Stages on the Camino Ingles: Walking through rural Galicia

Camino Inglés: A Rural Camino Route

The stages of the Camino Inglés are an excellent option for those looking for a short, well-marked Camino de Santiago route filled with beautiful Galician rural landscapes. If you are planning to walk this pilgrimage in 2026, here you will find the full route from Ferrol to Santiago, including distances, difficulty levels, and highlights of each stage.

The Camino Inglés is one of the best Camino routes for pilgrims with limited time. From Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela, it covers just over 120 kilometers through the heart of Galicia, combining urban sections, historical heritage, charming villages, and plenty of nature.

If you are looking for a peaceful, authentic route that is less crowded than some of the more popular Camino options, the Camino Inglés could be the perfect choice for you.

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Map and Characteristics of the Camino Inglés

Although the Camino Inglés runs entirely through Galicia, it is not considered a particularly difficult route. It is not as flat as the Camino Portugués, but its elevation changes are usually moderate and manageable for someone with a normal level of fitness.

The classic route from Ferrol is usually divided into 5 stages, although some pilgrims prefer to adapt the route and split the longer days into shorter stages to walk more comfortably.

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Stage 1: From Ferrol to Pontedeume

The first stage of the Camino Inglés connects Ferrol and Pontedeume, with an approximate distance of 30 km. It is a long day to begin with, so many people choose to divide it into two stages by staying overnight in Neda, or study alternative options depending on their pace and experience.

What to Expect on This Stage

For a large part of the route, you will walk through urban and industrial areas, especially at the beginning. One of the least attractive sections is the stretch through A Gándara, although the stage also offers beautiful views of the estuary and the coastal landscape.

Difficulty

It is not a technically difficult stage, but it can feel long. The main effort comes from some uphill stretches, such as the climb towards Vilar do Colo.

Highlights Along the Route

• Ferrol, with its naval and maritime tradition
• Neda, with its historic center and the Church of San Nicolás
• Pontedeume, one of the most charming stage endings on the route

Stage 2: From Pontedeume to Betanzos

The second stage covers around 20 km and is one of the most beautiful for those looking for nature. Here, the Camino Inglés shows more clearly its rural, green, and peaceful side.

What to Expect on This Stage

You will find constant ascents and descents, pleasant paths, and landscapes that are very representative of inland Galicia. If it has rained, some sections may be slippery, so it is advisable to walk carefully.

Highlights Along the Route

• Miño, with its coastal surroundings
• The Church of San Martiño de Tiobre
• Betanzos, one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Camino

Stage 3: From Betanzos to Bruma

For many pilgrims, this is the most demanding stage of the route. The distance is around 24 km, so many people decide to divide it if they want to walk the Camino at a more relaxed pace.

Difficulty

It is a long stage, with more noticeable elevation changes than the previous ones. One of the highest points of the Camino Inglés is reached here, so it is advisable to start early and carry water and some food.

What Makes This Stage Special

It is one of the most solitary and rural stages of the Camino Inglés. You will pass through small villages and areas with few services, but in return you will enjoy a very authentic, agricultural, and peaceful side of Galicia.

Stage 4: From Bruma to Sigüeiro

The fourth stage has an approximate distance of 24 km and usually feels easier than the previous one. The terrain is comfortable and the overall profile is gentler.

What to Expect on This Stage

You will walk along paved tracks and easy dirt paths to follow. In addition, as you get closer to Santiago, more towns with services begin to appear.

Highlight Along the Route

Sigüeiro, the gateway to the Santiago area and a practical stage ending to rest before the final day.

Stage 5: From Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela

The final stage covers around 16.5 km to the Cathedral of Santiago. It is an accessible, emotional stage and perfect for enjoying the end of the pilgrimage.

What to Expect on This Stage

The route combines a more rural first section with a gradual entrance into the urban surroundings of Santiago de Compostela. As you get closer to the end, the excitement of arriving increases.

Why Choose the Camino Inglés in 2026

In 2026, the Camino Inglés continues to be one of the best options for those looking for a route that is:

• short and manageable in just a few days
• less crowded than the Camino Francés
• well signposted
• full of Galician identity
• ideal for combining nature, history, and tranquility

In addition, it is a very interesting route for pilgrims who already know other busier Camino routes and want to discover a different alternative.

Practical Tips for Walking the Camino Inglés

Before starting your journey, keep these recommendations in mind:

• Check the distances carefully, especially on the first and third stages
• Carry enough water and some food for sections with fewer services
• Wear footwear that has already been tested and broken in
• Check the weather forecast before each stage
• Book your accommodation in advance if you are traveling during high season

A Brief History of the Camino Inglés

The Camino Inglés originated with pilgrims from Great Britain, Ireland, and other northern European countries, who arrived by sea at Galician ports before continuing on foot to Santiago de Compostela. Ferrol became one of the main starting points of this historic route, which still preserves a very distinctive character today.

Conclusion

The stages of the Camino Inglés allow pilgrims to discover a rural, green, and peaceful side of Galicia, making it an ideal route for those who want to experience the Camino de Santiago in just a few days without giving up authenticity. It is an easy route to organize, rich in history, and filled with landscapes that invite you to walk at a relaxed pace.

If you would like to enjoy the route with greater comfort, at Santiago Ways we organize the Camino Inglés with carefully selected accommodations, luggage transfer service, and 24/7 assistance, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the experience.

Buen Camino.