English Way | Santiago de Campostela

Description

The English Way to Santiago or Camino Inglés has two traditional starting points: the port cities A Coruña and Ferrol.

If you start your Camino in Ferrol, you will be rewarded with a ‘Compostela’ pilgrim certificate, as you will have completed over 100km on your way to Santiago de Compostela. Mostly used by pilgrims coming from Northern Europe, Britain and Ireland, the English Way was also an important trading route.

On the English Way you will enjoy nice coastal views for the first two walking days, and you will visit pretty towns en-route, such as Pontedeume and Betanzos. The second part of this Camino route heads inland towards Santiago de Compostela across Galicia’s green countryside.

If you are travelling in the Spring, you will be able to experience Ferrol’s impressive Easter festival: Semana Santa de Ferrol.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ferrol

Your trip starts in the seaside town of Ferrol, important port city, given its strategic military position. Take time to visit the nearby sandy beautiful beaches, where surf is a popular sport.

If you travel in Spring, spend a couple of days before your Camino to witness its impressive Easter celebrations: Semana Santa de Ferrol.

Day 2: Ferrol to Pontedeume (29km)

The original port of Curuxeiras dates from the 9th century and it is from here that the English Way starts. As you leave the town you will pass the 8th century San Martino de Xubio monastery, along a coastal path.

From here the track continues to meet the Way of O Salto and at the banks of the Eume estuary you will join the Camino Real or Royal Way. There is a lovely beach at A Magdalena, which is a great spot to rest and relax.

Easy Walking Option: Stay in Neda (15km)

Split your long walking day above, Ferrol to Pontedeume, into 2 stages of 15km each, with an overnight stay in the town of Neda. The lodging here is in a lovely 2* hotel in the middle of the town.

Day 3: Pontedeume to Betanzos (19.5 km)

From Pontedeume the trail climbs up to give spectacular views over Betanzos, Ares and Ferrol. The trail continues on to Miño by way of a medieval stone bridge over the Baxoi river and the Camino Real once again.

You will then travel along the coast to the wide estuary of the Lambre river on a path that holds beautiful views of the Rias de Betanzos and the surrounding marshlands. The town of Betanzos has some of the most interesting and artisitic, historical buildings in Galicia.

Day 4: Betanzos to Bruma-Meson do Vento (27.5 km)

During day 4 of the English Way you will cross the Mendo River by way of the ancient bridge of As Cascas.

From here the trail passes the villages of Matino and Boucello. You will pass the hermitage of San Paio, which is abandoned and travel through agricultural lands to the village of Bruma which is the site of a medieval hospital.

Day 5: Bruma-Meson do Vento to Sigüeiro (24km)

The Camino leaves Bruma from the chapel and heads into the lovely green area of Ordes. You will then pass the church of San Xiao and the village of Casanova on your way to Sigüeiro.

Day 6: Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela (16km)

You will leave the town of Sigüeiro by crossing the bridge over the Tambre river. The path follows the river and you will come to the English Fountain of ‘Fonte do Inglés’. From here you will pass Meixonfrío which was at one time a popular place of rest for pilgrims

You will soon come to pre-Roman fort where legend holds that passing pilgrims should lay a stone on the pile. The Camino soon enters Santiago and finishes at the magnificent cathedral. You have arrived in Santiago de Compostela!

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela

Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO-listed old town will enchant you. Here you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.

Price Details

Price per adult sharing a room: from €630pp
Price per adult in a single room: from €816pp

Price is per adult sharing and includes:

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