English Way from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela: 5 stages

Information about the trip: English Way from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela: 5 stages

The English Route of the Saint James Way or Camino Inglés was the most popular with seafaring pilgrims from the north of Europe, who over the ages sailed to the northern coast of Galicia from Scandinavia, Flanders, England, Scotland and Ireland. They made their way to destinations such as Ribadeo, Viveiro, or to Ferrol and Corunna. These last two coastal enclaves that constitute the starting points of the two possible itineraries, that make up the Way’s English Route.

The 70-mile journey from Ferrol (118 km) is the minimum distance required to apply for your “Compostela” certificate.

Travel itinerary (Summary)

DAY 1: Arrival to Ferrol
DAY 2: Stage 1, Ferrol, Pontedeume 27,7 km 3/5
DAY 3: Stage 2, Pontedeume, Betanzos 19,7 km 2/5
DAY 4: Stage 3, Betanzos, Hospital De Brumas 24 km 3/5
DAY 5: Stage 4, Hospital De Brumas, Sigüeiro 24,4 km 2/5
DAY 6: Stage 5, Sigüeiro, Santiago De Compostela 15,7 km 1/5
DAY 7: Return

Travel itinerary (Detailed)

ProgramDAY
1

Arrival to Ferrol

118 km/ 70 mi separate the start of this itinerary from Santiago de Compostela, the final destination.
Fill in your pilgrim’s passport and get ready to start the Way, without forgetting to visit this small town before you leave.
Ferrol is full of history, with an abundance of prehistoric remains, and has been a naval stronghold in various wars.
The architecture reflects this depth of history and the city centre is a delight to wander around. Add its excellent seafood and friendly locals and you have one of Spain’s hidden gems.
ProgramDAY
2

Stage 1, from Ferrol to Pontedeume

Distance : 27,7 km Difficulty : 3/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. The first stage of the Way is reasonably flat, so don't be put off by the 31km distance.
On leaving the city of Ferrol, you will go past the 8th century monastery of San Martino de Xubio. You will then experience some clifftop walking with views over some beautiful beaches, before arriving in Pontedeume.
It is possible to shorten the stage 10 km, walking by the bridge above the river (ría).
ProgramDAY
3

Stage 2, from Pontedeume to Betanzos

Distance : 19,7 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. The route rises up out of Pontedeume, giving you a spectacular view back over Ferrol.
The route then follows the wild Galician coast on the part of the route which is shared with the Royal Route or Camino Real.
You will eventually come to the broad estuary of the Lambre River which offers great views over the Rias de Betanzos and the surrounding wetlands.
Your overnight stop in Betanzos has some of the most interesting architecture in Galicia.
ProgramDAY
4

Stage 3, from Betanzos to Hospital De Brumas

Distance : 24 km Difficulty : 3/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. The coast is now left behind and walkers head inland across farmlands.
Most of the day is spent walking uphill.
You can use a transfer to miss out some kilometres at the end of the stage to reach your accommodation (7 km off)
ProgramDAY
5

Stage 4, from Hospital De Brumas to Sigüeiro

Distance : 24,4 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Today’s walk takes in some of the greenest landscapes in Spain. Though be warned, these landscapes are so green because it rains a lot outside of the summer months, so rainwear is recommended.
Your walk down into the delightful town of Marantes brings the penultimate stage of the Camino Inglés.
ProgramDAY
6

Stage 5, from Sigüeiro to Santiago De Compostela

Distance : 15,7 km Difficulty : 1/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Your first port of call on leaving Marantes will be the town of Siguero. From here you will cross the river into the municipality of Santiago.
You will soon reach Meixonfrio, an old pilgrim resting point, before reaching the pre-Roman hill fort, where pilgrims traditionally leave a pebble. This makes for a fitting gesture before you continue on to the glorious city of Santiago where your walk will come to an end in the shadow of the grand Cathedral.
Your arrival will be a triumphant one: standing in front of the huge Cathedral in Santiago, admiring its mythical Romanesque portal (Portico de la Gloria) and touching the image of Saint James on the main altar is an experience you will never forget
ProgramDAY
7

Return

If you plan to go to the daily pilgrim mass in the Cathedral at 12 o’clock, we suggest you go early (at least 45 minutes beforehand).
Later, you can go to the Pilgrims Office to pick up your “Compostela”, the official document that certifies you as a pilgrim who has completed the Way of Saint James.

Included

6 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel: 1 bag max. 20kg/ 44 lbs per person)
Travel insurance.
Credencial (Pilgrim's passport)
Maps and tracks of the stages.
Telephone assistance (English-speaking)