The stage, step by step
Leaving Betanzos
Leave Betanzos with enough food and water to last many hours. The first kilometres follow rural paths and local roads; you can still find Bar Carabel, with the Big Mat Ceferino de la Iglesia supermarket a little earlier.
Towards Presedo
The route alternates a descent between km 4 and km 6.3 with a 120 m climb to around km 11.8. Presedo appears roughly halfway through the stage and is the only sensible place to plan a long break or split the day.
The long, lonely climb
From km 12.5 to km 20.3, you face 287 m of ascent. The route crosses open areas and stretches of local road before entering woodland; the effort builds here and services disappear.
Downhill towards Bruma
After reaching the high point, the route loses 58 m between km 20.3 and km 24.2. Fonte de Bruma lies on the approach to the destination, while Bruma brings together the accommodation options at the finish.
What to see on stage 4
Oak and birch woodland
Native woodland appears mainly in the middle and final sections of the stage. It provides shade and quiet, although it does not make the climbs any easier or replace the missing services.
Granite cruceiros
Cruceiros appear at junctions and points along the route as reminders of Galicia's rural heritage. On such a solitary day, they also serve as visual landmarks between villages and woodland.
Fonte de San Roque
It appears after 21 km, once the long climb is behind you, and is exactly the sort of fountain you appreciate when the water in your pack is running low. Shortly before Bruma, you will also find Fonte de Bruma, practically at the albergue.
Hospital de Bruma
Bruma is the end of this day's walk and retains the tradition of hospitality associated with the Camino Inglés. When you arrive, you will find the pilgrims' albergue and can rest after the most isolated section.
Where to sleep in Bruma
Betanzos is the best place to stay before tackling this stage: you have the municipal albergue at Casa da Pescadería, Albergue Sta María del Azogue and Albergue Río Mandeo. If you need to split the stage, Albergue de Presedo (Abegondo) is the mid-route option. In Bruma, you can choose between Albergue de Peregrinos Hospital de Bruma and Albergue San Lorenzo de Bruma; book ahead, as there is little flexibility if you arrive late.
Where to eat and refuel
In Betanzos, you can have breakfast and stock up for the day at places such as A Cova do Frade (Betanzos), Casa Betanzia or Restaurante Os Caneiros, and shop at Froiz, Gadis (Betanzos) or Mercadona. Further on, there are places such as Camionero and Bar Carabel, but the choice is very limited. After Presedo, do not count on finding bars, shops or restaurants: bring your food from Betanzos and do not rely on anything being open along the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off very early
It is best to leave early, between 5:30 and 6:00. The average walking time is 6 hours, but stops, elevation gain and the lack of services can easily make the day longer.
Fill up with water and food in Betanzos
The fountains are scattered and the gaps between them can be long, especially after Presedo. Set off with a full bottle and use Fonte do Loureiro, Fonte de San Roque and Fonte de Bruma as useful reference points.
Be ready for roads and steep slopes
Between roughly km 18 and km 21, there is an exposed stretch of local road. The woodland that follows may provide shade, but the climb remains demanding; this is not the stage for breaking in new footwear or pushing your pace.
Download the map
This is a solitary day, with rural stretches where mobile coverage can fail. Carry a GPS or offline maps, and do not assume you will be able to check your phone whenever you need to navigate.
Frequently asked questions about stage 4
Is this the toughest stage of the Camino Inglés from Ferrol?
Yes. It has 27.2 km, 559 m of ascent and a maximum altitude of 457 m, as well as few services and isolated stretches.
Can I split the stage in Presedo?
Yes. Albergue de Presedo (Abegondo) is there, making it a useful option if 27.2 km with this amount of climbing is too much for one day.
Are there bars after Presedo?
It is best not to rely on them. Between Presedo and Bruma, services are virtually non-existent, so you should carry enough food and water.
Where is the longest climb?
The main climb runs from km 12.5 to km 20.3, gaining 287 m at an average gradient of 3.7%.
