Complete Guide to the English Way (Camino Inglés)

The English Way (Camino Inglés) is one of the historic routes of the Camino de Santiago. Its name comes from the pilgrims from northern Europe — mainly England, Ireland and Scandinavian countries — who arrived by sea at the ports of Ferrol and A Coruña to begin their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

This route crosses northern Galicia from north to south and offers a shorter, quieter and more concentrated experience than other more crowded routes. Today, the English Way is an ideal option for pilgrims who have limited time, are looking for an authentic experience, good signposting and solid infrastructure, and wish to walk a historically documented, culturally rich and scenically diverse route.

It is an accessible, well-organised route, perfectly prepared for both first-time pilgrims and experienced walkers.

Where does the English Way start?

English Way from Ferrol

• Approximate distance: 113 km
• Number of stages: 5
• Right to obtain the Compostela: Yes
• Type of route: inland, rural and urban
• Profile: ideal for pilgrims who want to complete the full route in a short time

Stages of the English Way from Ferrol

The English Way from Ferrol is approximately 110 km long and is usually divided into 5 stages, allowing pilgrims to meet the minimum distance requirement to obtain the Compostela upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

This five-stage structure is the most common planning model for the English Way from Ferrol and allows a balanced distribution of physical effort, combining longer walking days with more moderate stages.

Frequently Asked Questions about the English Way

How many kilometres is the English Way from Ferrol?

The English Way from Ferrol is approximately 112 to 115 kilometres, depending on variants and detours.

How many days does it take to walk the English Way?

Most pilgrims complete it in 5 days, although some choose to divide it into 6 stages to reduce daily distances.

Where does the English Way start?

The English Way can start from Ferrol or A Coruña. However, only starting from Ferrol allows pilgrims to meet the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela.

Is the English Way difficult?

The English Way is considered a medium–low difficulty route. Although it includes some climbs, it does not cross high mountain passes, and much of the route follows flat terrain or gentle ascents and descents.

What is the best time of year to walk the English Way?

The best seasons are spring and autumn. Summer offers good weather, but with higher numbers of pilgrims, especially in August and September.

Can you obtain the Compostela on the English Way?

Yes. Starting the English Way from Ferrol exceeds the minimum 100 km required to obtain the Compostela upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

Alternative route: English Way from A Coruña

Although this guide focuses on the English Way from Ferrol, it is also possible to start the route from A Coruña. This variant is approximately 73 km long and offers a shorter, mainly urban and peri-urban experience, but it does not allow pilgrims to obtain the Compostela, as it does not reach the minimum required distance.

English Way Statistics

In 2025, nearly 30,000 pilgrims walked the English Way, confirming its consolidation as one of the fastest-growing Jacobean routes in recent years. Of this total, approximately 29,000 pilgrims started in Ferrol, while fewer than 1,000 started from A Coruña. This guide focuses exclusively on the English Way from Ferrol, which is the variant that meets the minimum distance requirement to obtain the Compostela.

Regarding pilgrim origin, 51% were Spanish, while the rest were international pilgrims. The most numerous foreign nationalities were, in order: Italian, American, British, Portuguese and German, reflecting the increasingly international character of the English Way.

Growth of the English Way in recent years

The English Way has experienced very significant growth in recent years. Taking 2019 as a reference year, when fewer than 16,000 people walked this route, the number of pilgrims has doubled in just six years, reaching figures close to 30,000 walkers annually.

This growth is driven by several factors. On the one hand, the general increase in interest in the Camino de Santiago has raised pilgrim numbers across almost all routes. On the other hand, the saturation of the French Way has led many pilgrims to seek less crowded alternatives.

In this context, the English Way stands out as a particularly attractive option: it is a short route (just over 100 km from Ferrol, allowing pilgrims to obtain the Compostela), not overly demanding, and physically accessible for most people. Although it includes some climbs, it does not cross high mountain passes, and much of the route runs through flat terrain or gentle slopes.

Months with the highest number of pilgrims

The busiest months on the English Way are August and September, with an average of around 5,000 pilgrims per month.

Between April and July, there is also high pilgrim activity, with an average of around 4,000 pilgrims per month, making spring and summer the most active seasons on this route.

How to get to Ferrol to start the English Way

Ferrol is one of the two historic starting points of the English Way and has good road, rail and public transport connections, making it easily accessible from different parts of Spain and abroad. Getting to Ferrol is straightforward with proper travel planning, especially by combining transport options.

Getting to Ferrol by plane

The nearest airports are A Coruña Airport (LCG) and Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). From both airports, it is possible to continue the journey to Ferrol by land transport, making this one of the most popular options for pilgrims arriving from other regions or abroad.

Getting to Ferrol by train

Ferrol has a train station with regional and medium-distance connections, allowing access from different Galician cities and other parts of northern Spain. It is a comfortable option for those who prefer rail travel.

Getting to Ferrol by bus

There are regular bus services connecting Ferrol with the main Galician cities and other northern Spanish locations. It is a practical and affordable alternative, especially from A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Lugo or Oviedo.

Getting to Ferrol by car

Ferrol is well connected by road via the Galician road network. This option offers greater flexibility, especially for groups of pilgrims or those who wish to leave their vehicle in the city before starting the Camino.

Practical recommendations

• Plan your arrival in advance, especially during high season.
• Consider combining transport options (plane + train or bus).
• Arrive the day before starting the Camino to avoid unforeseen issues.
• Book accommodation in Ferrol if you plan to start the first stage early in the morning.

Ferrol is a city well prepared for pilgrims, with services, accommodation, shops and all the necessary resources to begin the English Way calmly and well organised.

Planning the English Way

How many days are needed?

Between 5 and 7 days from Ferrol, depending on the pilgrim’s pace and stage organisation.

Best time to walk it

Spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons. Summer offers good weather but higher numbers of pilgrims. Winter is possible, but requires more careful planning.

Difficulty level

Medium–low difficulty. Varied terrain, with some uneven sections, but accessible for most physical profiles.

Infrastructure

• Public and private hostels
• Official signposting
• Medical services
• Restaurants and food services
• Transport services

Pilgrim preparation

• Comfortable footwear adapted for long walks
• Lightweight backpack
• Technical clothing
• Rain protection
• Trekking poles
• Pilgrim credential

Basic physical preparation is recommended, but this is not a technically demanding route.

Who is the English Way ideal for?

• First-time pilgrims
• People with limited time
• Walkers seeking tranquillity
• Pilgrims who avoid crowded routes
• People interested in history and heritage
• Short but complete routes

Advantages of the English Way

• Historically documented route
• Low overcrowding
• Good signposting
• Complete infrastructure
• Diverse landscapes
• Authentic rural environments
• Good logistical accessibility

The English Way within the Camino de Santiago

The English Way is part of the official network of Jacobean routes and is recognised as a historic itinerary. Although less known than the French Way, it offers an authentic, culturally rich experience fully integrated into the pilgrim tradition.

It is an excellent gateway into the world of the Camino de Santiago and a real alternative for those seeking a spiritual, cultural and personal experience without large crowds.

The English Way in images