Camino Ingles Day 4 – Sigueiro to Santiago
Today is the day we finish our Camino Ingles and arrive at the magnificent cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Its Day 4, the rain is throwing it
Camino Ingles
Camino Ingles (The English way)
I recently embarked on an eight-day journey along the Camino Ingles route, also known as the Camino English Way of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Our pilgrimage took us onwards through Galicia towards Finisterre, which in old times was thought to be “the end of the world”.
Camino in English means ‘path’ and when pilgrims greet each other with ‘Buen Camino’ it means ‘Good path’ or in Camino English have a great days walk.
The stages of the Camino Ingles route are relatively straight forward and easy to follow. I have included details in my Camino Ingles blog helping to make the walking stages easy to navigate.
How long is the Camino Ingles ? In this article we cover everything you need to know about walking the Camino Ingles, or the English Way.
Camino Ingles stages overview
- Distance – 115 km
- From – Ferrol
- To – Santiago de Compostela
- Min/Max Elevation – 0m/461m
- Elevation gain – 2855m
- Days to complete – 4/6 days
Table of Contents
Where do I start walking the Camino Ingles ?
The Camino English Way has 2 traditional starting points in A Caruna and Ferrol. These routes were traditionally taken by pilgrims from Northern Europe on their journey to Santiago de Compostela.
Most people start their Camino Ingles route in Ferrol, Galicia and it’s a really good camino for pilgrims that like a quieter experience walking through the most beautiful countryside of northern Spain.
Along the way I encountered amazing views, heard strange stories from fellow pilgrims and even got lost once or twice! Not badly and the local sent me on my way in the right direction
The Camino Ingles stages route gives pilgrims the opportunity to cover the last 100km into Santiago de Compostela and be eligible to receive a credencial certificate for completing The Camino de Santiago.
For a pilgrim to receive thier credential, they have to have walked at least a 100km on any of the camino routes into Santiago de Compostela. Walking from A Caruna doesn’t qualify for a credential unless you have documented proof you have walked the Celtic Camino in Ireland or walked a qualifying Camino in your home country.
The Camino Ingles differs from the Camino del Norte which is tougher and the Camino Frances which is the more travelled route for lots of Pilgrims, as it is a shorter route and is also a far less travelled pilgrimage. If you want a quiet walk in the countryside this could be the walk for you !
I used the Camino de Santiago forum extensively as part of my research and it was a great aid in my planning regime as well as the American Pilgrims on the Camino website. The Camino Ingles map is detailed below.
Camino Ingles Map
The Camino Ingles Terrain
The walking terrain on The Camino Ingles is mostly hilly with the first few days skirting the beautiful Galician coastline. There are days with some ascents and descents as well as some road and path walking although on one day of my Ingles walk I didn’t see another Pilgrim all day.
Perfect if you want to be alone with your own thoughts and reflect.
When is the best time to walk The Camino Ingles
Galicia is a lush countryside that has its fair share of rain throughout the year. I walked the ‘English Way’ in May and got wet a few days but it was really warm at the same time. In my experience walking the route in May through September would be the best time to enjoy this amazing camino experience.
Accommodation on the English Way
There are numerous hotels in Ferrol at the start of The Camino Ingles that make the evening before you start your journey relatively easy. Some of these hotels are Hotel La Frontera, Pension La Parra, Hotel Almendra and the Hotel America to name a few.
Along the way there are public and private Albergues and some hotels. From my experience I always found a bed for the night and had no worries about accommodation. Read this article covering everything you need to know about Albergues on El Camino de Santiago.
I’d also walk with a guidebook to help with accommodation identification at your destination. Here’s my favourite guidebook.
Do I need a Camino Ingles Guidebook ?
I have walked numerous Camino’s and always take a guidebook on the walk with me. After days walking I always like to plan out my route and destination for the next day as well as choosing my accommodation.
Talking with other pilgrims is also a great source of information to help with planning. If you are struggling with your planning every Albergue has a Hospitalero who can help with ay questions and point you in the right direction. I find them invaluable.
On The Camino Ingles I used A Pilgrims guide to The Camino Ingles by John Brierley. Its the best guidebook in my opinion but the others are detailed in the best Camino Guidebook for the English Way.
RECOMMENDED
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A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino Inglés: The English Way also known as the Celtic Camino
Camino Inglés: This ancient route was popular with pilgrims arriving by sea from England, Ireland and Northern Europe in the medieval period. It all but faded from memory but is quietly coming back to life and now ready to welcome pilgrims seeking a more solitary way along the rugged rías of Northern Galicia.
- 96 pages
- 4.4 ounces
- Plan your daily walking route
- Choose your destination each day
- Write notes each day and keep as a moment of your journey
Is there a backpack transfer service ?
Whilst the majority of pilgrims walk with their backpacks the whole way to Santiago there are services to help walkers who need some help getting their backpack or luggage from town to town. Its a simple service and works effortlessly.
All you need to do when leaving your Albergue or Hotel is fill out a form letting the delivery service know which Albergue or Hotel you are heading for and then tag your bags with the fee as well.
