3400 EURO PER PERSON
500 EURO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Imagine yourself stepping off a small wooden boat after enduring fierce seas, crawling ashore disheveled and windblown, with your sights set on the holy city of Santiago. Follow in the footsteps of British, Irish, and Nordic medieval pilgrims who arrived by boat, landing on the rugged north coast of Galicia—Las Rías Altas—and walked inland for the remainder of their challenging Camino. We can’t wait to guide you from the bustling port city of Ferrol, skirting along the enchanting blue coastline before venturing south into the untouched interior of Spain’s northwest corner. This Camino remains somewhat of a hidden gem, a tranquil alternative to the more popular routes. This tranquility is a precious gift, so come and join us now, before the rest of the world discovers the Camino Inglés. This 116-kilometer (72-mile) journey features stunning coastlines, green mountains, Camino Reales (royal pathways) through eucalyptus and oak forests, vibrant towns, quiet farming villages, medieval bridges and churches, serene country roads, rushing creeks, and somber rivers. And, being Galicia, you can expect plenty of cows! Part of the trail winds through the Biosphere Reserve ‘Mariñas Curuñesas e Terras do Mandeo,’ which protects the natural river corridors and coastal habitats that provide excellent refuges for birds, invertebrates, and various algae species. Additionally, ‘fragas’—ancient and vast natural forests—are also protected, hosting a significant number of unique and often threatened or endemic species. The Camino Inglés offers a unique journey from the coast deep into rural Galicia. Who better to accompany you and ensure your well-being along the way than the experienced and passionate guides from the Spanish Steps team?
All hotels, breakfasts, and dinners with wine, as well as van support with healthy snacks, are included in the tour price.
Itinerary
Day 1– Ferrol
Meet your guide and fellow pilgrims at 3:00pm at the hotel in Ferrol for an informational meeting and a quick tour of the town.
Dinner and accommodations are included.
Day 2– Ferrol to Neda
At 9:00 AM, your Spanish Steps guide will meet you in the hotel lobby in Ferrol. Please wear your hiking boots, as we will start our walk by heading to the port to find the beginning of the Camino. It’s marked by a monolith featuring seven crosses, which represent the original regions of Galicia.
Imagine that we have just disembarked from a ship after crossing the Cantabrian Sea, and off we go! We will wander through the city streets of Ferrol for a couple of kilometers, passing by the impressive city hall, the Sanctuary of Nossa Señora das Angustias Claretianos, the vast Navantia shipyards, the Military Installation, and the gate of the oldest military arsenal, which dates back to the mid-18th century. This route leads us to the seafront.
We will follow the estuary of Ferrol onto a small peninsula, where the tiny Capela de Caranza sits, and then we will pass a small beach. Our pathway will shift to a gravel track through a small industrial area before returning to a stone path. This will involve a climb and descent that rewards us with beautiful views of the Ría Ferrol.
We will skirt around the town of Narón, passing the peaceful Monastery of San Martiño de Zubia and its 12th-century church. After crossing the bridge over the Xubia Grande River, we will arrive in Neda, marking the end of our day. We will shuttle or walk to our hotel.
Total distance: 14 kilometers. Dinner is included.
Day 3 Neda to Pontedeume
Today’s journey features a combination of hills and stunning coastal views as we make our way to the medieval town of Pontedeume.
As we leave Neda, take a moment to admire the town hall, once known as the Hospice of the Holy Spirit, which served medieval pilgrims. Don’t miss the Church of San Nicolás, home to one of the oldest crosses in Galicia, located in its atrium.
We begin our ascent, climbing toward the villages of Silva and Conces, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ferrol estuary. The path continues to rise through quaint villages until it transforms into a dirt trail, winding through beautiful eucalyptus and pine forests, all carpeted with vibrant ferns.
After reaching the top, the Camino then descends a few more kilometers through the lush, pastoral landscapes of Galicia, finally arriving back at the coast. Here, we’ll be welcomed by the lovely beach of Magdalena and the impressive 14th-century bridge with its seventy arches, leading us into Pontedeume, a picturesque town nestled between hills and the River Eume.
The bridge was commissioned by Fernan Pérez de Andrade, and today, the only remnant of his grand Palacio de Condes is a tower that bears his name.
