English Way
The English Way is one of the least known routes of the Camino de Santiago. Perfect for all those who are looking for a Camino of solitude and disconnection. It is a trip in which you will be able to reach Santiago de Compostela in only one week and in which you will explore two different parts of Galicia: the marine life of the estuaries and the tranquility of the small villages of the interior of Galicia.
English Way Routes
Information about the English Way
The English Way
The English Way offers a unique adventure, distinct from other Jacobean routes like the French or Portuguese. Although more pilgrims are discovering this route, it remains a quiet path, ideal for those seeking tranquility and reflection.
Despite some notable inclines, the route is straightforward and manageable if approached with a relaxed pace. Covering 120 km from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela, it’s the perfect option for those seeking a complete Camino de Santiago experience in just a few days.
The journey is divided into two distinct parts. Initially, you’ll be accompanied by the sea, treated to breathtaking landscapes of estuaries, marshes, ports, beaches, and significant towns rich in history, monuments, and industrial heritage. As you progress inland, the scenery transitions to rural landscapes, with bustling towns giving way to quiet villages, forests, and solitary paths typical of inland Galicia.
The English Way
- Fortress of San Felipe – Ferrol
- Tower of the Andrade family – Pontedeume
- Fragas do Eume – Pontedeume
- Beaches of Miño
- Historical-artistic group of Betanzos
- Church of San Paio de Buscás
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Where to start the English Route?
The traditional starting point of the English itinerary is located in the city of Ferrol, from where there is a distance of 120 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. This route is perfect for those pilgrims who wish to do a complete route of the Camino de Santiago in just one week.
The port of A Coruña also welcomed thousands of pilgrims arriving by sea during the Middle Ages. From there, they embarked on the 72 km journey that separates the city from Santiago de Compostela. However, over time, the popularity of this route declined. The primary reason is that the distance is insufficient to qualify for the Compostela certificate; it’s worth noting that pilgrims on foot must travel a minimum of 100 kilometers to qualify.
Map of the English Way
History of the English Route
This “English route” owes its name to the first travelers who journeyed along this path. Its history begins in the Middle Ages when all of Europe heard news of the discovery of the remains of St. James the Apostle. Many pilgrims from Nordic countries, Germany, Holland, Belgium, northern France, Great Britain, Ireland, and even Iceland chose this sea route to reach Galician ports and continue the pilgrimage to Compostela by land.
Ferrol, which in the late Middle Ages was primarily a fishing port, became one of the most important landing places for pilgrims at that time. So much so that a hospital was built to assist them. During this period, the precariousness of the ships and the threat of pirate raids made the journey an odyssey.
Pilgrimages by sea experienced significant growth, especially during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the ongoing conflicts between France and England made sea pilgrimages safer than land routes. This led to advancements in boats and navigation techniques.
The scale of the English itinerary became substantial, with over 4,000 British pilgrims embarked for Galicia in 1428, distributed among 61 ships. Historians note that most pilgrims belonged to the working classes, and the cost of the trip was equivalent to an average worker’s monthly pay, making it relatively affordable.
Similar to other Jacobean routes, the English Way fell into obscurity from the 16th century onwards. It wasn’t until the late twentieth century that public initiatives were undertaken for its revitalization, dissemination, signage, and the construction of shelters.
Frequently asked questions about the English Way
Yes, definitely. All Jacobean routes are very safe, well signposted and pass through inhabited places. The English Way is no exception, and it is a very safe route.
The English Way, with 5 stages and 113 kilometres from Ferrol, or 4 stages and 74 kilometres from A Coruña, is not considered to be very difficult. However, there are a couple of stages somewhat more demanding than others:
- Pontedeume – Betanzos.
This stage, although shorter in distance, includes several uphill and downhill stretches that make it one of the toughest on the English Way. The steep slopes, especially when leaving Pontedeume and approaching Betanzos, require considerable effort. The mountainous terrain and constant elevation changes make this stage physically demanding, but also very rewarding in terms of views and scenery. - Betanzos – Hospital de Bruma
Considered by many pilgrims to be the toughest stage of the English Way, this section combines considerable distance with terrain that includes several long and steep slopes. Along the way, you will pass through rural areas with few services, which adds an additional challenge in terms of preparation and provisioning. The ascent to the Alto de Vizo is one of the most demanding points of this stage, testing the walkers’ endurance.
The English Way of Saint James is one of the shortest routes of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, with about 113 km divided, generally, in 5 stages. Therefore, divided like this, it takes 5 days to complete the English Way on foot. From A Coruña, another possible start, it will take you 4 days.
Each stage would be the distance you walk in one day, from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
The total kilometres of the English Way are about 113 km from Ferrol. From A Coruña, another possible start, are 74 km. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative routes that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.
The English Way of Saint James is divided into 5 stages. It starts in Ferrol and has 113 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. It can also start in A Coruña, with 74 kilometres ahead and 4 stages. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.
Each stage would be the distance you travel in a day, from the town of beginning to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
In all the routes and stages of the Camino de Santiago there is a lot of beauty, nature and heritage. Of course, all this, among dozens of kilometres, with sections and stages easier to walk and others more complicated. The latter are characterized, above all, by having large slopes and sometimes accumulate many kilometres of ascent.
Here we want to inform you of the stages and climbs most commented by their physical demand of the English Way. Some of them, for many, are part of the hardest stages of the Camino de Santiago.
- Pontedeume – Betanzos
This stage, although shorter in distance, includes several stretches of ups and downs that make it one of the hardest of the English Way. The steep slopes, especially when leaving Pontedeume and approaching Betanzos, require considerable effort. The mountainous terrain and constant elevation changes make this stage physically demanding, but also very rewarding in terms of views and scenery. - Betanzos – Hospital de Bruma
Considered by many pilgrims to be the toughest stage of the English Way, this section combines considerable distance with terrain that includes several long and steep slopes. Along the way, you will pass through rural areas with few services, which adds an additional challenge in terms of preparation and provisioning. The ascent to the Alto de Vizo is one of the most demanding points of this stage, testing the walkers’ endurance.
Some stages of the English Way stand out for their natural beauty, historical richness and cultural significance. Here is a selection of the most beautiful stages of the English Way:
- Pontedeume – Betanzos
This stage is known for its natural beauty and rich historical heritage. The route takes you through dense Galician forests, crossing rivers and passing charming villages. The arrival in Betanzos, one of Galicia’s most historic towns, is a highlight. Here, you can enjoy its impressive old town, full of medieval churches and cosy squares.
- Betanzos – Hospital de Bruma
Although this is one of the longest and most demanding stages, it is also one of the most beautiful. The rural Galician landscape unfolds in all its splendour, with rolling hills, thick forests and small villages that seem to be frozen in time. The tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings make this stage a truly special experience for pilgrims.
- Hospital de Bruma – Sigüeiro
This stage offers a perfect combination of nature and tranquillity. Along the way, you will enjoy the typical rural landscapes of Galicia, with green fields, streams and forests. Sigüeiro, a small charming village, marks the end of this stage, preparing you for the last journey to Santiago.
The English Way of Saint James has two possible starts: from Ferrol, or from A Coruña, both cities in the province of A Coruña. Therefore, they are two routes with different stages at the beginning, although later they converge.
- From Ferrol (113 km)
- Ferrol – Pontedeume (28.3 km)
- Pontedeume – Betanzos (19.9 km)
- Betanzos – Hospital de Bruma (24,1 km)
- Hospital de Bruma – Sigüeiro (24 km)
- Sigüeiro – Santiago de Compostela (16,5 km)
- From A Coruña (78 km)
- A Coruña – Sergude (20 km)
- Sergude – Hospital de Bruma (13 km)
- Hospital de Bruma – Sigüeiro (24 km)
- Sigüeiro – Santiago de Compostela (16.5 km)
This division can be modified, depending on the preferences and possibilities of each person, always bearing in mind to have a place to spend the night.
The English Way of Saint James has two possible starting points: in Ferrol, with 114 km, or in A Coruña, with 78 km, both in the province of A Coruña.
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