The delivery service will pick up the bags and deliver to your destination leaving you to walk at your leisure. A couple of these services are as follows:
The Spanish Postal Service, El Camino Con Correos, has a baggage transfer service covering all Camino routes. Con Correos is a great site for further information on walking the Camino.
JacoTrans also has a transfer service covering The Camino Frances.
Camino Ingles Walking Stages
I’ve detailed the the day by day walking stages of The Camino English from my experience and you can read about each stage, distances and accommodation recommendations as I walked from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela and onwards on The Camino Finisterre to the ‘end of the world’.
Camino Ingles Day 3 – Hospital de Bruma to Sigueiro
We’re on Day 3 of the Camino Ingles and today we’re walking from Hospital de Bruma to Sigueiro. After an early night last night we
Camino Ingles Day 1 – Ferrol to Mino
The Camino Ingles is a fantastic walk from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela and the first stage is the Camino Ingles Day 1 – Ferrol
Camino Ingles Day 2 – Miño to Hospital de Bruma
After a glorious day walking the ‘English Way’ from Ferrol to Miño todays stage sees us walking the Camino Ingles Day 2 Miño to Hospital de
Camino Ingles PlannerS, Journals & Notebooks
Embarking on the transformative journey of the Camino de Santiago is an experience like no other. As a pilgrim, every step holds the potential for self-discovery, spiritual growth and connection with fellow Pilgrims walking ‘the Way’.
One way to capture the essence of this extraordinary pilgrimage is through journaling and capturing your memories each day. This also keeps your memories for ever. A standard Camino Ingles journal is great for daily notes, sketching and capturing details as you reflect on each days walk.
I have also developed a Camino Ingles Planner and Journal which really benefits and helps Pilgrims with the following Camino activities:
- Track your training and preparation
- Packing list
- Village by Village details
- Expenses tracker
- Daily Journal to record your memories and thoughts
- Spare pages for Stamps
MY OWN JOURNAL
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Camino Ingles Planner & Journal
- Track your progress and preparation
- Town by town mileage details
- Expenses tracker
- Training tracker
- Daily journal and log
- Empty pages for stamps
Weather on the Camino Ingles
Preparing for a journey on the Camino Ingles is an exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware of the weather conditions along the route. The Galicia region in northwestern Spain, where the El Camino Ingles is situated, has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
The weather along the Camino Ingles can vary greatly, depending on the time of year and location. In the spring, temperatures average between 11-13 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to 5-6 degrees Celsius at night.
In summer, temperatures reach up to 24-26 degrees Celsius during the day and 10-12 degrees Celsius at night. During the winter months, temperatures typically range from 6-8 degrees Celsius during the day and 0-3 degrees Celsius at night.
Rainfall is common throughout the year in Galicia, but especially in the fall and winter months.
Pilgrims should prepare for periods of rain and misty conditions during their journey. It’s also important to pack layers to ensure you’re comfortable in all temperatures.
No matter when you decide to walk the Camino Ingles, it’s important to be prepared for any kind of weather. Pack wisely and make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store!
I walked the Camino Ingles and Camino Finisterre in May and got very wet. Here are the annual rainfall stats.
FAQ's
What is the distance of the Camino Inglés, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Camino Inglés, or Camino English, typically covers a distance of approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Ferrol or 75 kilometers (47 miles) from A Coruña. While it is relatively shorter compared to other routes, it still offers a rewarding experience for beginners. Its moderate difficulty level and well-marked paths make it accessible to walkers with reasonable fitness levels.
How long does it take to complete the Camino Inglés route ?
On average, it takes beginners around 5 to 7 days to complete the Camino Inglés. The duration can vary depending on your walking pace, daily distances covered, and the time you allocate for rest and exploration along the way. It’s important to plan your itinerary accordingly to ensure an enjoyable experience.
What level of physical capability is required for the Camino Inglés?
The Camino Inglés is considered moderately challenging. While prior hiking experience is beneficial, beginners with a basic level of fitness can undertake this route. Regular exercise, including walking and cardiovascular activities, prior to the journey can help improve stamina and endurance. It’s also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any physically demanding trip.
What are some fun and memorable experiences along the Camino Inglés for beginners?
Walking the Camino Inglés offers numerous enjoyable moments. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking coastal landscapes, visit historic towns and cities like Ferrol, A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela as well as meeting fellow pilgrims from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Exploring local cuisine, interacting with locals, and discovering the region’s cultural heritage are additional highlights.
Are there any support services available for beginners on the Camino Inglés?
Yes, the Camino Inglés provides a range of support services for beginners. Along the route, you’ll find accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and hotels catering to pilgrims. There are also rest areas, cafes and restaurants where you can take breaks and replenish your energy. Waymarking, informative guidebooks, and online resources help ensure you stay on the right path. Additionally, tour operators and travel agencies offer assistance in organising transportation, luggage transfers and other logistics if that’s your preference.
Remember, the Camino Inglés is a personal journey, so it’s essential to approach it at your own pace and enjoy the experience while respecting the tradition and fellow pilgrims. I had a brilliant time walking the Camino de Santiago and I hope you do too.
Buen Camino
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