English Way from Ferrol in 7 days

The ancient pilgrims from the sea arrived in Ferrol at the historic pier, known as Peirao das Curuxeiras, where they disembarked to continue their pilgrimage on dry land. You will have to get to Ferrol on your own to start the English Way, or by means of one of our optional transfers.

You will discover a city that lives from the sea, not only for its fishing and commercial port, but also for its historic civil and military shipyards. You can visit the historic quarter, the co-cathedral of San Xulián and the church of San Francisco, or stroll through the rationalist neighbourhood of A Magdalena and admire its modernist houses.

Don't miss the defensive constructions that protected this historic arsenal from maritime incursions during the reign of Philip II: the Castles of San Felipe, A Palma and San Martiño.

And if you have an extra day or you already know Ferrol, we offer you a visit to the Caaveiro Monastery to discover the spectacular surroundings of the Fragas do Eume.

Hostel: La Frontera Guesthouse or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel El Suizo or similar
Charming accommodation: Ferrol Grand Hotel or similar

Distance: 31 km (or 20 km over the bridge of As Pías)
Difficulty: ●●●○○
Accommodation: Pontedeume

This section, which begins at the Curuxeiras quay, at one end of the old town of Ferrol, has its origin marked with a small milestone indicating the beginning of the English Way.

This stage, although long, is really nice and quiet. Many pilgrims choose to cross the Ferrol estuary over the As Pías bridge, which has a pedestrian lane and saves 11 km, taking you directly to Fene. However, we do not recommend it, because of the heavy traffic on this road and because it would prevent you from enjoying the interior of the estuary and the most outstanding element of the stage: the Monastery of San Martiño de Xubia or O Couto.

From Fene, the ascent to the peninsula that separates the Ferrol and Eume estuaries begins. On reaching the latter, in Pontedeume, you can visit the Andrade family tower, the church of Santiago or the Plaza Real with the 17th century clock tower.

Hostel: Río Eume Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel Eumesa or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Camiño do Eume or similar

Distance: 21 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Betanzos

Today's stage is much shorter than the previous one and runs mainly in the rural surroundings of the Betanzos estuary. However, it is marked by constant ups and downs.

The English Way will take you past the Church of San Pantaleón das Viñas, a 12th century Romanesque church in rural Romanesque style, and the pazo of Montecelo, whose façade bears the coat of arms of the Andrade family.

Just over 6 km away, and close to the end of your stage, Betanzos, you will find the Romanesque church of San Martiño de Tiobre, also from the 12th century, which is located on the site of an earlier Swabian temple. Around this church are a series of single-family houses known as the Casas de Tiobre or also O Betanzos Vello. This is the original centre of Betanzos, which was abandoned for its current location, in the vicinity of the estuary of the estuary, by a royal order in the 13th century.

The town of Betanzos is one of the seven capitals of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia and, as such, it preserves one of the best medieval quarters in the whole of Galicia.

Hostel: Río Mandeo Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel Garelos or similar
Charming accommodation: Portico Guesthouse or similar

Distance: 24.4 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
Accommodation: Bruma / San Paio de Buscás

The route of this third stage of the English Way is the hardest, although it is not the longest. Moreover, as it runs mainly through rural areas, it is almost devoid of intermediate towns and, therefore, of services. We recommend that you prepare your rucksack well. In fact, from Betanzos to the village of Cos there are 7.5 km totally rural.

In Presedo you can take a break along the way and regain your strength because there is no other town until you reach Hospital de Bruma. During the Middle Ages, this was the only pilgrims' hospital on this route. Today, however, only its documentary reference remains. In 1124 there is mention of the existence of thieves' caves in these parts that were dedicated to robbing pilgrims. In order to put an end to this situation, this hospital was created, promoted by the church of Compostela and the local nobility. It is believed that in 1520 King Charles I spent the night in the hospital on his way from Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña.

Hostel: San Lorenzo de Bruma Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Antón Veiras Rural House or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Dona María or similar

Distance: 24.1 km
Difficulty level: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Sigüeiro

Unlike the previous stage, today's section is not very difficult. The slopes are not very steep and you will walk on tarmac and dirt tracks. The English Way crosses the region of Ordes, mainly along the old Camino Real. After the first few kilometres you will pass by the church of San Paio de Buscás, a church of rural Romanesque origin, which hides one of the most violent religious images, known as the "beheaded saint".

On your arrival at A Baxoia you will have to choose whether to continue along the official route, close to the road, or whether you prefer to take the variant that runs along a forest track. On your arrival in Sigüeiro you will have to cross the bridge that spans the river Tambre. It is a bridge of medieval origin that has been altered and adjusted to the needs of the time over the years.

Hostel: Follow the path or similar
Standard accommodation: Camino Real Accommodation or similar
Charming accommodation: Siaba Guesthouse or similar

Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Santiago de Compostela

In this last stage, although more than half of it runs through pleasant rural and wooded areas, as we enter Santiago we will cross approximately 5 km of industrial area and urban route.

You will enter the city through the neighbourhoods of San Caetano and Basquiños, finally reaching the old town. Here the cathedral and the spectacular old town await you, full of places to visit.

Not only the aforementioned cathedral, which is a must-see, and for which we offer expert guides, but also other places such as the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, the second largest in Spain; the Hostal dos Reis Católicos and its wonderful Renaissance architecture; the University - the fifth oldest in Europe -, its market, etc.

Welcome to Santiago and congratulations: you have completed your Camino.

Hostel: The Last Stamp or similar
Standard accommodation: Deniké Guesthouse or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Costa Vella or similar

After a well-deserved and refreshing rest, you will have the whole day free to explore the Holy City: its Cathedral and the rest of its monumental complex, as well as the places of interest outside it. If you wish, we can also help you with this.

And, if you have time, we have some complementary activities that may be of interest. For example, you can reach the End of the World with our full day visit to Fisterra. You will not be disappointed.