Day One on the Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm ~ La Coruña to Sergude, 19.63 Km (12.2 Miles)

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Our day one on the Camino Inglés, of the La Coruña Arm was a long jaunt through urban areas, a riverside park and country roads, with lofty views and a very long, very steep climb at the end of the day. While a strong and fit walker could do the entire La Coruña Arm to Hospital de Bruma in one day, for a total of 32.63 kilometers, we chose to do it in two. 

This is a wonderful day for those who are completing their Celtic Camino from Ireland, having documented in their credentials, the 25-30 kilometers before arriving in La Coruña.

I hope you spend some time exploring the city of A Coruña, the name of this town in Gallego, the Galician Dialect. Gallego is a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese. Please click on the link to see what this gorgeous seaside town has to offer!

"At its heart, the journey of each life is a pilgrimage, through unforeseen sacred places that enlarge and enrich the soul." John O'Donohue

Maps and Stats of Day One, Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm

Here is our Google map of this day, uploaded from our GPS tracks. We found the Way to be mostly easy to find except in a few rough areas in the city of La Coruña itself.

You must look closely, for the blue Camino signs, (notice them in the photos below), looking up for them, more than down. These signs are new-looking, since the Camino Inglés has been rerouted, but they are farther spaced than on other Caminos.

There are essentially no blue Camino signs unless there is a direction change, so you have to stay alert at all times. It may help you to study the route the night before.  

This entire day is almost entirely on pavement, except for a few short segments. Once out of the city, the pavement isn't all that bad, because you are walking on very quiet and rural roads. 

I have added accommodations, cafés and supermarkets to assist your Camino. There are so many cafés coming out of La Coruña that I only added the one where we stopped, several kilometers into the day on the outskirts of the city. Then when you leave the city, they are much fewer and far between, so I placed them on the map for your convenience. 

Please note, that since my latest update, I have provided a short alternative route by the river, shown in orange in the map below. Please see the route description and rationale for this route, farther below! 

Do not be fooled by the brevity of this day one! It is not easy. 

While the church, at the start of this day is on a small hill, there is very little elevation change in the first three kilometers walking through the city of La Coruña.

Then the fun begins! It is uphill and down, ending the day in a long, serious 5.0 kilometer steep climb that seems to never end. The total accumulated elevation gain is 478 meters (1500 feet), nothing to take lightly.

Elevation Profile Day One, Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm, Part TwoElevation Profile Day One, Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm

Photo-Rich Travelogue of Day One, Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm

The official start of the Camino Inglés is at the Igrexa de Santiago in the old medieval part of the town within the center of the T-shaped peninsula. It is a lovely old church in the Romanesque style, built in the 12th century.  The portal, below right is Gothic, with a depiction of St. James as an equestrian, the Santiago Matamoros, or St. James, the Moor Slayer. 

Alas, the church was not open on the morning of our arrival, but I have read that the inside is quite lovely, with many more depictions of Santiago. 

Igrexa de Santiago, La Coruña, day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésIgrexa de Santiago ~ Start of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés
Gothic Portal of the Igrexa de Santiago, depicting the saint as an Equestrian, Santiago Matamoros, on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésGothic Portal, Showing Santiago Matamoros

The Camino goes around to the left side of the church on the Rúa Santiago where the first official kilometer marker can be seen, just behind it. Here is a photo of it, at 72.884. The "official" length of the Camino Inglés as endorsed by the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is 75 kilometers, so I found this one to be of interest. 

First Official Kilometer Marker of 72.884 at the Igrexa de Santiago on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésFirst Official Kilometer Marker of 72.884 at the Igrexa de Santiago

After admiring the back of the Church to St. James, continue on the Rúa Santiago and look for the first blue Camino sign, with the yellow directional arrow on the wall of the building shown in the photo below. 

Turn left here onto the small pedestrian street shown. Walk through a small plaza with a statue, the Fuente de Deseo in the center. This plaza is called the Praza do Xeneral Azcárraga and was named after a famous general. The plaza in the old city was a center for commerce in the late 1800's most notably for the sale of flour. It is a very inviting and shady place lined with banana and ash trees.

