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The Camino Inglés
~ The Shortest Full Camino de Santiago
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What is the Camino Inglés? The delightful English Way, as it is also known, is a short pilgrimage, that is challenging, yet accessible. This route guides pilgrims from Spain's northern coast to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela.
This Camino de Santiago is an ideal choice for first-time pilgrims to see if walking the ancient pilgrimage routes is really for you. The shorter, English way allows you to experience a pilgrimage without committing to a much longer route!
In the northwest corner of Spain is a region known as Galicia, the home for the Christian sacred site at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The entire Camino Inglés stays within this region, a lush and humid, temperate marine climate. Rain can be expected in this very Celtic-influenced part of the world, in almost any season. The dialect spoken here is a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese, a local dialect called Gallego.
How Long is the English Camino? There are two routes; the one starting in Ferrol is 115 kilometers total, and the shorter route from A Coruña is 75 kilometers. Please continue reading for more detailed information!
When is the Best Time to Walk the Camino Inglés? The spring and fall are the best times to walk for good reason - the weather is more pleasant with warm days and cool nights. However, you never really know what the future weather will bring!
The best way to predict what type of weather you will have is by going to Weather Spark for past climate averages. I typed in "Ferrol" for a starter look, but you can change it to any city along the Way to see what to expect. Choose your month according to your preferences
How Busy is the English Way? According to the Pilgrim's Office Statistics from the the Cathedral in Santiago, the English Way is now the 4th busiest Camino! Wow, has that changed over the years! However, there are way fewer pilgrims on this Camino compared to the French and Portuguese Ways. Compare 28k for the English Way to 236k and 170k respectively. Quite a bit of difference!
Also according these statistics, May through September are the busiest months of the year by far, with August as the busiest, followed by September, then May.
How Much Will it Cost Per Person, Per Day for the Camino Inglés? Traveling in Spain is much cheaper than other European destinations. According to some 2025 polls, a few pilgrims can get buy on less than 20€/day, but the highest percentage of pilgrims spend about 40-50€/day.
As a pilgrim, you can economize by staying in the government-supported albergues, only purchasing your food in the supermarkets and cooking for yourself or eating cold foods. I met a pilgrim who ate nothing but bread and cheese his entire Camino!
Many pilgrim's carry a heating coil to heat hot water to make instant beverages, soups and other meals to help economize. There are at least microwaves in most albergues and many other pilgrim-oriented places.
The governing body of Galicia, the Xunta de Galica charges only 10 Euros at this time for a dormitory bed. Most of the Xunta albergues have kitchens, but not all have kitchen utensils with which to cook. Most private albergues have cooking capabilities, but they can cost about 15-20€ or more.
The most expensive option is to stay in hotels and casa rurals (country homes), especially if you are a single! Use my interactive map, by scrolling down, to see prices for comparison.
What is the Best Packing List for the English Way? I get asked this question constantly, so I put together a suggested packing list for you! Not every item is essential depending on your specific needs, but it is a great place to start!
“The boat is safer anchored at the port; but that’s not the aim of boats.” ~ Paulo Coelho, "The Pilgrimage"
🙋♀️ Why Trust Us at the Pilgrimage Traveler?
We’re not a travel agency ~ we’re pilgrims, just like you.
We've walked Pilgrimage Routes Across Europe!
💬 We’ve:
- Gotten lost so you don’t have to. 😉
- Followed yellow arrows in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
- Slept in albergues, hostals & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way. 🛌 😴
- Created detailed and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels. 🧭 🗺️
- Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨
Every detail is from our own experiences ~ no fluff, no AI rewrite. Just fellow pilgrims sharing the way. We add a touch of spirituality, a big dose of ❤️ and lots of wisdom from the road.
Ultreia and Safe Pilgrimage Travels, Caminante! 💫 💚 🤍
Interactive Google Map of the Camino Inglés
Almost all place names in Galicia have two different names, one Spanish and one Gallego. This can make reading maps confusing at times. The port city of A Coruña in Gallego, is La Coruña in Spanish! I know only basic Spanish, yet I could recognize the difference between the two languages. In fact, to me it seemed like Portuguese was more influential!
