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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£960GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: EWS

Trip highlights

  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Walk to the tomb of St James in Santiago and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Enjoy the quieter trail of the English Way

Pilgrims arriving from England, Ireland and northern Europe to walk the last stretch to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela traditionally arrived by ship in A Coruna or Ferrol. Beginning in Ferrol has become the popular starting point of the English Way as pilgrims will qualify for the Compostela certificate. The route through Galicia takes in classic seaside towns, woodlands of fragrant eucalyptus and rolling meadows with the occassional vineyard. The trail, while significantly quieter than the popular French route, has no shortage of significant churches, monasteries and crosses to mark the way.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Ferrol

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to the first hotel in Ferrol. Ferrol is a seaside town with an historically important port. This afternoon you can explore the sandy beaches and enjoy a swim if the weather is warm.

Meals:  D

Today you begin your walk at the original port of Curuxeiras, which dates from the 9th century. You will enjoy views of the beach before heading inland and walking through Neda. The walk follows along the estuary and returns to the coast once again. The beach is just 200m from the Camino Trail as you walk into Cabanas, where you will stay overnight (alternatively at Pontedeume - supplement applies). It is possible to take a shorter alternate route that avoids the estuary. Distance: 29km/18mi or 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B,D

Today the path leaves the coast behind, heading inland towards rural villages and typical Galician green hills. From Pontedeume the trail climbs, to give spectacular views over Betanzos, Ares and Ferrol. Continue walking through the countryside to today's destination, the medieval town of Betanzos (or alternatively at Pontedeume - supplement applies), where you stay for 2 nights. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

During today's walk you will head into the heart of Galicia. You will walk through farmland, small villages, and green hills en route to Vizono. Continue to Presedo, where you will have a 5.00pm transfer back to Betanzos to overnight. Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B,D

This morning at 9.00 am will start with a transfer back to Presedo. From here you will continue on your walk, through the Galician countryside until you reach your destination for today, San Paio de Buscas. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk through the historic village of Bruma which is the site of a medieval hospital. Walking through the green landscape of Galicia you will pass the church of San Xiao and the village of Casanova on your way to Marantes or Sigüeiro. Distance: 18km/11.2mi to Sigüeiro or 22km/14mi to Marantes

Meals:  B,D

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Distance: 15km/9.3mi from Sigüeiro or 11km/6.9mi from Marantes

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast, or if you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners (no dinner in Santiago): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade to luxury accommodation in Pontedeume (in place of Cabanas) and Santiago - supplement applies)
  • Transfers between Presedo and Betanzos days 4 and 5
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps and GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Visitor tax
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Ferrol and from Santiago
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 11 and 29km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is Easter period and from 1 Jul to 30 Sep - supplement applies.
Note:
If our standard hotel in Cabanas is full or closed (during the low season), the alternative accommodation is a luxury hotel in Pontedeume and the supplement applies. This can also be requested should you wish to upgrade a nights accommodation.

Priceper person from

£960GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£60
  • Upgrade hotel - Pontedeume - singleGBP£70
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£260
  • Single supplement - high seasonGBP£280
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonGBP£330
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - high seasonGBP£350
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks