The English Way from Ferrol is the route followed by pilgrims from the British Isles and Nordic countries who reached Galicia by sea. At 116 km and 6 stages from the port of Ferrol, it is one of the shortest ways that qualifies for the Compostela certificate (minimum 100 km on foot).
The English Way gets its name from the many English, Irish, Scandinavian and Flemish pilgrims who for centuries disembarked at the Galician ports of Ferrol and A Coruña to walk to Santiago.
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The first stage of the English Way from Ferrol is short and accessible, ideal for warming up your legs. You depart from the port of Ferrol, the historic landing point for English and Irish pilgrims during the Middle Ages. The route follows the Ferrol estuary, offering spectacular views of the waterway and shipyards. You cross the Caranza neighbourhood and continue along a coastal path that mixes paved sections with dirt tracks. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle climbs. You pass through A Graña, a charming old fishing village, before arriving in Neda, a quiet town with a beautiful medieval bridge over the River Belelle. Neda has a pilgrim albergue, bars, and a small grocery shop.
A short stage with notable elevation changes connecting two charming towns. From Neda you climb along a tree-lined path offering views over the Ares and Betanzos estuary. The central stretch crosses the lush Franza forest, one of the most beautiful spots on this route. You pass the Monastery of San Martín de Xuvia, a Romanesque gem worth a stop. The descent into Pontedeume is spectacular: you cross the imposing medieval Andrade bridge over the River Eume, with its 68 original arches. Pontedeume is a lively town with excellent seafood restaurants, a delightful waterfront promenade, and several albergues. It is a perfect place to rest and enjoy Galician cuisine.
A varied stage alternating coastal stretches with inland climbs. You leave Pontedeume following the estuary and climb towards Miño, passing through pine and eucalyptus forests with sea views. The path passes near Perbes beach, tempting for a rest stop in summer. The central section has several moderate ascents and descents through quiet hamlets like A Cerveira and Souto. The arrival in Betanzos is memorable: you descend into this town designated a Historic-Artistic Site, famous for its Gothic churches (Santa María do Azougue and San Francisco), its cobblestone squares, and the Betanzos tortilla, widely considered the best in Spain. The pilgrim albergue is well located and the dining options are exceptional.
The longest and most demanding stage of the English Way from Ferrol. From Betanzos, a long crossing through the Galician interior begins, requiring good planning. You leave by crossing the bridge over the River Mandeo and immediately climb towards the heights of Cos and Abegondo. The route passes through extensive forest areas, scattered hamlets, and meadows where Galician blond cattle graze. Services are scarce for the first 25 km: it is essential to carry enough water and food. You pass through Presedo, where there is a bar that may be closed outside peak season. The terrain alternates long climbs with descents that take a toll on the knees. The final section crosses the parishes of Leira and Mesón do Vento before reaching Bruma, where the route from A Coruña converges. It is recommended to start early and consider splitting the stage at Hospital de Bruma if energy is running low.
A stage shared with the English Way from A Coruña. From Bruma, where both variants converge, you walk along forest tracks and well-marked trails through mixed oak and eucalyptus woodlands. The landscape is deeply rural, with stone granaries (hórreos), stone crosses (cruceiros) at crossroads, and the constant sound of water from small streams. You pass through the hamlets of Presedo, Leira, and Brea, where you can rest and grab a coffee at a local bar. The accumulated elevation gain is moderate, with constant ups and downs but no major climbs. After the demanding previous stage from Betanzos, this stretch feels more manageable. Arriving in Sigüeiro, on the banks of the River Tambre, you find a peaceful atmosphere with several accommodation options and restaurants to prepare for the final stage into Santiago.
The final stage of the English Way from Ferrol, shared with the A Coruña variant. It is a short and mostly flat stage, perfect for enjoying the emotion of arrival. You leave Sigüeiro by crossing the River Tambre over its stone bridge and walk along tree-lined paths that gradually bring you closer to Santiago. You pass through Meixón Frío and the neighbourhood of Roxos, where the city's proximity becomes palpable. Excitement builds as you spot the first Cathedral towers above the rooftops. You enter the historic centre through the Porta do Camiño, walking along cobblestone streets alive with pilgrim atmosphere until you reach the majestic Plaza del Obradoiro. Time to collect your Compostela at the Pilgrim Office, attend the midday mass, and celebrate completing the English Way.
Route
The route runs through inland Galicia, crossing eucalyptus forests, rural hamlets and medieval bridges. It passes through Pontedeume, with its impressive medieval bridge, and Betanzos, one of the seven capitals of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia.
Ideal for pilgrims with limited time seeking an authentic, uncrowded way.
7 free hostels on this route
