The English Way of St. James

Frequently asked questions about The English Way

• 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 difficult is the English Way?

  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.

• How long does it take to do the English Way?

  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.

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

  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.

• How many stages are there on the English Way of Saint James?

  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.

• What is the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago?

  Determining the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago is complicated, as it’s subjective and highly personal. However, here are 10 of the most talked-about stages due to their physical difficulty, with their challenging sections and climbs. Many consider these to be among the toughest stages of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Lepoeder Pass (French Way)

  The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles features the legendary Lepoeder Pass. Over a distance of about 20 km, you climb from 150 m to around 1,450 m. This official section, known as the "Napoleon Route," is a tough but beautiful stretch that has an alternative via Valcarlos, which is shorter and less strenuous. Any pilgrim walking this stage between November and March must take the Valcarlos route due to extreme weather conditions and snow. Fines are imposed for non-compliance.

  • Cizur Menor – Alto del Perdón (French Way)

  Continuing along the French route, the stage between Pamplona and Puente La Reina includes one of the most famous climbs among pilgrims: the ascent to Alto del Perdón. Between Cizur Menor and this iconic point, known for its famous Camino sculpture, there are about 8.5 km where you ascend roughly 300 m.

  • Hospital – O Cebreiro (French Way)

  For some, this is the most demanding stage and one of the hardest on the Way. The stage between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro is considered the "Queen Stage," as it has the highest ascent on the French route. After covering around 20 km, the final challenge is a steep climb of about 600 m over 8 km.

  • Boente – Arzúa (French Way)

  To finish off the French Way, we can’t forget the infamous “leg-breaker,” the stage between Melide and Arzúa. This section of the last 100 km of the French route is a constant up-and-down, where the legs, ankles, and knees take a beating. Though the gradients aren’t too steep, the final 8 km can be tough, especially for those starting from Palas de Rei.

  • Codesal – Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (Portuguese Way)

  While the Portuguese Way is relatively flat and accessible for any pilgrim, it does have a notable climb. On the stage between Ponte de Lima and Rubiães, walkers face the ascent to Alto de A Portela Grande in Labruja. Over 4.2 km, you climb about 300 m through forests and beautiful scenery on a short but demanding stage.

  • Combarro – Armenteira (Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way)

  Still on the Portuguese Way, but taking the Spiritual Variant in its first stage from Pontevedra to Armenteira, pilgrims face another tough climb. After reaching the beautiful seaside town of Combarro, known for its traditional granaries, you ascend about 400 m over 7 km.

  • Pola de Allande – Puerto del Palo (Primitive Way)

  On the Primitive Way, the stage between Pola de Allande and La Mesa includes a challenging climb. The stage starts with a gradual ascent, from 525 m to nearly 1,200 m at Puerto del Palo over 8.4 km.

  • Augapesada – Trasmonte (Finisterre and Muxía Way)

  On the Finisterre and Muxía Way, the first stage between Santiago de Compostela and Negreira features an interesting climb. Starting at Augapesada, pilgrims face a moderately tough ascent of about 200 m over 2 km. Midway through the climb, you can refresh yourself at a fountain before descending to Pontemaceira, a beautiful reward on the Way to Finisterre.

  • Vao – As Travesas (English Way)

  On the English Way from Ferrol, the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma includes a brief but steep ascent between Vao and As Travesas. In about 1.5 km, you climb roughly 125 m to reach the highest point of the last 100 km on this route.

  • Oseira – Villarero (Sanabrian Way)

  Lastly, on the Sanabrian Way, the stage between Cea and A Laxe-Lalín, within the last 100 km from Ourense, includes a notable climb. This is a longer variant of the 11th stage, offering a challenging ascent starting from the Oseira Monastery, well worth the effort to visit. After exploring the monastery, you face a climb of 180 m over 2 km.

• Which are the hardest stages of the English Way?

  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.

• Which are the most beautiful stages of the English Way?

  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.

• What are the stages of the English Way of Saint James?

  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.

• Where does the English Way of Saint James start?

  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.