Camino Inglés
The Camino Inglés, or “English Way,” is a lesser-known but deeply rewarding route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The Camino Ingles has two traditional starting points, originating in either of the port cities of Ferrol or A Coruña in North-Western Spain, this path offers a condensed Camino experience rich in history and culture. The route was traditionally used by pilgrims from Northern Europe, particularly England and Ireland. Covering about 119km (74 miles) from Ferrol and 75km (47 miles) from A Coruña, only the journey from Ferrol qualifies for the Compostela certificate.
Despite its shorter length, the Camino Inglés doesn’t compromise on the quintessential Camino experiences. It traverses through beautiful rural landscapes, tranquil woodlands, and quaint villages, all leading to the spiritual epicentre of Santiago de Compostela. Being less crowded, it provides a more solitary, intimate experience. The Galician hospitality you’ll encounter is genuinely warm, and the local cuisine is a delightful part of the journey. Overall, the Camino Inglés is a fantastic option for those with limited time but an eagerness to embrace the Camino de Santiago’s spiritual and cultural richness.
A Coruña: The Road Less Travelled
A city known for its beauty and rich cultural heritage, A Coruña serves as one of the starting points for the Camino Inglés. The last 75km of the Camino from A Coruña is a blend of coastal beauty and historical intrigue. Despite its shorter distance, this route offers a rich experience, weaving through picturesque landscapes and past historical landmarks, providing a profound spiritual journey for those who choose this path.
Even though A Coruña is the larger and more attractive Camino starting point, only a few pilgrims start from there because it’s situated less than 100km (62 miles) from Santiago de Compostela. If you start from A Coruña, you won’t qualify for a Pilgrim Certificate unless you have already completed the Celtic Camino in Ireland. For this reason, Ferrol is the more popular of the two Camino Ingles starting points.
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Ferrol: The Traditional Gateway
Contrary to A Coruña, Ferrol stands as the more popular starting point for the Camino Inglés, especially among pilgrims from the British Isles and Ireland. Historical ties make Ferrol the chosen start, as countless pilgrims once arrived by sea. They embarked on their spiritual journey to Santiago de Compostela from Ferrol’s historic port.
Starting from Ferrol, the Camino Inglés stretches over 100km, leading pilgrims through an ancient trail that hugs the rugged coastline. This path is not just a journey but a voyage through time, as pilgrims pass through historic towns like Pontedeume and Betanzos. The route then meanders inland, traversing the verdant countryside and woodlands of rural Galicia, culminating in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela.
Semana Santa de Ferrol
Adding to the allure of starting the Camino from Ferrol is the Semana Santa de Ferrol, one of Galicia’s most significant Easter festivals. Pilgrims travelling in spring are treated to a spectacular cultural experience, with the city coming alive in a vibrant display of tradition and spirituality.
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Whether starting from A Coruña or Ferrol, the Camino Inglés offers a deeply personal and spiritual journey for each pilgrim. A Coruña challenges the conventional pilgrimage route with its unique requirement, while Ferrol invites pilgrims to tread the traditional path followed by thousands before them. Both starting points, with their distinct characteristics and historical significance, provide a rich tapestry of experiences for the modern-day pilgrim.
For more information about the Camino Inglés or any other Camino de Santiago routes or to book your Camino trip, contact us. Buen Camino!
