The English Way from Ferrol

You can reach Ferrol by yourself or we can arrange a transfer from any airport or station. If you have the time, you can visit some of the main attractions Ferrol has to offer, such as the building of the Military Arsenal or the Plaza de Armas, home to the Consistorial Palace.

Furthermore, we recommend to stroll through the old town and visit the naval museum and the shipyards, symbol of the strong bond between Ferrol and the shipping industry. Proof of this are San Felipe, San Martín and La Palma castles, which protected its busy port in a bygone era and whose visit is a must.

This stage will take you around Ferrol estuary, passing by San Martín de Xubia monastery, known as O Couto, which was built by the Count of Traba in the same spot where there once was a primitive monastery dating from before the 10th century. Half way through the stage, you will reach Neda, a small village featuring a mix of architecture, where you will see seafaring houses, as well as modernist constructions. During today’s journey, you will also pass by some watermills, currently out of service.

For the exception of a couple of slopes, today’s is an easy walk, close to the main road at all times and with plenty of services.

Once you reach Pontedeume after crossing the stone bridge over the mouth of the Eume river, don’t miss out on the legendary Andrade tower. If you have the chance, you can also visit San Juan de Caaveiro monastery and Andrade castle, just outside the town.

Unlike the previous stage, today you will face some steep slopes that, in adverse weather conditions, may be muddy. However, the beauty of the Atlantic forest and the medieval villages you will pass by will make up for the effort.

If the weather allows, you will have the chance to take a little rest at some of Miño’s beaches or stock up on anything you need, as Miño has all the services.

As soon as you arrive in Betanzos, you will notice the relevance of this town in the medieval times. Take the time to wander through its streets full of history, visit San Francisco and Santa María de Azogue churches or the Clock Tower. Furthermore, the Pasatempo park, the first encyclopaedic park in Europe, is a must visit place. In terms of gastronomy, Betanzos is known worldwide for its tortilla (Spanish omelette).

Today you will leave the urban area behind and enter the inland Atlantic landscape, surrounded by oak, pine and birch tree forests. Unlike the previous stages, this one lacks a little in services like shops or bars, so you’d better stock up before leaving Betanzos, as your only companion for some kilometres will be the nature.

Due to its length, with some parts that can be challenging, this stage is considered crucial in the English Way. However, you will be able to get a good rest in Hospital de Bruma and, should you have some energy left, visit San Lorenzo hermitage, dating from the 16th century with a late Gothic style.

This stage runs mostly along descending dirt and tarmac roads, across small villages where you will find some bars or shops, although it is better to set off with enough provisions.

As you get closer to Santiago, you will notice more and more pilgrims, especially in Sigüeiro. There, you can visit the medieval bridge over the river Tambre, whose origins can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries, built in ashlar. You have just one more stage left, so try to have a good rest to face the last walk.

You will wake up with the excitement of knowing that today you will reach the so longed-for cathedral of Santiago. You will soon be able to see the steeple towers for the first time and hug the Apostle.

Today’s walk will be easy, with just the annoyance of having to cross an industrial estate before entering Santiago’s city centre. From here, you are just a few steps away from the old town and the Praza do Obradoiro.

Free day to visit all the monuments that, in addition to the Cathedral, make up the great Galician capital.