Turn Left Here Toward the Praza do Xeneral Azcárraga on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésTurn Left Here Toward the Praza do Xeneral Azcárraga

After walking through the plaza, turn left onto the Rúa Dama, shown below. 

After the Plaza, Turn Left Here on the Rúa DamaAfter the Plaza, Turn Left Here on the Rúa Dama

The next move is a right turn onto the Calle Ángeles at the Plaza Ángeles, shown below, heading toward the archway leading into the María Pita plaza. To see photos of how fabulous is this Praza de María Pita, be sure to read my La Coruña article. 

Take note of the height of the waymark in this photo. This is how they will appear throughout the city. 

Right Turn Onto the Calle Ángeles on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésRight Turn Onto the Calle Ángeles

Walk across the large and open María Pita plaza and go through the double archway on the other side, shown below, and onto the Rúa Riego de Agua.

Archway Leaving the María Pita PlazaArchway Leaving the María Pita Plaza

After not quite 200 meters, bear left onto the Rúa Real, the main shopping street in town. In 300 more meters, come out onto the three-lane grand boulevard the Rúa Cantón Grande at the obelisk, shown below.

Join the Rúa Cantón Grande at the Obelisk on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésJoin the Rúa Cantón Grande at the Obelisk

Continuing on the boulevard, walking through the plaza and staying to the right side of the road, head towards the landmark Abanca building with a winged statue on the summit of the tower, shown below. Pass a park on the other side of the boulevard to the left. 

Head Toward the Abanca with Winged Sculpture on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésHead Toward the Abanca with Winged Sculpture

Stay left on the boulevard at the Abanca building, shown in the intersection below. The blue directional signs are easy to follow through this section. The street now becomes the Rúa Sánchez Bregua after the bank. 

Stay Left at the Abanca Building on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésStay Left at the Abanca Building

After not quite a full kilometer from the obelisk, you leave the street, the N-550, to walk parallel to it on a walking plaza on the right side, following the ramp up. Come to a tattoo parlor in about 150 meters, shown below, and turn left, following the Camino blue sign. 

Turn Left at Tattoo Parlor on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésTurn Left at Tattoo Parlor on Day One of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés

A few meters after turning left, come to the N-550 at the top of the ramp and cross over it. After joining the N-550, in 75 meters or so, take the first intersection left and onto the Av. Fernández Latorre.

At first, we had difficulty finding this turn (not pictured). I asked a local woman, and she tried hard to help me, but couldn't answer. I checked my map, and it only made sense that this was the turn so we took it, and it happened to be right. 

I marked this intersection on my Google map above, with a yellow caution sign, so you will be sure you pay attention when you get here. It is at about 2.0 kilometers into the day.

We found another blue Camino sign in about another, very long 350 meters walking, where we came to an intersection at a roundabout with a fountain, shown below. We were to go straight on. This is the landmark, Fuente de Cuatro Caminos.

Straight On at the Fuente de Cuatro Caminos in La Coruña on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésStraight On at the Fuente de Cuatro Caminos

Walk another 400 meters, toward the triangular building shown below, with the big and bold "Seoane" name on it. Turn left at this building and pick up the Rúa Santiago Rey Fernández Latorre.

Left Turn at the Seoane Tower, in La Coruña, on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésLeft Turn at the Seoane Tower

Walk through the next large intersection in another 200 meters and keep straight on, picking up the Av. Alcalde Pérez Arda. You will walk by the bus station on your right and a large department store building of El Corte Inglés on your left. This is a good place to pick up any last minutes items you need for your trip. We did!

The photo below shows the next intersection we came to, about 300 meters past the bus station. We finally saw the next confirming, blue Camino direction sign, telling us to stay straight on, through here as well. 

Stay On the Av. Alcalde Pérez Arda Through  Intersection, in La Coruña on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésStay On the Av. Alcalde Pérez Arda Through Intersection

You will know you are on the right track when you come to this metal sculpture at the next roundabout, below. You stay left at this roundabout and walk onto the Av. de Monelos. 

After the metal sculpture a long climb begins that lasts about 1.4 kilometers. This is a hump!

Stay Left at Metal Sculpture in Roundabout, in La Coruña on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésStay Left at Metal Sculpture in Roundabout

Walk on the Monelos avenue, until the next large roundabout, below, where you are directed to walk to the left. Continue on the Avenida de Monelos for the next 3/4 kilometer. 

Stay Left on the Avenida de Monelos at Roundabout, in La Coruña on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésStay Left on the Avenida de Monelos at Roundabout

After the roundabout we passed by the first concrete kilometer marker since the beginning, in the photo below, showing 68.9. It was hard to believe that we had only come 4.0 kilometers since the start at the church! Navigating the concrete jungle can be hard work, can't it? 

68.93 Kilometer Waymark, in La Coruña on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés68.93 Kilometer Waymark

After the roundabout we started climbing a long hill that lasted about 1.5 kilometers. This was a hump! Near the top of the hill we walked by this café, below, the Café Bar las Cadenas and decided it was time for a coffee break and some food. They served delicious tortilla here with chorizo! It was the perfect fuel for the next leg of the day. 

Café Bar las Cadenas in La Coruña on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésCafé Bar las Cadenas in La Coruña

Shortly after the café we stumbled onto the first and only yellow arrow on the pavement. Once in awhile, along this section we stumbled on several other painted yellow arrows.

I had a strong suspicion that the locals had tired of pilgrims asking for directions in this area, so they painted their own arrows! While I can't validate this, we saw so few yellow painted arrows that this conclusion seemed to make sense! 

Yellow Arrow on PavementYellow Arrow on Pavement

You keep on climbing the hill on the highway until you crest just before a Repsol station and the views of the sea below open up at approximately 4.75 kilometers into the day. This is your reward for the long uphill climb! 

Views of the Ría da Coruña Open Up on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésViews of the Ría da Coruña Open Up

Walking along these lofty heights, follow the road now called the Carretera Estrada Eirís and head down the long hill on the other side.

First pass by the Hospedaje Lopez on your left. Next, pass a modern bright gold church, not pictured and stay to the right as the road bends to the right, with a concrete waymark on the other side, pictured below, with a concrete waymark on the other side. 

Crosswalk by Camino Sign on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésCrosswalk by Camino Sign
67.7 Kilometer Marker and Ría de Coruña Estuary on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés67.7 Kilometer Marker and Ría de Coruña Estuary

You continue to stay straight on down the hill where the road becomes the N-550. 

The Way Becomes the N-550 on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésThe Way Becomes the N-550 ~ Decision Point

A Decision Point

Almost at the bottom of the hill, just after the yellow building seen in the photo above, and across the street there is an on-ramp going down the hill to the left. You can see this ramp on the left side of the photo. This is where you will make a decision which way to go. The decision point is at approximately 5.65 kilometers into the day. 

The official route keeps you straight on the N-550 and leads you through a busy and nasty intersection, having to stay on the shoulder without a path or sidewalk to stay safe, see below. You then have to cross over the busy AC-11 and past the large Alcampo hypermarket on your right. (on the right side of the photo by the gas station). This choice keeps you on the N-550 for another kilometer before turning left towards the river. 

Walk on Shoulder of the N-550 on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésWalk on Shoulder of the N-550

A casual, but waymarked alternative route that is safer, avoids this intersection and turns toward the river sooner, takes you down the ramp to the left at the yellow building. 

You will see painted yellow arrows and even sometimes concrete waymarks to guide you! This must have one time been the official route, or the permanent waymarks would not be here! 

I am astounded that the official route takes the pilgrimage traveler through the nasty intersection by the Alcampo, but who knows what politics were involved with this decision. I have provided you with the GPS tracks, shown on the interactive map above if you choose this alternative. Both routes are of similar distance, so this should not affect your choice. 

The Safer Alternative Route Description

Head down the ramp from across the yellow building and follow it on a nice sidewalk as it bends to the left and follows along the AC-11 to the side. After walking 1/2 kilometer on the ramp, at the bottom of the hill meet the AC-211 at a large roundabout. Turn to the right onto the AC-211 and walk under the AC-11. After rounding the traffic circleon the other side, stay straight to continue on the AC-211. 

After not quite 400 meters, come to another roundabout which announces that you are arriving in Culleredo. Turn left at this roundabout and onto a side road that leads to the large residencial complex called Residencial La Ría

Come to the building's small circle and turn right, heading south on a small paved passageway down to the river, la Ria da Coruña. Take a right turn onto the river promenade. Follow the lovely promenade for about 650 meters, crossing a causeway with water on each side. On the other side of the causeway, look for the paved lane to your right and take it. This is the Paseo da Ria do Burgo.

Follow this lane as it bends back inland and joins the official route in another 600 meters after a total of 8.1 kilometers from the start. The total distance on the alternative is about 2.5 kilometers.

Back to the Official Route

Continue along the N-550, past the yellow building as described above, walking through the dangerous intersection, crossing the dangerous AC-11 and passing the Alcampo hypermarket. The locals I have talked to about this section, call it the Suicide Plunge! Be very careful when you walk through here! Soon after the hypermarket, pass by the Apartamentos Attica21 Portazgo on your right. 

Walk up a another long hill on the other side. 

After walking about 700 meters from the Alcampo, leave the hill climb on the N-550  (yeah!) and turn left onto this street, the Rúa Alcalde Electo Carballo, crossing the busy N-550 highway very carefully first. There is no crosswalk here, and you have to make a mad dash to get across it. 

Turn Left on Quieter Side Road on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésTurn Left onto Quieter Side Road

Walk down the hill once again toward the waterfront with sweeping views of the Ria da Coruña and its estuary, below. 

More Views of the Ria da Coruña Below on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésMore Views of the Ria da Coruña Below

The Hotel Crunia and the Hotel A Barquiña are down the hill to your left along the AC-211.

From this point onward, when you are finally out of the city of La Coruña, the Camino Inglés on day one gets soooo much nicer!

Continue to drop in elevation, walking a total of 800 meters on the  Rúa Alcalde Electo Carballo, until this roundabout, below, and turn left toward the river. 

Left at Roundabout Toward the River on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésLeft at Roundabout Toward the River

Walk about 60 meters to another roundabout and you will see a blue stairway down to the park below. You can take this or stay high on the road, turning right to continue walking in a southeasterly direction following the signs. 

There is a beautiful pathway below, the Paseo da Ria do Burgo, that you will join, whether or not you have taken the high road or the low stairs.  This is also where the alternative route joins the official, and is about 8.0 kilometers total into day one on the Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés.

The next photos are of this beautiful paseo along the river, for about 1.22 kilometers. There are toilets, benches, gazebos, all types of places to relieve yourself in more ways than one! We took a break, at about 9.0 kilometers into the day, or so.

The Paseo da Ria do Burgo Ahead on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésThe Paseo da Ria do Burgo Ahead - Where the Alternative Route Joins the Official
Join the Paseo da Ria do Burgo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésJoin the Paseo da Ria do Burgo
The Lovely Walk Along the River on the Paseo da Ria do Burgo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésThe Lovely Walk Along the River on the Paseo da Ria do Burgo
Pit Stop By the River on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésPit Stop By the River on Day One on the Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm
Kilometer Marker 64.4 by the River on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésKilometer Marker 64.4 by the River
Gazebo Along the Paseo da Ria do Burgo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésGazebo Along the Paseo da Ria do Burgo
Last Look at the Paseo da Ria do Burgo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésLast Look at the Paseo da Ria do Burgo

Leave the Paseo where it joins the AC-211 and turn right onto it. However, if you look to your left, there is a wonderful old Roman bridge immediately beside the modern bridge, the Ponte Romana de O Burgo. It is worth a stroll over to have a look, and you can walk its length, if you wish, as it is now a footbridge.

Otherwise, after turning right onto the AC-211, walk straight on, through the first roundabout and climb up the hill to the Igrexa de Santiago do Burgo that you can see ahead on the right. Enter the town of O Burgo. Thus begins the second significant climb of the day.

Walk Up the Hill to the Igrexa de Santiago do Burgo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésWalk Up the Hill to the Igrexa de Santiago do Burgo

The church was not open when we arrived, unfortunately. It is of the 12th century Romanesque style, however it underwent major changes in the 18th century, leaving only a few features from the 12th. 

Igrexa de Santiago do Burgo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésIgrexa de Santiago do Burgo

Just after the church is the Pension Casa Julio if you are interested in lingering here after walking about 9.5 kilometers.

At the next intersection, the Camino takes a bend to the left and takes you up the hill through O Burgo. At the first roundabout after about 400 meters away, turn left onto the Avenida Galicia, below.

Turn Onto the Avenida Galic1a on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésTurn Onto the Avenida Galicia

In 250 meters cross under the AP-9 overpass. Continue on for about 150 meters, bearing to the right here. This is the Rúa Pelamios.

Right Turn onto the Rúa Pelamios on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésRight Turn onto the Rúa Pelamios

Continue climbing steeply on the pavement with sidewalks, until the first Y-intersection 150 meters later and bear right. Climb farther on the pavement with a dedicated pilgrim's path. You are entering the town of Almeiras.

Designated Pilgrim's Path on the Rúa Eladio de la Iglesia Doldán on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésDesignated Pilgrim's Path on the Rúa Eladio de la Iglesia Doldán
Continue Climbing on Steep Pavement on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésContinue Climbing on Steep Pavement in Almeiras

After another 150 meters, at the top of the photo shown above left, turn right at the intersection. Walk onward steeply, up the hill, shown above right, until you come to two churches side by side in another couple hundred meters, one with a cemetery, and the first information board on your right. These information boards that you will see are somewhat old and have lots of graffiti on them. They are the same ones I saw years ago when I did the Ferrol Arm of the Camino Inglés. But the information is still useful.

Here is a photo of the Parroquia de San Xiao de Almeiras, the church farthest up the hill. 

Parroquia de San Xiao on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésParroquia de San Xiao on Day One of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés

Walk another 3/4 kilometer along the Rúa Catas in the direction of a small town called Alvedro. There is a nice downhill reprieve for the next kilometer or so. 

The Road Toward Alvedro on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésThe Road Toward Alvedro

Come to an intersection, shortly after a big soccer field on you left. Turn left at this intersection, away from Alvedro and continue on down the hill, shown below. 

Continue Downhill on Rural Road on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésContinue Downhill on Rural Road

Walk another 400 meters to this T intersection, below on a nice downhill. Turn right at the T-intersection in an industrial-looking area.

Right Turn at Industrial Area on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésRight Turn at Industrial Area

Walk through a large roundabout and join the N-550 on a side path to the left. In about 1/2 kilometer, come to the Pensión La Paz, (+34 981 65 01 01), shown below. You are now about 12.3 kilometers into day one on the Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés. There isa restaurant just before and one in the Pensión, one a grill that everyone was rushing to on a Monday afternoon! 

Pensión La Paz on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésPensión La Paz

Continue down the N-550 to the side, picking up a street called none other than the Camino de Santiago. And wouldn't you know it, there was a sign for the Camino de Santiago through this section. 

Rich and the Camino de Santiago Sign on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésRich and the Camino de Santiago Sign

In 1/2 kilometer from the Pensión come to a large roundabout in the town of A Pena, with a gigantic supermarket on the opposite side. This is your last chance to shop for food if you want to cook at the albergue in Sergude. There is only one café in Sergude, so if you do not cook, this will be your only choice. The albergue is still a good 7.0 kilometers away yet, and does not have much in the way of cooking equipment, so if you are buying your food for dinner, aside from a microwave, there is not much there. Not even a refrigerator, nor pots or pans, nor eating utensils!

The Camino goes left at the roundabout and picks up a path for a short while until turning right onto a dirt lane, descending and crossing over a stream before climbing up and onto a narrow road towards the town of Sigrás de Abaixo.

Toward the Next Town of Sigrás de Abaixo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésToward the Next Town of Sigrás de Abaixo

Get ready, because from the stream onward for the next 5 kilometers it is a tough uphill climb on pavement!

Come to an intersection in about another 1/3 kilometer and cross over keeping straight on here onto the paved lane called Sigrás Dabaixo.

Uphill on the Quaint Sigrás Dabaixo on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésUphill on the Quaint Sigrás Dabaixo

In another 1/3 kilometer we came to this cruceiro, where Rich got down on his knees and prayed for flat road! Ha ha! It was an arduous climb from the Pensión to here

Rich Praying for Flat Road on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésRich Praying for Flat Road

In a few hundred meters you come to the church, shown below, the Igrexa de Santiago de Sigrás. The Camino actually levels out here for a bit! We sat down for a few minutes rest under the big tree!

Igrexa de Santiago de Sigrás on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésIgrexa de Santiago de Sigrás on Day One on the Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm

In a few hundred meters after the church, turn right here onto the street called the Sobrecarreira. 

Right Turn at One of a Few Yellow Arrows on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésRight Turn at One of a Few Yellow Arrows

Continue on the steady, less steep climb on this very rural country road. Between the rural houses and walls, you can see the expansive views of the countryside. It is a lovely, albeit strenuous walk. You will feel very high up, walking through this area.

In another 1.0 long kilometer uphill, come to the intersection with the DP-1702, cross over this intersection and turn right here, shown in the photo below, toward the direction of Anceis. The kilometer marker reads 57.7. Getting closer to Sergude! 

Walking Toward the Town of Anceis on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésWalking Toward the Town of Anceis

You are now on the busier CP-1701. A few meters onward, cross the A-6 on this bridge. 

Cross the A-6 on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésCross the A-6

Continue the steady climb on the CP-1701 on sidewalks, then continue on the Rúa Drozo, a narrow and rural road once again. 

In not quite one kilometer enter the town of Anceis. There is a nice information board here and a fountain, the Fonte de San Antonio. There are trees and benches here to rest if needed. 

Entering the Town of Anceis on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésEntering the Town of Anceis

 You have accomplished about 16 kilometers at this lovely rest area!

Fonte de San Antonio in Anceis on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésFonte de San Antonio

After the fountain, bend to the left on the Rúa Anceis as it walks you through the town. The street bends to the right and comes to this cruceiro, below, at the other end of town. The kilometer marker says 56.5, and there is a potable water spigot and a bench here as well. This is the Praza de San Marcos, as the sign indicates.

56.5 Kilometer Marker in the Praza de San Marcos on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés56.5 Kilometer Marker in the Praza de San Marcos

Follow the waymarks out of town, and turn right onto this gravel road. Continue the steady climb.

Gravel Road Through the Countryside on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésGravel Road Through the Countryside

Come to a T-intersection, here and turn left onto a semi-paved lane. Another 600 meters down since the last kilometer marker!

Turn Left at Next Kilometer Marker on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésTurn Left at Next Kilometer Marker

Here is Rich on the lane, continuing to climb! 

Don't Stop Climbing on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésDon't Stop Climbing on Day One of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés!

A short stint through the woods on the lane, makes for some shade, at least. 

Brief Stint Through the Woods on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésBrief Stint Through the Woods

Follow the Way to the left on another dirt lane. You come to the end of the lane, about one full kilometer later at this Camino Inglés information sign and "Welcome to Carral.

Welcome to Carral at End of Lane on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés"Welcome to Carral" Sign at End of Lane

Come out at this 54.8 Kilometer marker, and onto the paved road. There is a restaurant and bakery here on the left, but since we were now less than 2.0 kilometers from Sergude, we did not stop. But it is an option!

You are home free as the climbing is also now over!! It is a nice downhill amble from here into Sergude. 

54.8 Kilometer Marker on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés54.8 Kilometer Marker

The downhill walk through Carral is pictured below. Where's the town?

The Downhill Jaunt Towards Sergude on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésThe Downhill Jaunt Towards Sergude

In 400 meters, turn right onto the DP-1708, then in 150 meters, a left onto the CP-2103. More wonderful downhill.

Ambling Along the CP-2103 on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésAmbling Along the CP-2103

In only one kilometer on the CP-2103, you come to the sign for the albergue!

Sign for the Albergue de Sergude/Carral on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésSign for the Albergue de Sergude/Carral

And inside the gate, is the Albergue de Sergude/Carral. We shared the albergue with exactly three other pilgrims that night, for a total of five of us. 

Albergue de Sergude/Carral on day one of the La Coruña Arm of the Camino InglésAlbergue de Sergude/Carral

The albergue was brand new, but the kitchen had nothing to cook with, as I stated above. It had a washer and dryer which we used, for an extra charge, and two large open dormitory rooms, with about 14 beds each. There were no blankets available, but we were allowed to turn up the heat, which I did! I slept as close to the heater as possible, because it was a very cool night and all I had was a sleep liner. 

In lieu of cooking, we went to the Casa Adolfo, just down the street about 400 meters. One by one the others from the albergue joined us there and we were all offered a pilgrim's meal, served to us in family style. The proprietress herself was the cook in this rural bar and she brought us mountains of salad, french fries and pork loin. The food was fantastic and served with a loving, warm and motherly heart, all for a mere pittance. 

Reflections of Day One, Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm

This day was very arduous for me, and I was feeling like I was getting a sore throat at the end of the day, along with some stomach upset. I was hoping it was just due to dehydration, so I drank a bunch of water and laid off the alcohol. I did feel better after the fabulous meal at the bar and reflected on how gorgeous the countryside that we had walked through really was.

I was missing the friends we had made on the Camino Portugués, having just come from six days on the Central Route. We had bonded with a group I fondly called "Team Magdalena," assisting a young woman in a wheelchair to complete her Camino. Click on the link to read this amazing story!

Not only was day one on the Camino Inglés, La Coruña Arm a physical challenge, it was an emotional challenge as well. I was teary for many portions of the day, missing Team Magdalena! Because of this I was reluctant to make connections with other pilgrims on this day. 

Our prior day on the Central Route was long, rainy and difficult. We mistakenly thought that this day would be easier, having come from the central mountains of Portugal but it was not! We had set ourselves up for our own pain, so we had no one else to blame. 

My only word of advice is definitely do NOT be fooled by day one out of La Coruña! It is full of many ups and downs, all on pavement, with the walk out of La Coruña not all that lovely! I can't imagine doing the entire way to Bruma in one day. Especially if this day was your first. The 21 kilometers beat us up enough, and we consider ourselves to be quite fit. 

I felt like day one was indeed a pilgrimage, a journey through my life that did not feel very sacred, but just hard work. Was my soul enlarged and enriched after this day? I'm not sure, but this day built my character if nothing else. And that is indeed a spiritual thing. 

Salutation

May your own day one on the La Coruña Arm of the Camino Inglés be a special pilgrimage day of your life. May it be through unforeseen sacred places that enlarge and enrich your soul, however that looks for you! Ultreia!



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And the Journey Continues:

~ La Coruña Arm

~ Ferrol Arm



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Need suggestions on what to pack for your next pilgrimage? Click Here or on the photo below!




Carbon Trekking Poles

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 thievesbefore getting to our albergue! There are many to choose from!  ( See more of our gear recommendations! )




Gregory BackPack - My Favorite Brand

An ultralight backpack should serve you well for years, like my Gregory has - six Caminos in all! My 28L Women's pack gets a 5-star on Amazon (Ones for Guys too)!




Microfiber Towel Set

Do not forget your quick-dry microfiber towel! 




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My absolute favorite book on how to be a pilgrim: