English Way from Ferrol

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the English Way safe?

  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.

• How many kilometers is the English Way of Saint James?

  The total kilometres of the English Way are about 117 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.

• I need to cancel my reservation.

  You can cancel your trip free of charge up to 15 days before the start date, with no need to give any explanation.

  • 15 days or more in advance → refund of 100 % of the amount paid, with no penalty. The refund is processed within a maximum of 7 days.
  • Less than 15 days → Between 15 and 8 days before: 50 % of the total amount. 7 days or less → 100 % of the total amount.
  • No-show → no right to a refund.

  If you have taken out the Cancellation Insurance, you must inform us regardless of how many days' notice you give, but you have to handle the refund process with the insurer yourself.

  Transfer of the booking: if you cannot travel, you can transfer it to another person at no cost; we only need you to let us know far enough in advance for us to arrange it. In that case, payments are settled directly between clients.

  The client is responsible for any additional cost arising from the cancellation.

  ⚠️ IMPORTANT: every cancellation must be notified by email: info@viajescaminodesantiago.com (cancellations are not processed by phone).

  👉 More info: Booking conditions.

• What is luggage transport and how does it work?

  Luggage transport is included in group trips, trips with a dog and VIP trips; on all other trips it is an optional service you can add when booking. With it you can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival.   Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase.   Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

• Why start the English Way in Ferrol and not in A Coruña?

  Because from Ferrol it is about 117 km to Santiago —above the minimum of 100 km on foot— and therefore grants the right to the Compostela. From A Coruña it is about 74 km, which does not reach that minimum. If your goal is to obtain the Compostela by walking, Ferrol is the safe option.

• Where does the English Way start in Ferrol?

  At the Curuxeiras quay, in the Ferrol Vello quarter. This is where pilgrims from northern Europe who gave life to this route used to land, so by starting from this quay you are literally following in their footsteps. On arrival day, stroll through its streets down to the harbour and treat yourself to a good meal before the first stage.

• What is the Ferrol to Pontedeume stage like?

  Long but beautiful: 28.9 km, almost always close to the sea. You leave from the Curuxeiras quay, pass the Co-cathedral of San Xulián and skirt the estuary on wooden boardwalks through the marshes. You cross Neda and Fene, shipbuilding country, and stop at the pine grove and beach of A Magdalena, in Cabanas. You enter Pontedeume over the medieval bridge on the Eume. Set off early to enjoy the town.

• Can you visit the Fragas do Eume from Pontedeume?

  Yes, and we recommend it if you arrive with time and energy to spare: Pontedeume, the end of the first stage, is one of the gateways to the Fragas do Eume Natural Park. The park preserves one of the finest Atlantic riverside forests in Europe, a green you'll hardly have seen anywhere else.

• What is the toughest climb on the English Way?

  The one leaving Pontedeume at the start of the second stage: about two demanding kilometres best taken slowly. At the top you're rewarded with good views and eucalyptus woods. Then you pass through Miño, with its estuary and beaches, and tackle the Matacabalos rise before entering Betanzos over the Ponte Vella. In total it's 19.9 km.

• What should I see and eat in Betanzos?

  Betanzos is famous for its tortilla (Spanish omelette), so try a few in different bars and pick your favourite. Enter through its medieval gates, which are still standing, and explore the historic centre, with some of the finest Gothic monuments in the area. You arrive over the Ponte Vella on the river Mandeo: this is the «city of knights».

• Are there services between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma?

  Very few, so leave Betanzos with water and food for the whole day. It's 23.4 km of hills, hamlets and woods. The natural stop is the Beche reservoir, with a picnic area. Then you climb to the highest point of the English Way, at 460 metres, from where on clear days you can see the sea and A Coruña. It's one of the most authentic stages of the route.