The English Way from Ferrol

You will arrive in Ferrol on your own, or if you wish, we can arrange your transfer to this place from any airport or station you arrive at. From here, depending on your arrival time, you can visit different points of interest, such as the building of the Military Arsenal or Plaza de Armas, where the City Hall is located.

You will also have time to rest before the first stage, as well as to stroll through the old Ferrol Vello area or visit the Naval Museum and the shipyards, reminders of the city’s strong connection with the naval industry. A testament to this are the Castles of San Felipe, San Martín, and La Palma, which once protected its busy port. These castles are a must-see.

During the route it is important to make stops at places such as the Monastery of San Martín de Xuvia, or ‘O Couto’, near the end of the stage and built by the famous Count of Traba in the same place where there was a primitive monastery before the 10th century. On arrival in Neda, and depending on the time of arrival, you can visit different points of interest, such as the different churches in the town or some examples of popular architecture, as there are sea houses, modernist houses and other older ones.

You should also visit the windmill of Cruz do Pouso, formerly used to produce gunpowder and other ingredients for making fireworks. You will visit the Ares estuary and the city of the Andrade family, passing through tourist spots such as the Church of San Martiño de Porto. Except for the occasional slope, this stage is generally quite easy, running very close to the main road and numerous establishments where you can grab a bite to eat and rest.

Once you arrive in Pontedeume, you can visit various points of interest in the area, such as the legendary Andrade Tower, located in the town center and reached via the Stone Bridge, one of the longest in Europe. It will also be interesting to visit the Monastery of San Juan de Caaveiro or the Castle of the Andrade family, located on the outskirts of Pontedeume.

Unlike the previous stage, in this one you will have to walk along very steep paths, which in many cases may be muddy. However, the beauty of the Atlantic forest and the medieval villages we pass through will undoubtedly make up for the effort required.

In addition, as you pass through Miño, you can take a break and enjoy its two beaches: Grande and Alameda. Once in Betanzos, besides having all services at your disposal, you can visit the tourist spots that make up the town’s rich cultural offering, such as the Churches of San Francisco, Santa María del Azogue, or the Clock Tower.

Simply walking through the city, you’ll realize the importance of Betanzos during the medieval period in Galicia. Also, you can’t leave without visiting the Parque do Pasatempo, a work funded by the García Naveira brothers and the first example of an encyclopedic park in all of Europe.

On this Camino, each stage increases both in distance and difficulty. You will leave behind urban areas to enter the Atlantic and inland landscape, constantly surrounded by forests and woodlands of oaks, pines, and birches. Unlike the previous days, you should stock up well when leaving Betanzos, as you’ll walk several kilometers with only nature as your companion.

This is considered the queen stage of the English Way due to its length and certain stretches that can be quite tough. However, once you reach the town of Bruma, you’ll finally be able to rest, and if you still have energy, you can visit the Hermitage of San Lorenzo, built in the mid-16th century, with a predominant late Gothic style.

During this stage, you will mostly walk along descending dirt and paved paths, with plenty of services available and the chance to visit the Churches of San Paio and San Xiao de Poulo. You are now very close to the Compostela capital, and the increase in pilgrim traffic makes that evident.

Upon arriving in Sigüeiro, and depending on your arrival time, you can visit the town’s medieval bridge, which spans the Tambre River and dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, mostly built with ashlar masonry. It will then be time to rest and prepare for the final stage, full of emotions as you approach Santiago.

You’ll wake up at your accommodation in Sigüeiro, ready to start the day full of energy and begin your walk toward Santiago de Compostela. The destination is finally near, and soon you’ll see the cathedral towers for the first time and embrace the Apostle.

Today’s stage will be easy, with the only challenge being the access to the city of Compostela, where you’ll have to cross an industrial area before finally entering the old town and reaching the Plaza del Obradoiro.

Free day to visit all those monuments that, apart from the Cathedral, make up the impressive Galician capital.