Camino Inglés
In short: Camino Inglés: from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Length: around 120 km from Ferrol, duration: 5 to 6 days. Best time: Spring to autumn.
Overview
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims from England and northern Europe landed by ship in Ferrol or A Coruña and walked to Santiago from there. That is how the route got its name.
From Ferrol it is around 120 kilometres, which is enough for the Compostela. This makes the Camino Inglés one of the shortest complete routes and ideal if you only have a week. The route passes through small coastal towns and eucalyptus forests and over a few hills.
It is far less crowded than the last 100 kilometres of the Camino Francés. The route from A Coruña is shorter than 100 kilometres and does not count for the certificate on its own.
Main stops: Ferrol, Pontedeume, Betanzos, Hospital de Bruma, Sigüeiro, Santiago de Compostela.
The seafarers' route
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims from England, Ireland and northern Europe arrived in Galicia by ship and continued on foot from the ports. That explains the name. Today most people start in Ferrol, from where it is a little over 100 kilometres to Santiago.
The route passes through Pontedeume and Betanzos, two small towns with well-preserved old quarters. After Betanzos comes the hardest day, with a long climb to Hospital de Bruma.
The Compostela from Ferrol or A Coruña
For the Compostela you must walk at least 100 kilometres. From Ferrol that is enough. The variant from A Coruña is only about 75 kilometres long, so it only counts if you can prove additional kilometres. Ask the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago about the current rules beforehand.
Planning your stages
How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 120 kilometres, with one rest day a week.
| Per day | Walking days | With rest days |
|---|---|---|
| 15 km | 8 | 9 |
| 20 km | 6 | 7 |
| 25 km | 5 | 5 |
Who is this route for?
This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.
What does the route cost?
With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 40 to 50 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 7 days that comes to roughly 300 to 350 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.
You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Spain, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Camino Inglés?
around 120 km from Ferrol, 5 to 6 days.
When is the best time to walk Camino Inglés?
Spring to autumn.
Is Camino Inglés suitable for beginners?
This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.
What does Camino Inglés cost?
Budget about 40 to 50 euros a day, so 300 to 350 euros for about 7 days, without travel and gear.
Can I get the Compostela on the Camino Inglés?
From Ferrol, yes. The route is longer than the required 100 kilometres on foot.