Here’s my GPS-based map, that I created just for fellow pilgrims, and which I have uploaded to Google Maps. As an added bonus, I have added features to each map, to include accommodations, eateries, fountains, churches and more, useful information for pilgrims. Tap any icon to learn about accommodations, eateries, and more.
The map below is fully interactive. Use it on this webpage, like a maps-only guide to the Camino!
If you wish to open and retain this map on your own device, navigate to this route's Google sharing link. The map that opens on the device you are currently using will have all these same features you will need to plan a successful pilgrimage!
*STEP-BY-STEP TIPS: USING MY INTERACTIVE GOOGLE MAPS:
On a Laptop:
- Initial View: Click "View larger map" (upper-right).
- Re-access: Go to maps.google.com → "Saved" icon (left taskbar) → "Maps" (far right).
On a Mobile Device (Google Maps App - Recommended):
- Initial View: Tap "View larger map" (upper-right). May open in app or browser. Tap "Save" if your browser asks.
- Re-access: Open app → "You" or "Saved" (bottom taskbar) → scroll down → "Maps" (lower right).
On a Mobile Device (Browser):
- Initial View: Tap "View larger map" (upper-right). May open in app or browser. Tap "Save" if your browser asks.
- Re-access: Go to maps.google.com → dropdown under "Google Maps" → "My Maps."
Download/Upload my GPS tracks
- Jump to this page for downloading instructions.
- Jump to this page for uploading instructions.
*Note that my maps are not offline maps, but you will need to have a data plan for full functionality. However, you can use them offline. For instructions on how to do that, please click here.
Staying Connected with an eSIM:
If you wish to stay connected and your mobile device supports eSIMs, it’s the easiest way to go. No need to swap physical SIM cards—you just activate a virtual one on your phone. eSIMs let you buy data plans online, so you're connected the moment you arrive. It is so simple!
Why I Recommend Roamless:
I personally use Roamless for its pay-as-you-go model and seamless global coverage. The inexpensive data never expires, making it perfect for long or multi-country trips. Activate it only once and never have to swap physical cards or eSIMs ever again, even when traveling to multiple countries across multiple dates. Find out more by clicking here and be an informed pilgrimage traveler!
Compostela Requirements on the English Way
The Christian medieval pilgrims from the North, who were mostly English would disembark in the ports of A Coruña or Ferrol, on the north coast of Spain and begin their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from there. Hence, the name, the English Way.
As discussed in The Way of St. James, that in order to receive an official Compostela, from the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, one has to walk at least 100 kilometers. The English Way from Ferrol is 115 kilometers total, according to my GPS tracks, and 75 kilometers from A Coruña.
However, as of December, 2016, the Cathedral made an exception for the Camino Inglés from La Coruña, based on the tradition from the past of many pilgrims having arrived at this port. One can now receive the Compostela from A Coruña, with only 75 kilometers distance.
Be sure you understand the ruling carefully, as you must walk 25-30 kilometers in your country of origin before starting in La Coruña, to make the full 100 km requirement. If you are from the UK, you must find a way to document your 25 kilometers prior to your arrival in Spain. The CSJ pilgrim organization has many suggestions for you.
If you plan to start in Ireland, you are lucky, as the Camino Society, Ireland has the now well-established Celtic Camino and offers many Irish pilgrimages to start your journey, with documentation to Santiago de Compostela.
If you are from somewhere outside the UK this is a very confusing concept. So, in the USA, Australia or Sweden, where would you start?? Interesting, isn't it? Shall we all start in Ireland, do their Celtic Camino, then book a boat to the north coast of Spain to finish the journey like in days of yore? Now that would be a true pilgrim's throwback, wouldn't it?
If you are initiating your English Way in Spain, in order to receive a compostela, you must start in Ferrol, at 115 total kilometers to Santiago. The route goes essentially southward, first eastward around the Ferrol Estuary, then south to Pontedeume, through the incredibly beautiful countryside, on small roads, paths and country lanes through Betanzos, Bruma and Següeiro, on the way to Santiago.
Gallego ~ the Official Language of Galicia and the English Way
What was my biggest surprise in Galicia? The language of the region, called Gallego or Galician. Galician is closer to Portuguese than Spanish, according to experts. It is not a mixture of the two languages, but has its own unique features, including pronounciation, grammar and vocabulary. Fortunately, almost everyone in Galicia also speaks Spanish!
Like with all true pilgrimages, their language took me outside of my usual level of comfort. I had read that one should learn as much Spanish as one can, before going on the Camino, because it will enhance your trip. However, I never thought I would need Portuguese as well! However, I adapted as best I could, and except for some consistent spelling variations, the words were often very similar in both languages. I was intrigued by the whole language mix.
It is all too easy to migrate to English-speaking people, to stay in your zone of familiarity. However, on the English Way, we ran into only a few English speakers, forcing us into experiencing the culture in a way we would never had otherwise! Once I adjusted to using my Spanish, I was thrilled and fascinated with our cultural exchanges. I actually could do it and be a more mindful pilgrimage traveler!
Camino Inglés EBook Guide
Our Downloadable Camino Inglés eBook Guide in PDF Format contains all the valuable information from our web pages, for comfortable reading offline and without ads on your personal device. Don't carry the heavy weight of a book. Use our digital guides on your next Camino instead!
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Staging the English Route: Short and Challenging, But Manageable!
Even though the English Way is the shortest of all the Caminos, don't be fooled! It is not easy, but it will challenge you! In fact, the Spanish friends that we made along The Way told us that the English Way is known in Spain for its difficulty! It is because of the long stages, with significant elevation changes and few services. This is rapidly changing as the English Way continues to become more popular.
For the route starting from Ferrol, I have broken up the traditional five long stages into eight days as shown below. This is now possible with the addition of albergues in Miño and Presedo.
One who is hardy and fit can combine stages easily, to turn the walk into fewer days. The days I have broken down for the route from Ferrol are as follows:
- Day One ~ Ferrol to Neda, 13.14 Km (8.17 Miles)
- Day Two ~ Neda to Pontedeume, 14.07 Km (8.74 Miles)
- Day Three ~ Pontedeume to Miño, 10.45 Km (6.49 Miles)
- Day Four ~ Miño to Betanzos, 11.10 Km (6.9 Miles)
- Day Five ~ Betanzos to Presedo, 11.26 Km (7.06 Miles)
- Day Six ~ Presedo to Hospital de Bruma, 12.73 Km (7.91 Miles)
- Day Seven ~ Hospital de Bruma to Sigüeiro, 24.3 Km (15.1 Miles), (I also offer suggestions on how to break up this long day if desired, click on the link for more information.)
- Day Eight ~ Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela, 15.8 Km (9.82 Miles) This day can also be broken up if needed, see the webpage link for that information.
We have walked both routes, from La Coruña and from Ferrol. The way out of La Coruña is very tricky to find! Use our GPS tracks to help you. We wandered around quite a bit, finding the signs that are often difficult to see.
The Camino from La Coruña is lovely regardless if you are doing it as part of the Celtic Camino from the UK, or if you are out for a walk through Galicia, unconcerned about receiving a compostela. Plus the seaside city is fabulous, with many tourist sites as well as a beautiful beach. Plan on spending some time here before or after your Camino. You won't regret it. Click on the link for more information!
The Camino from La Coruña to the meeting point in Hospital de Bruma can be done in one very long stage if you are extremely fit. However, I have broken it into the following days:
- Day One ~ La Coruña to Sergude, 19.63 Km, (12.2 Miles)
- Day Two ~ Sergude to Hospital de Bruma, 12.62 Km (7.84 Miles)
Accommodations in Ferrol: Start of the Camino Inglés
The municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Ferrol (+34 981 35 79 47), has 60 beds and is along the waterfront, at 25 Estrada Alta, west of the official start.
