The Camino Ingles or English Way was originally for pilgrims who started in the UK and then took a boat to the Spanish coast to continue their walk to Santiago de Compostela. It is possible to walk the Ingles beginning in either A Coruña or Ferrol. From A Coruña the walk is 74km which technically does not entitle the pilgrim to a Compostela, however, there has been an exception made so long as the pilgrim has walked at least 26km in their home country.
The walk from Ferrol is 122km which is enough for a Compostela on its own. For the purposes of this post, we will use Ferrol as the starting point. The way markings are generally good. This Camino is also called the Antiguo Camino Real and sometimes it will be referred to that way on the way markings. This Camino can be walked in 5 days by combining stages 1 and 2. Due to the fact that this Camino is entirely in Galicia, the weather can be challenging. Although it is never really crowded it is mostly populated with pilgrims in July and August.
Getting to Ferrol:
If you are flying from The US to specifically walk the Ingles then you could easily fly into A Coruña and then bus or taxi to Ferrol. You can also fly into Santiago de Compostela the take a bus from the bus station to Ferrol.
Stage 1 Ferrol to Neda 15km
The first stage begins in the Cruzeiros port, in Ferrol. It is relatively easy with slight inclines and declines. For part of the stage, you will be near the Atlantic Ocean and part is through an industrial area.
Sites to see – Xubia: The monastery church, Neda: 14th Century Church of San Nicolis.
Stage 2 Neda to Pontedeume 16km
Both Neda and Pontedeume have beautiful old quarters.
Sites to see – Pontedeume: The bridge, Church of Santiago, Andrade tower.
Stage 3 Pontedeume to Betanzos 21km
This stage is very green. It is mostly rural with a beautiful village along the way, Miño.
Sites to see – Lambre: Medevil bridge, Betanzos: Chruches of Santiago, Santa Maria, and San Francisco.
Stage 4 Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma 28.3km
This is the longest and most difficult stage. This stage like the last will be through a rural area, you’ll be surrounded by farmland and beautiful landscapes.
Stage 5 Hospital de Bruma to Sigüeiro 24.8km
This stage is a nice leisurely stage. We are close to Santiago de Compostela. The path is softer made of dirt or paved. There is more opportunity to stop in bars or restaurants and there are many along this stage.
Stage 6 Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela 16.5km
This stage starts in the beautiful forests of gum trees and then quickly we come upon the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela.