Camino Ingles: Hiking the Camino de Santiago from Ferrol
As you can probably tell I am currently not at home in QLD so I have decided to post about my adventures around Europe. I could not help myself but to add some information and images about the Camino de Santiago while I was here. I love getting out and about and love hiking so I thought I would put together some information about one of the hikes we recently did after our Paris adventures.
The Camino de Santiago is also known as the Way of St. James, and it’s one of the most popular long-distance trails around the world. It’s a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, one of the most stunning regions in the country. Among these routes, the Camino Ingles (or “English Way”) stands out a lot, and here’s why.
Let’s embark on a journey along the Camino de Santiago from Ferrol, exploring its history, scenic beauty, and practical tips for hikers.
Why Choose the Camino Ingles?
Each year millions of people walk the Camino France or Camino del Norte from Bilbao, and embark on a journey that lasts more than 20 days, but the truth is that a ton of pilgrims can’t embark on a journey this long, and the Camino Ingles, offers a unique alternative to those who can’t embark on larger routes.
The Camino Ingles is still a long-distance trail since it covers over 130 km, which is the minimum to qualify for the Santiago certificate. This route offers a unique experience for pilgrims seeking a less-traveled path.
Like many other routes, Camino Ingles has historical ties to medieval pilgrims from the British Isles and Ireland. You’ll be able to trace their steps and discover the stories that connect this route to the broader pilgrimage tradition.
Starting Point: Ferrol
Ferrol is a coastal city in northwest Spain and serves as the starting point for the Camino Ingles. I highly recommend that you spend a whole day exploring the city, it’s old and has interesting buildings, museums, and squares to check out.
Historically, pilgrims departed from Ferrol by sea and you’ll be able to explore the city’s maritime heritage and imagine embarking on your own pilgrimage.
Scenic Highlights
As you walk the Camino Ingles, you’ll encounter breathtaking and varied landscapes. You’ll be able to walk through wooded areas, where sunlight filters through leaves and birdsong fills the air.
As well as enjoy rolling hills, meadows, and charming villages that you can’t miss like Pontedeume and Betanzos. Visit these emblematic towns along the route, each with its own character and history.
The Route
The Camino Ingles is over 130 kilometers long and can be completed in 6 or 7 days, you can take as much as you want or need, and take as many detours as you feel like.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Day 1: Arrival in Ferrol: Begin your journey in this coastal city.
- Day 2: Ferrol to Pontedeume: Walk along the coast, taking in the sea views.
- Day 3: Pontedeume to Betanzos: Explore the town’s medieval streets.
- Day 4: Betanzos to Bruma: Pass through rural landscapes.
- Day 5: Bruma to Sigüeiro: Continue to Santiago de Compostela.
- Day 6: Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela: Arrive at the cathedral.
Practical Tips
Every journey starts with tips, preparations, and planning. Those are essential for long-distance trails, from packing to water carrying and the markers along the way. Here are some useful tips:
- Pack Light: Bring essential gear but avoid unnecessary weight.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water and nourish yourself along the way.
- Follow the Markers: Look for yellow arrows and distance poles to stay on track.
