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Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims

bagi30. 06. 2014 14:50:16

Every year I go on a different route to Santiago de Compostela and this year was no different nasmeh

. First up was Camino Inglés starting right by the Atlantic and then Camino Finisterre with extension to Muxía. All together around 290 km and a good idea for 2 weeks cheap vacation for those who like to walk a bit differently. Some pics of Camino Inglés to show what it looks like, info on the well-known email ... gasperin.emil@gmail.com

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Rokavi where the Atlantic at high tide encroaches into the continent

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Footbridge across the channel

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Ladies like these also serve morning coffee in the local tavern

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Where the river flows into the sea

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Snapshot

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims The sea is choppy but something can still be caught here

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Knitted flowers and vases

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Cultural heritage in Asturias

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims This too is part of the past

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Most houses have greenhouses instead of facades

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Pulse of the small town on market day

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Curious Spanish women :)

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims This is how albergue managers improvise to house pilgrims when beds run out

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Typical small farm in Asturias

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Due to summer heat, houses have hearths facing outwards

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Such transport is not uncommon in these areas

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Typical grain storage

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Pilgrims resting

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims First sign for Santiago

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims At the pilgrims' office in Santiago. Waiting can take an hour or more

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims This pup walked almost 1000 km of the path

Camino Inglés - path of English pilgrims Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela

(+4)

Kigeot23. 02. 2019 21:03:23

Camino de Santiago is becoming a "habit" for me too. Sharing with you a link to a blog about Camino Inglés which I walked in January. Maybe helpful or encouraging for someone.
http://potovanja-tamara.blogspot.com/2019/02/camino-ingles-januar-130-km-pes-sama.html

Bosque encantado - just before Santiago.

(+1)

bagi5. 06. 2023 13:33:20

We regularly return to Spain and this year was no different. The initial part of this year's path was Camino Inglés, which I hiked almost a decade ago. It was interesting to observe the changes from then to now, at least what I managed to remember in that time period nasmeh

.

First some about Camino Inglés … it's a fairly short path, along which English pilgrims once traveled to Santiago de Compostela. It's not strenuous, nowadays mostly on asphalt base and some gravel, about 116 km long. That's only in case of start from the coastal town Ferrol and just right so that pilgrims in Santiago get the so-called Compostela, or certificate of the walked path. In case of alternative starting point from Coruña, they don't get the certificate due to distance shorter than 100 km.

Above all, I noticed the difference in the number of pilgrims. Now there are many more than before, mainly due to the relatively easy path. Accordingly, they are equipped. Many were wet as a mouse due to poor equipment, as heavenly locks didn't seal well. We were taught long ago that good rain gear is worth gold, despite a bit more backpack weight. Fitness was limping for many too, as Camino Inglés was probably the first experience of such a path for many.

The number of albergues and hospitality offers has also increased, all at the expense of private initiative. Accordingly, higher accommodation prices. Stands out especially albergo San Lorenzo in Hospital de Bruma, which charges 20 € for a bed in a dorm, in the neighboring municipal and quite solid albergo you get it for 8 €. In high season both are probably full, otherwise they wouldn't hold such prices.

More official path variants have also appeared. The purpose is completely unknown to me, but the branches are marked. You just choose one variant and follow the signs. Regardless of the variant, unfortunately there's much more asphalt than before. In rain it comes in handy, in heat not so much. Luckily, roadside inns are frequent enough to wet your whistle and rest your feet.

The pilgrim office in Santiago de Compostela is a story of its own. It's completely soulless, they don't even let you photo moments when receiving the plaque. Registration at entrance is mandatory, you have to fill a bunch of data, then you get a number and only then they let you into the building. Follows waiting in line in front of the semaphore which assigns you a counter, then some official words from the person in charge of you, stamp in the pilgrim booklet, plaque and … adiós. Next ....

In conclusion ...

For us Camino Inglés was the first part of the entire planned path. Followed Camino Finisterre and beautiful Camino dos Faros nasmeh

. We won't repeat it independently anymore, but for all those who want an easy and short path to Santiago I recommend it without reservations. With proper gear of course velik nasmeh

.

More than usual follows in the photo story. But I found out that a logged-in user of Hribi.net portal can view photos in much better resolution than as a guest.

The backpacks went by themselves in front of the entrance door out of excitement :)

Next is the ride to the airport, obligatory coffee and searching for their flight

We have to wait a little, just right for arranging the last details

The white bird is already being prepared for takeoff into the sky blue

This time we treat ourselves, we have the plane just for us :)

In the city of Coruña is my favorite airport tower :)

Main bus station. Soon we will head to the starting point

A few more passengers board and our last ride for a few weeks begins

Coastal town Ferrol. Evening is already here, accommodation awaits us nearby

Followed by self-service dinner and tired from sitting all day we soon slip under the sheets

New morning, new day. We take the first steps into new adventures …

Whenever possible we start the day with morning *grande café con leche* and *croissant de chocolate*

On one of the many piers and first break :)

Here it all begins. First stone for Camino Inglés

The path leads us past a huge naval base, a military school is nearby too

Nicely arranged and well-visited walking path slowly leads us out of the city

The tide is out and the shallow coast shows its bare, not very pretty ribs

One village follows another, as due to the proximity of Ferrol this is quite densely populated area

The day is quite cloudy and gloomy, but such ideas quickly brighten it up :)

Italian pilgrim woman. He just got a back strain, she carries his backpack in front and hers behind.

We give them some practical advice and continue on our way. I hope it works out for them.

The sun wakes up slowly, quite Spanish style. In general, it rises an hour and a half later than at home.

It quickly gets hot and shade is more than welcome. Humidity is also high due to nighttime showers.

Following the yellow arrows and curiously observing the world around us.

In these areas, lemons and oranges are ornamental trees, but no one picks the fruits.

Bridge over the confluence of three rivers. Some pilgrims shorten the route here, but we are not interested in shortcuts.

This driver with an Olympic pool on the trailer didn't plan the route well. He's probably still maneuvering :)

In the tourist office we receive a stamp in the pilgrim credential. For some years now, due to cheating pilgrims, at least two stamps per day are required.

One of the marked junctions for different path variants. You choose one and follow it.

On Camino Inglés there are not many such beautiful paths. Asphalt mostly prevails.

Pontedeume, one of the more beautiful coastal settlements.

In the old town center there are countless cafés, but most open only in the evening hours.

A steep ascent to the urban outskirts on slippery cobblestones follows.

We're tackling the hill seriously. If we stop, it'll be hard to get going again :)

View back. From zero to 150 m all at once. A bit of stubbornness and with low gear engaged :)

The heat has subsided, but the pergola needs another week for proper shade :)

Nice reward, bracelets for free. We can't find the boxes for voluntary donations.

The forest shade is a pleasant refreshment and the path is also excellent

Eucalyptus, a tree that constantly sheds and is also responsible for excellent aromatherapy

The day is extremely friendly to us and our feet are grateful for the excellent surface

For me eye stress, for Spaniards a usual color combination

A snapshot from the path in all its glory :)

Some other times … there is a lot of that, especially in more remote places

A very special bush with useful flowers :)

They use them for brooms, toilet brushes and the like :)

Many houses are nicely renovated here, life is still at home

One of the bridges over numerous streams, rivulets and rivers …

This one is already quite substantial, but we don't go over it. Under it is the marshy delta of a larger tributary

We saw this absolutely for the first time, a mural being created live :) Incredible what proportions these people have in their heads

Already seen many times staple, walls splashed with purple

The day was long and now it's time to find accommodation. We're late, so we have self-service dinner and breakfast again :)

A new day is knocking at the door. Everything suggests it will be nice, although the front tirelessly swings left and right

Beaches at this hour of course are deserted, only some dog leads the owner for a walk

I don't know if this is a viewpoint or a technical error :)

The sun is already awakening, but we are on the opposite bank in deep shade

Nice :) This is how passers-by are taken care of at a private house

Morning surprise :) The man is setting up a trailside refreshment for pilgrims.

He is glad to see us and stamps our pilgrim credentials. All his belongings are stored in this container.

After a short chat and kind wishes we continue on our way.

The pony tirelessly beckoned us over for some petting :)

A type of tall-stemmed kale, typical of the area. It is used in stews.

Betanzos, a beautiful town with numerous glazed balconies.

It is characterized by narrow and steep alleys, house next to house…

There is more and more asphalt, much of it newly laid in places.

Solitude reigns here, and many houses bear witness to it.

Cemeteries differ from ours. They rarely have ground burials; mostly there are horizontal niches.

Our old acquaintance, rain in the form of showers or downpours, visits us several times.

As it starts raining harder, we quite by chance stop at a very special inn.

The owner is a professional archaeologist, author of specialist books and amateur painter. He painted everything himself.

Well, as models in the background of the paintings, we're not exactly suitable :)

The paintings are incredible, it's hard to comprehend how many talents one person can have.

Full of impressions, we set off back into the rainy day…

Eucalyptus plantation. This is also a staple in Spain, because this way they can more easily remove undergrowth and prevent fires.

The rain just doesn't let up, but it doesn't bother us at all. We have all the gear for longer periods of wetness too.

The stones are quite new, kilometer markers are present everywhere.

Well nice, the sun hasn't forgotten us yet :)

Some heavy clouds are still chasing across the sky, so the rain gear stays in place

Snapshot from the path. They friendly greet us and wish Buen Camino

We are also happy about the sun, so that the umbrellas can dry at least a little

We are closer to Santiago, we meet more pilgrims. Some are perfectly OK, some already quite worn out

Dedication to a pilgrim from 1531. He had *von* in his name and probably had a whole delegation with him

Village scene. Fields are always nicely cultivated, farms of all sorts of appearances

It starts drizzling again, we even have to put on rain pants

The known pattern follows: rain, some sun and drying of rain gear, rain ....