Also, as of 2020 there is an 8-bed, very basic donativo albergue in Ferrol, the Donativo de Pedro Ráez Baldán (+34 682 357 998), designed for pilgrims without means. Please do not stay here unless you plan to donate generously, as Pedro is providing services with no profit motive at all. It is off the Camino, at the Rúa Catalunya, n 27-29, on the east side of the train/Monbus station.
I would definitely recommend an advance reservation for Ferrol, especially during the summer months, if you desire a hotel. We bussed over from La Coruña in the late afternoon in early September, and had to walk around quite a bit to find a place that was free. Or, try to get there early in the day. This may be sufficient!
Lately, we have reserved ahead at the Hostal La Frontera, the most economical place in town, mere steps from the Camino. It is clean and sufficient and with a café on the first level that opens early for breakfast.
More economical choices include the Hotel Almendra, the Hotel Silva, the Hostal El Cairo, the Choyo 2 (+34 981 94 89 08), the Hotel Real Ferrol, the Hotel América and the Hostal Zahara.
For even more choices on booking.com accommodations in Ferrol, click here.
How to Find the Start of the English Way in Ferrol
It is difficult to find the official starting point by the docks in Ferrol. It is directly across from the “Letras Ferrol,” or the big white letters of Ferrol at the docks on the street called Paseo da Mariña. See the map above). When you arrive on the waterfront, it is easy enough to find the letters in the center of the harbor.
By the letters is a small building (used to be the tourist booth). Across from the building is a crosswalk. Facing the street, to the left is a small roundabout. The road divides here and the tourist information office is across the street in a building with arches, flanked by restaurants. In front of one of the archways, you will see the plaque pictured below. The plaque is two doors to the right of the information office.
The official start of the English Way is here by the Café Sarga at this plaque. Here I am with Shelly, my first English Camino partner, posing with the official marker. This is what you must find.
If you arrive in Ferrol by bus, you need to walk westward, and south towards the water. After securing your accommodation for the night, it is our advice that you locate the start of the Camino the evening prior to your first day, to get the best lay of the land.
It is a beautiful waterfront, and we arrived close to sunset, so the light was serene and low. Made for a wonderfully lit seascape to set the ambiance for our Camino!
Please see day one for the rest of our journey on the English Way out of Ferrol, from this official plaque that begins the Way, at the small side street by this same plaque, called the Rúa Carmen Curuxeiras.
Still thinking about our Camino Inglés eBook Guide? Would a money back guarentee and free updates for a full year help you make your decision? Remember our guide is a digital-only eBook with no added weight in your pack which you can refer to anywhere. Click here for more information or just BUY NOW!
Salutation
I hope you have enjoyed our introduction to the Camino Inglés. As you step onto the English Way through the Galician countryside to Santiago de Compostela, may it feel like casting off the moorings of everyday life! May you leave behind the safety of the shore to embrace something deeper, unknown, and transformative. Whether you're walking for reflection, renewal, or adventure, trust the path, savor each moment, and let this journey be both your compass and your wind. Ultreia!
Camino Inglés Stages
~ La Coruña Arm
~ Ferrol Arm
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🙋♀️ Why Trust Us at the Pilgrimage Traveler?
We’re not a travel agency ~ we’re pilgrims, just like you.
We've walked Pilgrimage Routes Across Europe!
💬 We’ve:
- Gotten lost so you don’t have to. 😉
- Followed yellow arrows in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
- Slept in albergues, hostals & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way. 🛌 😴
- Created detailed and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels. 🧭 🗺️
- Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨
Every detail is from our own experiences ~ no fluff, no AI rewrite. Just fellow pilgrims sharing the way. We add a touch of spirituality, a big dose of ❤️ and lots of wisdom from the road.
Ultreia and Safe Pilgrimage Travels, Caminante! 💫 💚 🤍
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Carbon fiber construction (not aluminum) in a trekking pole makes them ultra lightweight. We like the Z-Pole style from Black Diamond so we can hide our poles in our pack from potential thieves before getting to our albergue! There are many to choose from! (See more of our gear recommendations! )
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