The Camino Inglés is the short route from Ferrol—about 115 km in four to five days through the lush Galician countryside to Santiago de Compostela—ideal for pilgrims who are short on time.
The Camino Inglés is the „English Way“ – named after the medieval pilgrims from England, Ireland and Scandinavia who landed by ship in Galicia and walked on to Santiago from there. From Ferrol it's around 115 kilometers through the green Galician hinterland.
It's the ideal route if you're short on time: walkable in four to five days, and at a good 115 kilometers long enough to earn the Compostela (from Ferrol, not from A Coruña). It's also quiet and far less crowded than the big main routes.
The landscape is shaped by sea inlets (rías), eucalyptus forests, small stone villages and gentle hills.
Depending on the language, the route goes by several names:
The Camino Inglés is perfect if you only have a short week but still want to earn the Compostela. If you're after a long, weeks-long pilgrimage or expect a big pilgrim community, you'll be happier on the longer routes like the Francés – the Inglés is short, quiet and compact. Note: only from Ferrol (over 100 km) does it count toward the Compostela.
The route starts in the port city of Ferrol and at first follows the ría with views of the sea. Via Pontedeume, with its medieval bridge, and pretty Betanzos it heads into the hilly hinterland.
At Hospital de Bruma the routes from Ferrol and A Coruña meet. From there the way leads through forests and fields via Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela.
Depending on your pace, the Camino Inglés breaks down into roughly four to six stages. With around 2,850 meters of ascent it's moderate: a few climbs in the hinterland, but no high-mountain sections.
The surface alternates between coastal paths, forest tracks and asphalt. With normal base fitness the route is very doable – its short distance makes it appealing for beginners too, as long as they don't mind the few climbs.
The best time for the Inglés is May to September: mild weather, though Galicia is rainy in general. A rain jacket always belongs in your pack here.
Because the route is short and runs through more thinly settled country, planning your accommodation ahead pays off. The easiest way to plan your stages and overnight stops is right in the Camino Ninja app, which lets you put together your stages and line up matching accommodation at the same time.
You'll need the pilgrim credential (Credencial) to stay in the hostels and to receive the Compostela at the end. It's best to order it online in advance so you're sure to have it when you set off.
Because the Camino Inglés is short, the overall cost stays low too. Along the route there are public and private hostels as well as guesthouses; choice is smaller than on the Francés but ample for the few stages. Mix it up flexibly and you'll get through cheaply.
The starting point, Ferrol, is easy to reach from Santiago and A Coruña by train and bus – many pilgrims fly into Santiago de Compostela and travel out to Ferrol to walk back on foot. If you're coming from farther afield or from overseas, you'll usually use Santiago de Compostela Airport.
Useful links for getting there:
A Casiña do Río
Open season unknown
Alameda Rooms Santiago
Open season unknown
Albergue A Fonte de Compostela
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Camino Inglés, shipped to your door.
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