We are almost at the goal. The suburb of Santiago is behind us and we are stepping into the old town center

Alley where the pilgrim office used to be. Good old times that unfortunately won't return

Current pilgrim office. After the abundance of bureaucracy at the entrance you become a number, waiting for your moment

Photography is strictly prohibited. The security guard immediately reacts to a stolen shot

The first part of the path is behind us. Still the obligatory photo in front of the cathedral and off to new adventures :)

RED color - GPS track of the walked Camino Inglés. It measured 116 km and 2800 m elevation gain

(+8)

lino5. 06. 2023 18:40:38

Congratulations! You two are a very pleasant middle-aged couple who never get bored. You know how to enjoy life according to the principle seize the day - CARPE DIEM. From every trip you know how to make use of and turn every event to the positive side. No whining, no moaning.
In short nice descriptions, wonderful photos, great memories etc. Keep enjoying to the fullest. Good luck!
¡Buena suerte en el futuro! nasmeh

(+1)

bagi6. 06. 2023 12:10:01

Thanks @lino. You've changed your writing style a bit. I like this one more nasmeh

(+3)

bagi28. 10. 2026 09:06:34

DAY 1 ...

It was time for Camino Ingles, which is a logical continuation of Camino de Mar (here). The difference between the two was noticeable right away. There were enough markings this time, the direction unambiguous, we even met quite a few pilgrims. We missed all that in the previous days. We had already walked Ingles, but after days of solitude we weren't bored at all smile

.

We started of course in Ferrol, the official start of Camino Ingles. The city is large, so we walked through it for quite a long time. Later on settlements connect one to another and accordingly this day was mostly on asphalt. But even such densely populated places are interesting. It surprised me that you almost don't see any kids on scooters, adults don't use them at all. You also don't see any food delivery people anywhere, regardless of the time of day. Almost everywhere local bakers deliver bread to homes, mostly French rolls. For this purpose residents have special cloth bags hanging on their front doors, we even saw bread mailboxes.

The day passed and it was time to find accommodation. We found it in the town of Carreira, where there are also plenty of shops. These mostly have opening hours adapted to siestas, so they are open early in the morning, then close, and in the evening they are open late into the night. We replenished supplies for the next day, filled our stomachs and went to bed quite soon.

Morning in Ferrol. Along Camino de Mar we continue on Camino Ingles all the way to Santiago

We are lucky. The first café is already open

It is early though and some are still sleeping soundly :)

We have already walked here and do not expect any surprises

Ferrol is a larger coastal town and accordingly has a lot of industry

Most of the piers are intended for transshipment, some belong to the naval military school

At first I could not believe my eyes, but sea ducks really do exist

How welcome the soft grass is, trodden by many predecessors

This is certainly not the recently walked Camino de Mar. Ingles has a huge number of signs and this one is completely new

Crossing the Rio Grande. On the opposite side is the municipal albergo where I once slept

We continue along the coastal variant of the Camino Ingles

This one is nicely routed across numerous wetlands

Galicia is a land of numerous satellites :)

A characteristic especially of rural areas. This is a bag for French rolls, and the bread is delivered to them by local bakers

Armed with loaves of bread and chocolate croissants we walk much more easily :)

He, he, at first I thought it was artificial :)

Local laundry, still in use in many places. Here there's even a washboard on the stone

Another nice gesture. Usually there's a box for voluntary contributions next to it

American women who sometimes drive, sometimes walk. There's a lot of that this year

I photographed it years ago already, when it was still much smaller :)

One of many restored stones. Each has the kilometer distance to Santiago

We use every shade, even the smallest one :)

We will sleep in the town of Carreira. We just need to go to the store, then find a hotel

We have covered 37 km and 800 meters of elevation

(+4)

bagi29. 10. 2026 11:51:26

DAY 2 ...

We started early again, as there was a long way ahead of us. On this section there aren't many sleeping options, especially if you do slightly longer stages. For the end we had in mind the hamlet Bruma, where there is a smaller municipal albergo. But as usual it was full and we went a few more kilometers further to a private accommodation. It turned out to be a hit, as besides our room we also got a fully equipped kitchen and a full, self-service fridge. All included in the price, which was already low anyway smile

.

So we started in the town of Carreira and set off on the path with headlamps. For morning coffee we were quite too early for the Spaniards, which we made up for later at the first opportunity. We repeated this several times, better safe than sorry big smile

. This year though in the bars we noticed quite a lot of dark-skinned staff, both in villages and towns. All of them speak Spanish better than us, but we could also talk in English. This is usually not possible with the locals. There communication goes more through pantomime with the help of some basic vocabulary rolling eyes

.

We noticed one more thing. A lot of people smoke, both men and women. That both walk the streets with cigarettes in their mouths is quite normal and quite unusual for us. No perfumed substitutes were seen, only real, proper cigarettes. This is also noticeable in hoarse voices, where women predominate. Some of them you even get scared of big smile

. In public places smoking ban applies just like at home and everyone respects it.

The day slowly passed for us and we were approaching the end. There were more and more pilgrims, as Santiago was already quite close. There were also more and more stamps along the way, many of them completely alone. The reason is the requirement of at least two stamps daily in the pilgrim's book to obtain the plaque, or Compostela at the end of the path. This has been the case for a few years now, the reason being numerous frauds by individuals. We saw some of those on our own paths too. Anyway, we finally arrived at our destination, walked every centimeter and contentedly observed our accommodation for the night. More in the photo story …