 8th century.
During our journey to the monastery we will get to enjoy walking along a beautiful coastal path. Once we reach the Monastery of San Martino de Xubio, we continue along the Camino de O Salto until reaching the banks of the Eume Estuary, where the Camino de O Salto joins the Camino Real.
Once in A Magdalena we can rest and enjoy its stunning beach, which is known for the color of its sand.
Length: 30 km
Overnight: Pontedeume
Optional: From Ferrol to Pontedeume with an overnight in Neda
If walking 30km in a single day is too much, we can choose to spend the night in the beautiful city of Neda, dividing the stage from Ferrol to Pontedeume into two stages of 15km each.
Length: 15 km and 15 km
Overnight: Neda
From Pontedeume to Betanzos
Once we leave Pontedeume, we will continue on our journey while enjoying some spectacular views over Betanzos, Ares and Ferrol. We will continue to follow the trail until reaching Miño, where we will get to cross a medieval stone bridge over the Baxoi River.
We will continue on our way along the coast until we reach the estuary of the Lambre River, from where we can take in beautiful views of the Betanzos Rias and its marshes. In Betanzos we can check out various artistic and historic buildings.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Betanzos
From Betanzos to Bruma
We will continue to follow the English Way crossing the Mendo River on the As Cascas bridge. We will pass through some quiet villages surrounded by a rural and agricultural environment. We will continue on to Bruma, a town which is popular for its medieval hospital.
Length: 24 km
Overnight: Bruma
From Bruma to Sigüeiro
As we leave Bruma we will enter the green countryside of Ordes. We will pass by the Church of San Xiao and the Casanova village before ultimately arriving at Sigüeiro.
Length: 29 km
Overnight: Sigüeiro
From Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela
Upon leaving the town of Sigüeiro, we will cross the bridge over the Tambre River. The trail continues parallel to the river until we reach Fontana de Inglés, where we will continue on our way until reaching Meixonfrio, a historically popular place where pilgrims would rest.
We will continue until we reach Santiago de Compostela, where we can admire its magnificent cathedral and enjoy the city’s unique charm.
Length: 11 km
Overnight: antiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
The English Way ends in Santiago de Compostela. We recommend thoroughly visiting the city center before returning home, so please feel free to ask us about additional nights or tours in the historic center of the city.
Trips to Finisterre or the Cíes Islands are also recommended.
End of our services.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to make the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to live a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodations with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can't offer any of them due to capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are available subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Ferrol
Pontedeume
Neda
Betanzos
Bruma Meson do Vento
Sigüeiro
Santiago de Compostela
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Luggage transport between stages.
Complete itinerary of the route.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Informative dossier on the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room.
Extra night in Santiago.
Transfer from Santiago (includes airport) to Ferrol.
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
In order to resolve the doubts of all pilgrims, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your inquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your doubts.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they carry out these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
We will talk to you now about the Camino Ingles, one of the most travelled routes of the Camino de Santiago in general. By the way, we will also talk about what are the most characteristic and interesting enclaves on this route and all the advantages that it has to complete it with Santiago Ways.
A great number of adventures and unforgettable experiences are waiting for you with the Camino Ingles . Be attentive and read to the end because I’m sure you’ll be interested.
Why choose the Camino Ingles to Santiago?
1.- Unlike other routes on the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Ingles is not as crowded as the rest. That means it will be much easier for us to find accommodation and lodging along the route. This is especially guaranteed when you do it with us as we offer you the best and most charming accommodations.
2.-The Camino Ingles is one of the most genuine: in large part due to the little that passes, the Camino Ingles offers originality and authenticity difficult to find on other routes. That is why if what you are looking for is the true spirit of the ancient pilgrims we recommend you follow this route.
3.-It allows you to enjoy nature to its fullest: Another advantage that the Camino Ingles has compared to other alternatives is that it does not go through degraded environments as a result of the pilgrims’ passage.
4.-There are usually no bicycles: although this is a disadvantage for those who want to practice the Camino by bike , it is an advantage for the pilgrims who walk it. The minimum distance to obtain the accreditation of having made the Camino de Santiago on any of its routes is 200 km by bike.
As the road from Ferrol to Santiago (the Camino de Santiago Ingles) is 100 km, cyclists do not usually do so for not obtaining such accreditation. This makes those who do it walking have it all to themselves.
Information about the route of the Camino Ingles de Santiago
It must be said that the Camino Ingles is named after the nationality of the pilgrims who used to do it. The Camino Ingles begins in the city of Ferrol. From there he sets a course for Santiago, where it ends.
So then, this route was originally taken by those who landed in Spain from northern latitudes. Among them, of course, there were many English. That’s exactly where its name comes from. It has a total length of 96 km.
The Camino Ingles is divided into six stages. These are composed of three days from La Coruña and five from Ferrol. All the paths converge in the small village of Bruma. We are talking about a route that has several of the essential characteristics of the Camino de Santiago in general: coastal stretches, rural areas and forests.
It Is worth mentioning the great state in which all the route is to be found, as well as the great peculiarity of all its route in regard to the type of landscape.
Route of the Camino Ingles to Santiago
Maps of the Camino Ingles to Santiago
We enclose the necessary and relevant maps below so that you can organize your route correctly along the Camino Ingles .
Ferrol – Pontedeume
Map stage from Ferrol to Pontedeume
Pontedeume – Betanzos
Map stage from Pontedeume to Betanzos
Betanzos – Hospital de Bruma
Map stage from Betanzos to Bruma
Hospital de Bruma – Sigueiro
Map stage from Bruma to Sigueiro
Sigueiro – Santiago de Compostela
Map stage from Sigueiro to Santiago de Compostela
Profiles of the Camino Ingles to Santiago
We will now talk about the profile of the Camino Ingles. That is to say, its type of relief, as well as its altitude and difficulty along the Camino Ingles. This data is very important when choosing which route we want to take. So to calculate the difficulty of the Camino Ingles, we must take it into account.
With regard to this, we must say that the Camino Ingles to Santiago is one of the most affordable for anyone because it has hardly any slopes and passes through the ground on the way of Ferrol. They are more than prepared for a pilgrimage like this and will allow us to carry it out with all possible comforts.
Ferrol – Pontedeume
Profile stage from Ferrol to Pontedeume
Pontedeume – Betanzos
Profile stage from Pontedeume to Betanzos
Betanzos – Hospital de Bruma
Profile stage from Betanzos to Bruma
Hospital de Bruma – Sigueiro
Profile stage from Bruma to Sigueiro
Sigueiro – Santiago de Compostela
Profile stage from Sigueiro to Santiago de Compostela
Stages on foot of the Camino Ingles
We want to detail also the stages of which the Camino Ingles is made up. All the information that we have to be able to carry out our pilgrimage is essential. The 96 kilometres of the Camino Ingles would be distributed in the following stages:
- Stage from Ferrol to Pontedeume
- Stage from Pontedeume to Betanzos
- Stage from Betanzos to Bruma Meson do vento
- Stage from Bruma Meson do vento to Sigüeiro
- Stage from Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela
Stages by bike on the Camino Ingles
Despite the warning that we have made in reference to the issue of accreditations for those who want to do it by bicycle, it is possible to do so in spite of this, and it is in fact highly recommended because this road runs along the way of Ferrol, which in many sections is asphalted and in perfect condition for the transit of bicycles.
How long does the Camino Ingles de Santiago take?
The Camino Ingles, like all possible routes of the Camino de Santiago</a have variable durability. In fact, this will depend on several factors that, for example, go through the amount of effort we want to make on each stage, our rhythm, weather conditions or, why not, the desire we have to enjoy the scenery.
Considering these circumstances, we can say that the duration of the Camino Ingles will vary: for the case in which it is done with us normally, it usually takes six days that can be lengthened to seven or eight depending if some optional stages are added.
In the case of people travelling by bicycle, the duration of the Camino Ingles is also relative. According to the capacity of each pilgrim and the state of fitness, the Camino Ingles can be made in 2 stages or in more.
Although for someone who has good physical fitness, it’s feasible to do it in 2 stages, we recommend, in the case that you feel that you need to increase the number of days, you should. Always remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and not to rush.
The most reserved routes on the Camino Ingles
Among all the possible options of the Camino de Santiago, it must be said that the Camino Ingles only has one possible route. This route starts in the city of Ferrol and ends in Santiago de Compostela. The Total stretch is 96 kilometres, which are in a total of 6 nights and 7 days.
There is the option to book breakfast and dinner or only breakfast. With Santiago Ways it is possible to make the reservation to enjoy it all year round.
Best time to do the Camino Ingles to Santiago de Compostela
We want to talk to you about what is the best time to do the Camino Ingles . Although ultimately it will depend on the preferences of each person choosing one time or another, it is very advisable to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of each season.
They are precisely those of which we will talk to you about next. We hope that it will be useful to decide on which time you prefer to live your own adventure.
Spring
Spring is a time when the weather can be more unstable than in others. However, we will be able to enjoy the scenery in its maximum splendour.
We will also get away from the extreme temperatures of the rest of the year: In most cases, this can be a problem although in the case of the Camino Ingles and for passing near the coast, it offers us stable temperatures throughout the year.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time among pilgrims. It is inconvenient that in most cases we will have more difficulty finding accommodation.
This problem is solved if we decide to make our trip with Santiago Ways. On the other hand, it must be said that in the case of the Camino Ingles, the temperatures will be very mild.
Autumn
Autumn can often have great incentives for some pilgrims as a result of the beauty that their landscapes can offer. Likewise, it is a time when we will move away from the great extremes of temperature. Nor is there much overcrowding during this time.
Winter
Winter can have very low temperatures in the north of Spain and especially on some routes that run through mountain or interior areas. In the case of the Camino Ingles, it is not a problem because of its proximity to the sea. That is, we will have to be very well protected against the possible precipitations.
Guide to the places you cannot miss on the Camino Ingles to Santiago
In the next section, we provide some points of interest that you cannot miss as well as the best places to eat and stay.
Places of interest
The Military Church of San Francisco is a neoclassical church in Ferrol built in the 18th century in the Plaza Juan Sebastián Elcano and is located on the remains of the old Convent of San Francisco, belonging to the 14th century.
In Betanzos, it is worth highlighting the Church of Santo Domingo, from the 16th century, along with the Arco da Ponte Vella. Also in Betanzos, it is advisable to visit the Church of Santa Maria de Do Azougue and the Convent of San Francisco.
In Bruma, in addition to its historical collection, we must visit its chapel. It is very interesting because it is an old Gothic Hospital from Mesía. Now, it’s a hostel. Close to Santiago is the English fountain and the Barciela Church.
Where to sleep – The best accommodation
In Santiago Ways we select the best accommodation so you can be pampered as you deserve and you can rest after a long day. We take care to offer you the best accommodation in houses and rural hotels such as the following:
Where to eat – The best restaurants
Mesón O´Pote. In Betanzos, there is this magnificent inn where we will be able to enjoy the main specialities of the whole region and give ourselves a good homage after a hard stage.
Towns like Sigrás or Dogro are great stops to try some of their own specialities such as empanadas, octopus or their beef and cheeses. Do not miss them because it is very worthwhile.
In O Burgo de Santiago, we can stop at the O Faiado restaurant, where the portions are more than generous and the food is popular and very close to the land.
Origin of the Camino Ingles to Santiago
The English name comes from their pilgrims. Indeed, the majority of pilgrims who made this road since the Middle Ages came from latitudes of northern Europe. Therefore, they used to disembark in Finisterre and in La Coruña and then from there they were heading to Santiago.
That is why they did not do the same route as the rest of the pilgrims and made it in a north-south direction. It was, in fact, very successful as reflected in the chronicles of the time.
For example, in 1434, we are told that more than 3000 pilgrims landed in La Coruña with the intention of making the Camino Ingles. People of different nationalities (also from Belgium, Holland, etc.) joined this pilgrimage and made it more and more crowded.
With the passage of time, it has become one of the easiest ways for those who want to start this adventure. It has good infrastructure and is actually gaining a lot of popularity in recent years.
All this and added to the best-preserved heritage of all the routes makes the Camino Ingles</a an excellent option that we hope you discover with Santiago Ways.
The Camino Ingles with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino Ingles
Other users’ opinions about the Camino Ingles
And so you can get an idea of what other people who have already experienced this experience with us think, here we leave some of their comments.
Photos and videos of the Camino Ingles
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino Frances
- Camino Portugues
- Camino Portugues coastal route
- Camino del Norte
- Camino de Finisterre
- Camino Ingles
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