16 kilometers – Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 4 Pontedeume to Betanzos
Today is a hard but glorious day. From the riverfront we begin our day straight uphill, to begin the biggest climb of our journey (165meters in 2.5km); but the reward is a gentle downhill of pathways though the verdant countryside scattered with buildings, horreos, vines, fields and an old oak forest. From Viadeiro, we climb again, gentler this time, and then descend to cross over the Baxoi river with its 14th century bridge. A quiet track takes us into the small town of Miño. Onwards we are rewarded with bucolic vistas along the Lambre river (option to visit Alameda Beach) and quiet country roads for the rest of the day, as we climb again. The views make our efforts worthwhile.
Our final few kilometres bring us into the walled medieval town of Betanzos via the Porta da Ponte Vella. Originally a port town before the river silted up, it is now a bustling market town and home to the Iglesia de Santiago and the Iglesia de San Francisco within we find the tomb of Fernán Pérez de Andrade.
21 kilometers – Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5 Betanzos to Presedo
We start our day with a gentle stroll through the quiet streets of Betanzos, leading us to the 13th-century As Cascas Bridge, which was rebuilt in the 19th century. Today’s journey involves more climbing as we navigate quiet lanes and tracks, passing through eucalyptus forests and charming villages. Our efforts are rewarded with sweeping views of the lush, deep green countryside.
Take a break in the cool shade of Capela de San Estero de Cos or at a bar in Meangos before making the final push to the hamlet of Presedo, which feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere!
We will conclude our day at Méson Museo, a unique restaurant and museum that showcases the works of historian Alfredo Eiras. His vibrant paintings depict the Galician way of life during the Middle Ages. This truly is a special place!
14 kilometers – Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 6 Presedo to A Rua/Buscas
A day for solitude. Today’s route presents a very rural day of sustained uphill walking through forest after forest on mainly dirt and gravel tracks, interspersed with a handful of sleepy Galician hamlets. Make sure to stop in As Traversias at the bar and take time to visit the pilgrims chapel here, Capela de San Roque. It is supported entirely by pilgrims and always available to visit. Here the two arms of the Camino Inglés come together. The shorter of the two begins in A Coruña, just 85 kilometers from Santiago and therefore walking it does not qualify for a Compostela. Shortly thereafter the Camino arrives at Hospital de Bruma, a traditional end of stage for pilgrims. We will continue downhill and to the amusingly named Cabeza de Lobo (wolf’s head) and onwards to arrive in O Porto at the 6-meter-tall statue of Santiago erected in the last Holy Year, 2010. A classic Camino Inglés photo op! A creative sculpture park is also to be found here. We will finish our day’s walk with a gentle descent on a forest path to A Rua where we find the 18th century Parochial church of Buscas, dedicated to the child martyr San Pelayo.
18 kilometers – Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 7 A Rua/Buscas to Sigueiro
Rolling fields as far as the eye can see mixes with dense forest, deep set stone walls thick with moss lining our path. We pass through villages with the blink of an eye in this tranquil stretch of trail. Approaching Sigüiero, it becomes obvious that Santiago is not so far away as we parallel the highway for a while and sense growing urbanization. Our trail is easy on us today though, with plenty of shade and very little climbing. Ultreia!
15 kilometers – Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 8 Sigueiro to Santiago
Our final day of walking, and, as with most of the Caminos into Santiago, we must go up before walking down into the holy city. We start by crossing the Rio Tambre and despite the city’s proximity, the first 12 kilometers are filled with country lanes, stone pathways and some enchanting forest stretches. This is probably the most charming final day of all the routes up to this point. Feel the pull of Santiago and its colossal cathedral during the last hour. The approach from the north brings us past the Capela de Pastoriza (start looking for the cathedral spires now) and Convento do Carme, through Porto de Pena, one of the original gates, then called Porta Poennae, into the old walled city. Our Camino walking journey ends at the steps of the cathedral today. We will gather for a celebratory dinner together.
16.5 kilometers – Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 9-Buen Camino
After a leisurely breakfast, a local tour guide and historian will show us the main sights on a two-hour guided walking tour of the city and the cathedral, finishing in time to attend the Pilgrims Mass.
Breakfast included.
* This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
** You will see the number of kilometers mentioned with the daily description. We are flexible in the amount you personally walk. We have the van to assist in whatever amount you would like to walk on this pilgrimage.
*** This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
**** There may be several occasions where we sleep for two nights in one hotel or B&B due to lack of accommodations where we end our daily stage of the walk. Most people find this to be an advantage as you can unpack or take a rest day if you chose not to walk one day.
Gallery
FAQs
How many miles do we hike per day?
We average between 10-13 miles per day or 14-21 kilometers. A lot depends on the group dynamics. I encourage people to ride in the van if their feet are feeling fatigued or to walk more miles if they have the energy. Most pilgrims walking the trail independently walk 15 miles a day with a heavy pack. With Spanish Steps, we have the luxury of a fully supported van which carries our baggage and carries us the extra mile when needed.
What kind of hotels do we use?
We use beautifully restored farmhouses known as Casa Rurales and family run Pazos, Galician manor homes. Most are located a little off route from the Camino de Santiago situated in small towns and villages away from the large cities, so each day will involve a group transfer at the beginning and end of the day. All rooms have private baths. The smaller inns have no phone or TV in the room.
Is there WIFI at our hotels?
Our hotels nearly always have free WIFI available, though it is often just in the lobby/public areas. We generally stay at historical hotels, which often have thick walls, so WIFI rarely works in the rooms. Most bars and cafes en route have free WIFI also.
How does one get to FERROL?
- We suggest you fly directly to Santiago de Complostela (SCQ) or A Coruna (LCG). From both these airports you can take a taxi to the main train or bus station in the city. (Around 15 Euros). From both airports, you can take a shuttle bus to the city center hubs. Shuttles typically depart every thirty minutes.
- A taxi from A Coruna airport to Ferrol will cost around 100 Euro.
- Bus from Coruna bus station
- Bus from Santiago bus station or from Madrid: www.alsa.es.
- Train from Madrid or from Santiago. www.renfe.es
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What kind of equipment should I pack?
The hikes are not fancy. I will supply you with an equipment list of basic items to pack. You are limited to one bag weighing 30-lbs and a one-day pack to hold items such as your camera, rain gear and water bottle. Hiking boots will be your most important piece of equipment. Please be sure they are well broken in and that you have proper socks before arriving in Spain.
How do I access spending money/how much should I bring?
Most people travel with an ATM card. Money machines are everywhere in Spain but be sure you know your PIN number before arriving in Spain. Do not bring traveler’s check. Most banks will turn you away. Most expenses are already built into Spanish Steps trips. Extra snacks and beverages at the cafes and stores are additional. Lunches will be a separate expense. The Menu del Dia or Menu del Peregrino is available in local cafes/bars and will cost between 9 and 12 Euros. These are three course meals with wine and water included – great value.
How many meals are included?
All breakfasts and dinners are included in the price of this tour. Our hotels will be happy to provide a vegetarian option should it be required. Lunches are not included in the tour price; however, there are a few options along the trail to purchase sandwich items and fruit, or plan to eat at one of the small bars that cater to pilgrims. The van will be stocked with healthy snacks and water. We will do our best to accommodate any dietary requirements. Please let us know in advance as much as possible.
What is the average age of the group?
The average age of the hiker on a Spanish Steps tour is 50 years old during the spring and fall months but younger during the summer months. Most trips are a mix of a 40/60 ratio of men to women. I have taken school groups where the age range is 13-20 years old. With an eager heart and a mind full of curiosities, any age is able to walk the Camino. There may be as few as four participants on this trip or as many as 12.
Should I leave a gratuity for our guides?
This is a very common question my clients ask–As a person working hard in the service industry to please the traveler, a gratuity is much appreciated by the staff members at the end of the tour. As a general guideline, people tip around 10 Euros per day, per guide. For trips where we have a bus driver, a gratuity of around 15 Euros per person at the end of the trip would be appreciated.
What is the terrain like?
The path from Ferrol to Santiago is 70% pavement; country roads, etc. The trails are well marked with yellow arrows and the scallop shell tile. There are some long, slow climbs through farming areas but not Himalayan or Rocky Mountain like terrain. The paths are well worn and are not difficult. We walk along a lot of secondary farming roads, paths through vineyards, beech and chestnut forests, and old country roads.
Is there a single supplement?
Some people would like to be matched with a roommate. I can’t guarantee a match but will try to place you with someone if there are any requests. The price of the single supplement is 500 EUROS per person.
Can you provide references?
We would be delighted to share with you some references of former clients who have walked with us. If you would like to contact any former Spanish Steps participants, let us know by calling us or sending us an email.