Walk a quieter path to Santiago on the Camino Inglés – the English Way

The Camino Inglés, or English Way, is one of the shorter and quieter routes of the Camino de Santiago, beginning on Spain’s north coast in Galicia. Historically, it was used by pilgrims arriving by sea from England, Ireland and northern Europe, who would disembark at ports such as Ferrol or A Coruña before walking inland to Santiago de Compostela. Today, the route offers a peaceful Camino experience through green countryside, forests and rural villages. With fewer pilgrims and a more local feel, it appeals to walkers seeking a gentler, less crowded introduction to the Camino tradition.

The Camino Inglés can be walked from two different starting points:

• A Coruña to Santiago: approximately 75 km
• Ferrol to Santiago: approximately 115–120 km

Both routes follow the same final approach into Santiago, with the Ferrol option meeting the A Coruña route at Hospital de Bruma.

To receive the Compostela, pilgrims must walk a minimum of 100km before arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Starting from A Coruña covers approximately 75 km and therefore does not meet this requirement. To be eligible for the Compostela on the Camino Inglés, you must start in Ferrol, which meets the minimum distance requirement.

Yes. The Camino Inglés is one of the quieter Camino routes, with significantly fewer walkers than the Camino Francés. This route is well suited to pilgrims who enjoy walking in quieter surroundings and value personal reflection over a highly social Camino experience. As the distance from A Coruña does not meet the 100 km requirement for the Compostela, many pilgrims choose to begin from Ferrol instead, leaving the early stages from A Coruña particularly quieter. While you will still encounter fellow pilgrims, numbers remain low, creating an intimate atmosphere through rural Galicia. With fewer services and accommodation options than on larger Camino routes, advance planning is important. 

This walk is ideal for pilgrims seeking a quieter Camino experience, with fewer crowds and a greater sense of solitude along the trail, or for those short on time who would still like to finish in Santiago de Compostela. It suits experienced or adaptable walkers who are comfortable with limited infrastructure and simpler services, and who value flexibility while travelling through more remote areas. Culturally curious travellers will appreciate the opportunity to explore Galicia’s rural landscapes, villages and traditions, making this a rewarding choice for those drawn to a slower, more reflective Camino journey.

Walking on the Camino Inglés is generally gentle and manageable, with a well-balanced mix of paved lanes, country tracks and quiet rural roads. The opening stages involve firmer surfaces as you leave the industrial port areas, before the route gradually softens into forest paths and rolling Galician countryside. While there are some moderate climbs and descents, nothing is overly steep or technical. Clear way-marking and varied scenery make the walking straightforward, comfortable and rewarding.

It’s important to note that accommodation and services along this route are simpler and more modest than on busier Caminos, reflecting its quieter and more remote character. With fewer pilgrims, accommodation and dining options are more limited in some villages, making this route best suited to adaptable walkers who are comfortable with limited infrastructure and modest, basic lodging. Some accommodation may be located slightly off trail, either within a short walking distance (approximately 1.5–2.5km) or requiring a transfer, which we will organise where needed.

That said, you’ll stay in comfortable private accommodation, providing a welcoming place to rest and recover for the following day’s walk.

For travellers who enjoy quieter trails and are confident walking independently, the Camino Inglés can be a safe and rewarding journey. Its peaceful nature allows time for reflection and a strong sense of personal achievement.

For those new to solo hiking, or seeking a more social experience with minimal preparation, a more well-travelled Camino may be a better first introduction. With fewer walkers and limited infrastructure, this route suits those who are prepared and comfortable navigating a quieter path. Gaining experience on routes with more services can help build confidence before tackling a more remote Camino.

For solo travellers, we always recommend the following tips:

• Stay connected: Keep your phone fully charged and share your itinerary and daily updates with friends or family.
• Walk during daylight hours: Start your walk early enough to avoid being out after dark.
• Stay on well-marked paths: Stick to the trail to ensure you don’t get lost in more remote areas.
• Be prepared: Have the necessary gear for any weather condition and carry sufficient water, snacks, and a basic first aid kit.
  

As RAW Travel will be organising your services, we are always aware of your hiking schedule. Our staff in Spain oversees our hikers on the ground and is available for assistance in case of emergencies. 

Yes. The Camino Inglés is generally well signposted with yellow arrows and Camino markers along the route. For self-guided walkers, our RAW Travel Navigation app provides reliable navigation support in sections where signage may be less clear, ensuring you can follow the trail with confidence.

The Camino Inglés season runs from 1 April to 31 October each year, so your Camino trip must fall within this period.

The Camino Inglés can be walked from April to October, offering generally mild conditions well suited to long-distance walking. With the Atlantic nearby, the route enjoys a temperate climate throughout the season. The busiest period is June through August, when longer daylight hours, lower rainfall and local festivals across Spain attract more walkers. For a quieter and more relaxed experience, we recommend the shoulder seasons of mid April to early June and September to October, when cooler temperatures and fewer crowds create ideal conditions for an enjoyable and unrushed journey.

Below are the main arrival airports we recommend if travelling from overseas:

• Madrid (MAD)
• Bilbao (BIO)
• Santiago de Compostela (SCQ)
• A Coruña (LCG) – the closest to the trail

How to reach Ferrol: From Madrid, Bilbao or Barcelona: connect to a domestic flight to Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña, then continue by train or bus to Ferrol. From Santiago de Compostela: travel by train or bus directly to Ferrol (around 1.5–2 hours)

How to reach A Coruña: From Madrid, Bilbao or Barcelona: connect to a domestic flight into A Coruña Airport. From Santiago de Compostela: travel by train or bus to A Coruña (around 45–60 minutes)

RAW Travel does not offer cycling itineraries on the Camino Inglés. You can learn more about other Camino cycling options here.

RAW Travel is Australia’s leading walking tour operator for walking the Camino. We offer options for all of the Camino routes in France, Portugal and Spain. Whether you want to take the inland route via Camino Frances, walk through France on Le Puy Camino, take in the coastal scenery on Portuguese Coastal Camino, or walk the Camino del Norte, we have an array of self-guided walking holidays for you to choose from. Get in touch with our team to enquire more.