3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£800GBP

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 or we can assist with an arrival transfer from A Coruna or Santiago airports on request. 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:  Nil

Today you begin your walk at the harbour of Ferrol, also known as “Puerto Curuxeiros”, which dates from the 9th century. Enjoy views of the water as you walk to Gandara and the San Martín de Xubia Monastery, before heading inland for a short time. Cross over the mouth of the great Xubia river to Neda and continue through the towns of Casanova, Foxas and Chamoso to Pereiro. Surrounded by eucalyptus and chestnut trees you will walk to the village of Cabanas or the town of Pontedeume across the river, dependent on availability. It's possible to shorten today by crossing the bridge leaving Ferrol (approx 10km shorter). Distance: 25km 15.6mi or 30km/18.8mi

Meals:  B

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 the area. Continuing via the coastal village of Miño you walk through the countryside to the old town of Betanzos, where you stay for 2 nights. Betanzos has one of the best preserved old quarters in Galicia, with several town palaces, a 16th-century clock tower, and the town walls preserve three of their original gates. Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B

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 5pm transfer back to Betanzos and your accommodation. Distance: 17km/10.6mi

Meals:  B

This morning starts with a 9am transfer back to Presedo to continue your walk. Near the village of Hervés two routes of the Camino Inglés converge, this one from Ferrol and the other from A Coruña. Continue through the Galician countryside until you reach the village of San Paio de Buscas. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk via Vilarino and through the villages of Lavandeira de Riba, A Senra and A Calle, surrounded by the green landscape of Galicia. Continue to Sigüeiro or Marantes for your overnight stay. 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: 16km/10mi from Sigüeiro or 12km/7.5mi 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, 2 dinners: 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 on days 4 and 5
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps and GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Ferrol and from Santiago
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfer by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • 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 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 7 to 21 Apr and 1 Jul to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Priceper person from

£800GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£60
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£290
  • Single supplement - high seasonGBP£300
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonGBP£350
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - high seasonGBP£370
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

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.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks