Camino Inglés – Ferrol to Santiago
2023 Prices: Self-guided tours
Number of Days
5 days walking (with the option of 6), usually booked as a 7 night package.
Description
The Camino Inglés is the shortest complete Camino route available – 5 days in its entirety. Traditionally, people from Ireland or Britain might have sailed south to reach the coast of Spain and walked to Santiago from there.
Distance: 119km
Difficulty Level: Intermediate – accessible to any level of fitness, but some preparation is advised. This is a quieter than usual Camino route – a different experience to starting in Sarria or Valenҫa.
How to get there: Fly in and out of Santiago.
Remember that every trip is unique and we can tailor yours to suit you.
For a completely different option: The Celtic Camino (recognised by the cathedral in Santiago) allows a different option – to walk 25km on a recognised route in Ireland and combine that with the walk from A Coruña to Santiago, thus giving the required 100km for certification purposes. Due to lack of ensuite accommodation between Coruña and Bruma, this is often best-left to the independent traveler!
- Groups (6+): €540 per person sharing
- 4-5 people: €550 pps.
- 2-3 people: €590 pps.
- Accommodation single supplement €220
- 7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis (typically 3* standard). We choose our accommodations to give you the best value while still maintaining high standards.
- Private airport transfer from Santiago airport to Ferrol.
- Bag transfer each day.
- Pilgrim Passport – we use those issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only officially-recognised Irish pilgrim passport.
- Detailed walking notes for each stage, as well as ongoing advice and 24/7 emergency phone service.
- The security provided from booking with a licensed and bonded travel agency.
- Flights not included. As a licensed travel agency, we can book your flights for you (€20pp fee applies, no fee for group bookings).
- Travel insurance not included - we recommend that all customers take out adequate travel insurance.
Day 1 – Fly from Dublin to Santiago
Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to Ferrol. Ferrol is a famous naval port and the birthplace of the Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco.
Day 2 – Walk 30km to Pontedeume
The first 20km of this stage is completely flat, as you follow the shore all the way to Fene. You pass through Xubia and Neda (famous for its bread-making tradition) before finally walking away from the sea after Fene. The remainder of the day’s walk sees you climbing somewhat, before descending to the sea again. Walk along the beautiful beach of Playa Magdalena to bring you to the bridge over the Eume, lending its name to your end point for the day.
Option: If 30km is too big an ask on your first day, you can get a taxi from Ferrol as far as Neda and continue from there. It will still qualify you for the 100km to Santiago - just don't forget to stamp your passport!
Day 3 – Walk 20km to Betanzos
A steep walk out of Pontedeume knocks away the cobwebs pretty quickly, but before you know it, you’ve reached the town of Miño, marking the half way point of the stage (and also the only stopping place of note along the way). Finish your day by descending into Betanzos, a lively town with a large, open plaza marking the centre of town and an old town with some beautiful buildings beside the plaza.
Day 4 – Walk 28km to Hospital de Bruma
Today is for the pilgrim who enjoys rural solitude! There are no towns along the way, so make sure to stop in the couple of places with a café. It’s the most difficult day on the Camino Inglés, finishing with some steep walking, but this brings its own reward. Bruma is a tiny hamlet with a municipal Albergue, so those staying in rooms need to transfer (or walk!) 2km to the nearby town of Mesón do Vento.
Day 5 – Walk 24km to Siguiero
Today is a very pleasant day walking in rural settings once more. The first half of the day is mostly spent along quiet roads until you reach A Calle and its landmark Cruceiro bar. After resting here, the remainder of the day involves walking along forest tracks until you approach the town of Siguiero. After a day of undulating terrain, you’re nearly there!
Day 6 – Walk 17km to Santiago
Today is both the shortest and easiest day’s walk on this Camino. It’s all about the destination really – there is no place to stop and rest until you reach the Poligono de Tambre (an industrial estate) a little over 5km from Santiago. From here on, you are making your way through the city outskirts until you reach your destination – the mighty cathedral of Santiago!
Day 7 – Free day in Santiago
A chance to collect your Compostela from the Pilgrim Office and to attend the midday pilgrim mass (there’s usually an English language mass in the evening). The historic centre of Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a beautiful place to wander or indeed to sip a café (or something a bit stronger!) and watch the world go by. The centre of Santiago is very compact and easily walkable – a treasure trove of beautiful buildings and winding streets.
Day 8 – Fly back
Return to Santiago airport for your return flight to Dublin.
