Etapas del Camino Inglés
1ª Etapa: Ferrol – Neda / A Coruña – Bruma: 33km
If we have opted to begin in Ferrol, we begin by heading to Curuxeiras, a medieval port from the 11th century. This stage takes us through Ferrol’s neighborhoods parallel to the sea and passes through the municipality of Narón, where there is a rich cultural and religious heritage. A Madalena, a symbol of urbanism in the area, has great examples of this heritage found in the San Martiño de Xubia Monastery and the 18th-century As Aceas Mill.
Furthermore, this stretch shares an itinerary with the pilgrimage to San Andrés de Teixido, whose way is marked by red fish and joins us until O Ponto. This spot isn’t far from our first stop, Neda, where the remains of the 15th-century hospital of Sancti Spiritus are found.
In the case that we choose to begin in A Coruña, the stage begins in its Historic Center, specifically in the Roman church of Santiago, only 2 kilometers away from the famous lighthouse which acted as a guide for the sea-faring pilgrims. This route goes through diverse villages and passes over the medieval bridge of A Xira (on the Valiñas River) until it reaches Cambre.
From here we still have to cross many towns on the way to Bruma, where we meet up with those who began their journey in Ferrol.
2ª Etapa: Neda – Miño: 22,1km
This stretch of the route passes through forests, some asphalt, and interesting villages such as Fene, which is famous for its industrial character and the well-known Museo del Humor. Also worth noting is Pontedueme, with a grand entrance of a 600-meter long 14th-century bridge which used to bear a chapel and a hospital. Known as ‘A Ponte do Demo’, it is said that it was constructed in a single night by the Devil so a young man could see his lover for the last time.
In the village itself, the great tower, remains of the old Andrade fortress, and the Church of Santiago are particularly interesting to see.
In the surrounding area, Pontedeume is crowned by its Andrade Castle, which rests on the Pena Leboreira and is also known as the ‘Castelo da Fame’ (Castle of Hunger) due to the legend that a couple died of hunger in its secret dungeon.
Continuing on, we come across many small villages until crossing the medieval bridge of the Baxoi River whose construction was ordered by Andrade, and finally the town of Miño where we find the Roman church of San Xoán de Vilanova.
3ª Etapa: Miño – Bruma: 34,8km
From Miño we head towards Betanzos, passing by another 14th-century bridge whose construction was ordered by Andrade, and by mountain we pass the Montecelo Pazo and the church of San Pantaloon das Viñas.
Closing in on Betanzos, we can enjoy the beautiful views of its coastline, and leave behind numerous towns and the Sanctuary of Nosa Señora do Camiño. To reach Betanzos we must pass Arco da Ponte Vella, the ruins of a medieval wall. This village, hugely important in historical and artistic terms, was the capital of one of the seven ancient Galician provinces and maintains an enormous religious heritage. The chapel of San Paio (now in ruins), the church of San Francisco (which houses the remains of Fernán Pérez de Andrade, protector of pilgrims), and the 15th-century church of Santiago are only a few of the monuments found here.
From this village we travel through more villages and places of interest until arriving to Bruma.
4ª Etapa: Bruma – Sigüeiro: 24,2km
Acometemos la penúltima etapa por un trazado que mezcla asfalto y tierra, salpicado de bosques autóctonos y pequeños pueblos como Ordes, Cabeza de Lobo, As Mámoas o A Rúa, donde se alza la iglesia de San Paio de Buscás.
Más adelante nos topamos con el molino de Trabe, el puente de O Cubo, la iglesia de la Virgen de la Merced de San Xulián de Poulo y la aldea de A Calle, donde se encuentra una placa del siglo XVI que recuerda el paso de Felipe II.
Ya en la zona de O Carballo y Casanova el trazado puede volverse incómodo, puesto que es lugar de manantiales y en invierno el terreno suele estar anegado.
Desde este punto tendremos que cruzar el Puente Pereira y alguna villa más antes de llegar a la aldea medieval de Sigüeiro, final de la etapa y donde nos encontraremos con el histórico puente sobre el río Tambre.
5ª Etapa: Sigüeiro – Santiago de Compostela: 16km
The last stage of the English Way is comprised of both asphalt and earth and leads us through some townships until we reach Meoixonfrio, a place which used to have a VENTA where pilgrims would wash themselves. Close to this point is the Curceiro de A Coruña, as well as a pre-Roman castro.
Once we get into the city, the monument by sculptor José María Acuña greets us next to the Galician government building.
A bit further, we pass through Porta da Pena (the remains of the wall which surrounded Compostela) in order to reach our awaited destination, the magnificent Cathedral.
