Offers

Camino Inglés

The english Way of St. James

Overview

Pilgrimage in Galizia

Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela


Camino PR18-620:  
Ferrol - Neda - Miño - Betanzos - Hospital de Bruma - Sigüeiro - Santiago de Compostela

Type of travel: Individual - 7 or 8 days
Distance/difficulty: ca. 111 km, medium
Fare: from 600 EUR per person


In the Middle Ages, the English Way of St. James from Ferrol to Santiago was the route chosen by pilgrims from northern European countries to reach Santiago de Compostela.

Pilgrims shortened their journey traveling by boat. This variant of the route starts in Ferrol, but can also be started in A Coruña. Alternatively, you can take shorter stages from Ferrol, for example with a stopover in Pontedeume.

A quieter route: This route is ideal for pilgrims who are looking for a less crowded and quieter route that is still well signposted.

Our starting point is the town of Ferrol, a place that has far more to offer than meets the eye. This coastal town is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is a paradise for experienced surfers.

In the center of Ferrol, we can take a tour through the “Ferrol of the Enlightenment”, explore the “Route of Modernity” or discover the “Route Las Meninas”, which impresses with its modern and urban flair, characterized by street art.

Ferrol is also known for its Easter Week, an event of international tourist interest.

The route of the English Way of St. James from Ferrol to Santiago is of medium to low difficulty. Covering a distance of less than 120 kilometers, the journey begins in largely urban areas before reaching the impressive Fragas do Eume on the third day. The most challenging stage awaits us on the fifth day, when we hike from Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma and cross a somewhat rougher terrain.

From the fifth day onwards, we leave the coast and head south inland. Before that, however, we reach the town of Betanzos. Here you should not miss out on trying the world-famous Spanish omelette, although we will enjoy the delicious Galician gastronomy throughout the trip.

The entrance to Santiago first takes us through a small industrial area before we reach the charming area of the San Francisco Monastery. From there we head straight to the historic center and finally to the Plaza del Obradoiro.

 

Itinerary

Pilgrimage in Galizia

Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela


Day 1: Ferrol
The journey to Ferrol is self-organized (see optional transfer service), a city with a strong maritime character and deep links to the navy, offering not only modern streets but also an impressive gastronomic scene to delight everyone.

Day 2: Ferrol - Neda (15 km, approx. 4 hours)
This first, short and easy stage is mostly relatively flat through urban areas and along the estuary.

Day 3: Neda - Miño
(22 km, approx. 6 hours)
We cross Fene in the direction of Pontedeume, highlighting the Atlantic forest of As Fragas do Eume, before reaching Miño. This stage runs close to main roads and over low hills, changing from the Ferrol estuary to the Ares estuary.

Day 4: Miño - Betanzos
(10.3 km, approx. 2 hours)
This short and easy stage leads mainly through rural areas. The biggest challenge is the ascent from Ponte do Porco to Montecelo. We reach Betanzos, a charming medieval town famous for its omelette.

Day 5: Betanzos - Hospital de Bruma (24 km, approx. 6 hours)
The most challenging stage of this route lies ahead of us. We move away from urban areas and estuaries and walk for miles through the countryside. Surrounded by forests and bushes, we cross hilly terrain and small villages until we reach Mesón do Vento. There are only a few supply options on this section.

Day 6: Hospital de Bruma - Sigüeiro (24.4 km, approx. 6 hours)
Compared to the previous day, today's route is relatively easy and flat, and the terrain consists of a mixture of asphalt and dirt roads.

Day 7: Sigüeiro - Santiago (15.7 km, approx. 4 hours)
This last moderately difficult stage leads us to the long-awaited cathedral of Santiago. The closer we get to our destination, the more pilgrims join us. The route is mostly on moderately sloping paths. Although the approach to Santiago leads through an industrial area, the magic returns as soon as we enter the historic center and finally catch sight of the towers of the cathedral.

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy your day in Santiago de Compostela, slowly start your journey home or continue your Camino to Finisterre!


The Camino Inglés doesn't convince you? Here are the alternatives:

Camino del Norte (Northern Way)

  • Runs along the north coast of Spain.
  • Start: Irun on the French-Spanish border.
  • Length: approx. 825 km.
  • A scenic route that passes through cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao and Gijón.

Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way)

  • Leads from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Starting points: Porto (approx. 240 km).
  • Variants along the coast and inland.

Via de la Plata (Silver Way)

  • One of the longest pilgrimage routes in Spain.
  • Start: Ourense
  • Length: approx. 107 km

Camino Primitivo (Original Way)

  • The oldest Way of St. James, used by the first pilgrims.
  • Start: Oviedo (Asturias).
  • Length: approx. 320 km.
  • A challenging route through mountainous terrain.

Camiño dos Faros

  • See the lighthouses along the Atlantic coast in west Galizia.
  • Route: Malpica - Finisterre
  • Length: approx. ca. 196 km.

Padre Sarmiento

  • Shorter route in southern Galizia to Santiago
  • Start: Pontevedra
  • Length: approx. ca. 166 km.

Camino de Invierno (winter route)

  • Alternative route to the Camino Francés to avoid the snowy mountains in winter.
  • Start: Ponferrada.
  • Length: approx. 270 km.

Camino Francés (French Way)

  • The most popular and best-developed, but also the most demanding Way of St. James, but can be divided into shorter sections, such as Sarria-Santiago.
  • Start: St. Jean-Pied-de-Port (France).
  • Length: approx. 800 km to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Passes through cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León.

Each of these Caminos has its own scenic and cultural characteristics and offers pilgrims different levels of difficulty and experience. We are happy to advise you according to your wishes, send us a request through our contact form!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

about the Camino in France, Spain & Portugal



Services included:

  • Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)
  • Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)
  • Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)
  • Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela
  • 24h emergency number
  • Transfers
     

Dates:
From the beginning of April until the end of October.

Add-on:
Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days.
 


The classic "Camino Francés" in its entire length starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims need around 34 days to walk the approx. 780 km.

We are also happy to divide your individual Camino into smaller sections, depending on your wishes.

The Spanish coastal path "Camino del Norte" leads from San Sebastián along the Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela. We plan 39 days for the approx. 800 km.

On the original "Camino primitivo", you will walk for 15 days for approx. 300 km from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.

You can walk the last 114 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 8 days in a guided group.

The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela takes 15 days and is approx. 260 km long.
 

Unfortunately, dogs of any size are only welcome in very few accommodations in Spain. The accommodations that allow dogs rarely meet our standards of comfort and cleanliness, so unfortunately we can no longer offer Caminos with dogs.

Yes, the Camino de Santiago is generally very safe, including for women traveling alone. With several routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, choosing one of the more popular paths, like the French Way or the Portuguese Way, ensures a secure journey. These well-traveled routes are ideal for first-time pilgrims, offering safety and a sense of community throughout the walk. There’s little risk involved, so there’s no need to worry. Don’t let fear hold you back from embarking on this incredible adventure!


The Portuguese Way of St James along the coast, the "Camino portugues de la costa", 15 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, or the last 114 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which pilgrims can walk in 8 days, are both suitable for beginners.
 

  • For pilgrims who want to walk long distances along the rugged North Atlantic coast, the Camino del Norte.
  • For pilgrims who want to walk short distances and love the sea and beaches, the Portuguese coastal route.
  • For pilgrims who are particularly interested in culture and historic old towns, the Portuguese inland route.
  • For pilgrims who want a challenging Camino, definitely the Camino Primitivo.
  • To experience the true Way of St James feeling, the Camino frances in its classic version. Apart from the coast, the Camino frances has everything to offer: challenges, spirituality, diverse landscapes, mountains, great encounters with other people. In its entirety, the Camino frances represents the real, authentic Way of St James experience.
     

Our stage maps provide a rough overview of the individual stages - the idea is not to follow them step by step. We recommend that you always follow the current signposts on the Way of St. James. 
All routes on the Way of St James are well identified with signposts showing the typical shell, so it is very unlikely to get lost.


Thanks to the many different sections you can walk, there is something for every fitness level. While some of the mountainous sections - like the route from St. Jean Pied de Port across the Pyrenees to Burgos - can certainly be a challenge for your muscles, there are also plenty of more relaxed routes, like the portuguese Camino along the coast.


The Compostela is a document issued to pilgrims who have completed the Camino de Santiago, the famous Way of St James that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This certificate is traditionally awarded to those who have covered at least 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle to the shrine Santiago and serves as "proof" of the pilgrimage. The issue of the Compostela is controlled by the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela and has become a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Camino de Santiago.


Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)
     


Luggage must be left at reception by 08.00 in the morning to ensure a smooth collection process. Either simply leave it there before breakfast or leave it at reception the evening before (and keep everything you need, such as a toothbrush, in your small luggage).
The deliverers usually have to deliver the luggage to the next accommodation by 15:30 local time. The accommodations we book accept the luggage even if they do not open for pilgrims to check in until later.
 


You will find the pilgrim's starter kit in your first accommodation, it contains the scallop shell, the pilgrim's passport, the luggage tags and brief descriptions of each stage.

You can get stamps for the pilgrim's passport in every hotel, but also in the restaurants and cafés along the way. You can get an additional stamp at places that you particularly like. Otherwise, please make sure that you get 2 stamps on every stage of the last 100 kilometres, every day. You need them to receive the Compostela at the pilgrims' office at the end.
 


We recommend pilgrimage in April, May, June, September and October due to the more moderate temperatures, but you can choose your travel period individually.
 


Changes to your camino pilgrimage route according to individual wishes, such as certain stage combinations or shortenings, are possible. We will be happy to create an individual offer for you.
 


We are also happy to receive short notice requests and will do everything we can to make your trip possible spontaneously, although this depends on the availability of the accommodations. Otherwise, please try to book your Camino de Santiago with us 6 weeks before your desired departure date.
 


The arrival at the starting point of the Camino must be arranged by travellers individually. We´d be happy to help you find a suitable train connection.
Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. Upon request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation.
 


If you have booked a transfer, the driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name on it as soon as you come out of baggage collection.
 

The Way of St. James, also known as the “Camino de Santiago”, comprises a number of pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where the tomb of the Apostle James is located. Here are the most famous routes:

Camino Francés (French Way)

  • The most popular and best-developed, but also the most demanding Way of St. James, but can be divided into shorter sections, such as Sarria-Santiago.
  • Start: St. Jean-Pied-de-Port (France).
  • Length: approx. 800 km to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Passes through cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León.

Camino del Norte (Northern Way)

  • Runs along the north coast of Spain.
  • Start: Irun on the French-Spanish border.
  • Length: approx. 825 km.
  • A scenic route that passes through cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao and Gijón.

Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way)

  • Leads from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Starting points: Lisbon (approx. 620 km) or Porto (approx. 240 km).
  • Variants along the coast and inland.

Via de la Plata (Silver Way)

  • One of the longest pilgrimage routes in Spain.
  • Start: Seville (Andalusia), shorter version from Ourense.
  • Length: approx. 1,000 km.
  • Leads through the interior of the country via cities such as Mérida, Salamanca and Zamora.

Camino Primitivo (Original Way)

  • The oldest Way of St. James, used by the first pilgrims.
  • Start: Oviedo (Asturias).
  • Length: approx. 320 km.
  • A challenging route through mountainous terrain.

Camino Inglés (English Way)

  • Used by English and northern European pilgrims
  • Start: Ferrol 
  • Length: approx. 120 km (from Ferrol) or 75 km (from A Coruña).

Camino de Invierno (winter route)

  • Alternative route to the Camino Francés to avoid the snowy mountains in winter.
  • Start: Ponferrada.
  • Length: approx. 270 km.

Camiño dos Faros

  • See the lighthouses along the Atlantic coast in west Galizia.
  • Route: Malpica - Finisterre
  • Length: approx. ca. 196 km.

Padre Sarmiento

  • Shorter route in southern Galizia to Santiago
  • Start: Pontevedra
  • Length: approx. ca. 166 km.

Each of these Caminos has its own scenic and cultural characteristics and offers pilgrims different levels of difficulty and experience.

Cancellation fees up to 30 days before departure 15%, 29-15 days before departure 25%, 14-10 days before departure 50% and from 9 days before departure 100% of the tour price.


Notes

Please remember to bring your ID or passport.
We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed, broken-in mountaineering boots are a must. A head for heights is also advantageous.
Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, as well as the health and entry regulations of your travel country.
There is no minimum number of participants.
The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL.

Packing list

Packing list

for the classic french Camino, the portuguese Caminos, the Camino del Norte & Primitivo


What should I pack for my Camino?

Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)