Camino Inglés from Ferrol: 3-Day Itinerary & Solo Experience (2025 Guide)
I walked the Camino Inglés from Ferrol to Santiago in 3 days. Solo. With one pair of shoes, a backpack that wasn’t thrilled about the idea, and just enough optimism to regret it halfway through. It’s the shortest official Camino de Santiago route at about 116 kilometers, but don’t let the word “short” fool you. It’s still a solid test of your legs, mindset, and snack management skills.
In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through the exact 3-day itinerary I followed, along with tips on the stages, albergues, and how to do it solo without losing your sanity. If you’re short on time, enjoy a quieter route, or want to earn your Compostela without sacrificing your next two paychecks, this might be your perfect Camino.
What is the Camino Inglés?
The Camino Inglés, also known as the English Way, is the route medieval pilgrims from northern Europe followed after docking in Ferrol or A Coruña. Back then, it was a journey of devotion. Today, it’s more of a scenic, low-key test of how far you’re willing to walk for a certificate and some blistered enlightenment.
Most people start in Ferrol, since it clocks in at around 116 kilometers — just over the required minimum to earn the Compostela, the official proof that yes, you walked a long way and have the paperwork to show for it. The A Coruña variant is only about 75 km, so unless you’ve walked 25 km elsewhere (with documented proof), you won’t qualify. If you care about those kinds of things, the Pilgrim’s Office breaks it all down in their guidelines.
Don’t be fooled by the distance. The Camino Inglés might be short, but it still delivers everything you’d expect from a longer route: peaceful trails, sleepy Galician villages, foggy eucalyptus forests, and enough café con leche to ruin your caffeine tolerance. It’s also fully waymarked with yellow arrows and scallop shells — no GPS or language skills required.
For more historical background and official stage descriptions, check out the Galicia Tourism page on the Camino Inglés.
Why I Chose This Route
I didn’t choose the Camino Inglés because it was spiritual or scenic, though it is both. I chose it because it fit in my calendar. I had just gotten back from a long weekend in Prague and was leaving soon for a 12 adventure through Egypt, and I had exactly one long weekend to spare. The Camino Inglés, at 116 kilometers, was the only route I could realistically walk in three days and still feel like I’d done something.
There wasn’t much time to overthink it. I wanted to unplug, be outside, and push myself physically. No fancy gear, no guided groups, just me, my backpack, and the vague hope that walking across Galicia would be better for my brain than scrolling Instagram.
Plus, it’s one of the few Camino routes that:
- You can finish in a weekend
- Still earns you the Compostela
- Doesn’t require taking two weeks off work or life
I also stuck to municipal albergues, both for the budget and the experience. There’s something oddly grounding about sharing bunk beds with strangers who all smell like tiger balm and regret.e experience. There’s something oddly grounding about sharing bunk beds with strangers who all smell like tiger balm and regret.
Day 1: Ferrol to Miño (Approx. 38 km)
Day one hits fast. You start in Ferrol, still slightly unsure what you’ve signed up for, and within an hour you’re trekking through urban outskirts and small residential areas. It’s not postcard Galicia, but it gets the job done — and trails are clearly marked, so you’re unlikely to wander off the path unless you’re really trying.
The terrain starts smooth through Narón and Neda, lulling you into that classic Camino trap: “This is easy, I’ve got this.” That illusion fades around Fene and Pontedeume as the kilometers rack up and your backpack’s bravado turns into burden.
I pushed past Pontedeume and didn’t stop until Miño — which means a long day of roughly 38 kilometers, much longer than the typical day-1 plan. If you’re squeezing this into a 3‑day challenge, Miño is where you push until the finish line.
Trail surfaces varied from paved to riverside dirt paths, short climbs, and one-or-two questionable detours through rural backroads that looked like they belonged to a slower decade. Nothing technical — just long.
What helped: early caffeine, steady pacing, and reminding myself: “You’re not racing anyone.”
What didn’t: skipping breakfast, underestimating how distance quietly adds up, and expecting Miño to be a big food hub. It’s not — bring snacks.
Where to Stay in Miño
- Albergue de Peregrinos de Miño – The only municipal pilgrim hostel in town, and where I stayed. It’s basic but reliable: shared dorms, limited hot water, and a no-reservations policy. Admission starts from 13:00–22:00, costs around €10, and closes early — so plan accordingly.
Book early if arriving late, especially during spring and summer. Even small towns fill up faster than you’d guess when you mix tired walkers and limited beds.
Day 2: Miño to Poulo (Approx. 44 km)
Day 2 is where the Camino Inglés stops being cute. It’s the hardest stage of this 3-day push — long, relentless, and full of bad ideas you justify in real time.
The day starts well enough. The trail takes you out of Miño and into rolling countryside, passing through Betanzos (get breakfast there), Presedo, Vilacoba, and eventually Bruma — the logical place to stop. That’s where most people call it a day, and for good reason. By the time I reached Bruma, I was exhausted and very close to dropping my bag and being done with it.
But here’s the problem: I had committed to finishing this route in 3 days, and stopping in Bruma meant doing nearly 40 kilometers on the final day. My legs already hated me — I didn’t want them filing a formal complaint on Day 3.
So, I kept walking.
Pushing past Bruma was brutal. The distance was one thing, but the decision to continue knowing there wouldn’t be another major stop for several kilometers hit hard. I eventually made it to a small albergue near Poulo, about 6–7 km past Bruma and just outside of Ordes — surrounded by fields, silence, and not much else.
The woman checking me in was visibly surprised that I had walked from Miño. She asked me twice if I was sure, which says a lot about how I looked — or smelled. To make matters worse, there were no restaurants or shops nearby. I had passed perfectly good food in Bruma, thinking I’d find something later. I didn’t. I had to order dinner in just to avoid going to bed hungry.
What helped: breakfast in Betanzos, staying mentally committed, and ignoring the urge to lie down in a field after Bruma
What didn’t: not eating dinner in Bruma, assuming there’d be food past it, not choosing a stopping point earlier, and walking into a food desert with zero snacks
Where I Stayed
- Albergue de Peregrinos de Poulo – Basic, quiet, surrounded by farmland. Cash only. No nearby shops or restaurants, so you’ll need to bring snacks or ask about delivery. Beds are limited, but after 44 km, it felt like a palace.
Day 3: Poulo to Santiago de Compostela (Approx. 28 km)
If Day 2 was physically the hardest, Day 3 was just plain miserable. I woke up sore but determined to finish — until I stepped outside and saw the sky. It was pouring. Not “bring an umbrella” rain. I’m talking relentless, sideways, cold-soak-every-layer-you-own rain.
And I had nothing. No raincoat. No jacket. No poncho. Just a soaked hoodie, a pair of shoes that gave up immediately, and a backpack that turned into a sponge.
Within an hour, I was drenched. Not just my clothes — my real passport was soaked through, along with my bag, journal, and anything that vaguely resembled paper. If someone had opened my bag, they might’ve assumed I fell in a river. By mid-morning, you could hear the squish of the water in my shoes with every step.
The walk itself? A blur. The route starts pleasantly enough through quiet backroads and forest trails, but it’s hard to appreciate anything when you can’t feel your fingers. Once you reach the outskirts of Santiago, you get the classic Camino mix of concrete, intersections, and confusing signage — just enough to make you second-guess your life choices in the rain.
I finally reached the cathedral soaked, freezing, and borderline delirious. The Compostela office still accepted my pilgrim passport, though I’m pretty sure it peeled apart in their hands like wet cardboard. I didn’t feel triumphant. I felt soggy. But I was done.
What helped: tunnel vision, no other choice, and the knowledge that warm food existed somewhere
What didn’t: skipping proper rain prep, no backup plan for paper items, and trusting Galician weather like a fool
7 Lessons I Learned on the Camino Inglés
1. Rain gear is not optional
If you’re walking in Galicia and think, “Eh, it probably won’t rain,” you’re wrong. Bring a raincoat. Or a poncho. Or both. Just don’t bring denial.
2. Don’t skip dinner in Bruma
Thinking you’ll find food later is a mistake. Once you leave Bruma, it’s fields, silence, and one overworked delivery guy with a scooter.
3. 44 kilometers is too far — but also not
You’ll regret walking that much in one day. And then feel kind of proud of it later. Just don’t make it a habit.
4. You don’t need fancy gear
You need decent shoes, a comfortable pack, and the ability to suffer a little without complaining every kilometer. That’s about it.
5. Starting early makes all the difference
Especially if you’re covering big distances. Mornings are cooler, quieter, and psychologically less soul-crushing than late-afternoon climbs.
6. Say hi — everyone’s in the same state
Even if you’re walking solo, you’re never really alone. Most people are tired, sore, and slightly lost. A quick hello or shared eye-roll goes a long way.
7. The Camino isn’t about having a perfect trip
It’s about moving forward, even when you’re tired, soaked, or irrationally angry at a eucalyptus tree. You learn more when things go sideways anyway.
Budget Breakdown & Tips
Walking the Camino Inglés doesn’t have to cost a lot — especially if you’re only doing it in 3 days and aren’t chasing luxury. Here’s what I spent, what I skipped, and what I’d do differently next time.
Estimated Costs (Per Day)
| Category | Approx. € |
|---|---|
| Albergue stay | 10 |
| Food + snacks | 15–20 |
| Coffee breaks | 3–5 |
| Emergency delivery pizza in the middle of nowhere | 12 |
| Total per day | 30–40 |
Total for the 3-day Camino Inglés: Around €100–120
Budget Tips
- Stick to municipal albergues
They’re cheap, no-reservation, and part of the experience. Just arrive early if you’re walking in high season. - Eat in towns before you leave them
Don’t assume there’s another café 5 km ahead. If you see food, stop. Especially after Bruma. - Snacks are a lifeline
Bring some — even if you’re “not a snacker.” Trail mix, fruit, and protein bars will save you when everything’s closed. - Tap water is safe
Refill your bottle at fountains or bars. No need to spend €2 on water every few hours. - Rain gear is worth the money
Buy a decent raincoat or poncho. Not having one cost me more than just money — it cost me a dry passport and dignity. - Bring cash
Most albergues and smaller bars don’t take cards. I’d suggest carrying €50–60 in small bills.
Camino Inglés FAQ
How hard is the Camino Inglés?
It’s harder than it looks on paper. While it’s the shortest official Camino route, the terrain is constantly rolling and the services are spaced just far enough apart to be inconvenient if you’re not prepared. If you’re walking it in 3 days, it’s tough — physically and mentally.
Can you really walk it in 3 days?
Yes, but it’s not for the casual weekend stroller. I walked around 116 kilometers over three days with no rest days. It’s doable if you’re fit, stubborn, and willing to suffer a little. Most people spread it over 5–6 days for a reason.
Is it well marked?
Yes. Yellow arrows and scallop shells guide you the whole way. I never got lost — and that’s saying something, because I wasn’t exactly studying the map.
Do you need to speak Spanish?
No, but it helps. Basic phrases like una cama, por favor or ¿hay comida cerca? go a long way. That said, most locals are used to pilgrims and can communicate the essentials.
Where do you sleep?
I stayed in municipal albergues — cheap, no-frills hostels for pilgrims. You’ll need a pilgrim credential (which you can get before starting), and it’s first come, first served.
What’s the Compostela, and how do you get it?
It’s the certificate proving you completed the Camino. You need to walk at least 100 kilometers and collect stamps in your credencial along the way (usually 2 per day). Start in Ferrol, get your final stamp in Santiago, and bring your soggy credential to the Pilgrim’s Office.
Do you need to train beforehand?
If you’re doing the 3-day version? Yes — or at least be used to walking long distances with a pack. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking 30+ kilometers a day without falling apart.
When’s the best time to walk the Camino Inglés?
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) are your best bets. The weather is milder, the trails aren’t overcrowded, and most albergues are open. July and August can be hot, crowded, and mosquito-heavy, while winter months are rain-soaked and many rural accommodations close down. And yes — Galicia is always a bit unpredictable, so pack for rain regardless of the forecast.
Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?
Honestly? Yes — but maybe not in 3 days next time.
The Camino Inglés challenged me more than I expected. It wasn’t just the distance or the terrain — it was the silence, the solitude, the soaked backpack, and the push to keep going when stopping sounded so much better. I didn’t walk it to “find myself” or post sunrise selfies. I did it because I needed clarity, space, and something that would push me physically while letting my mind wander.
And it worked.
Would I recommend this exact itinerary? Only if you’re up for the grind. Most people will enjoy it more at a slower pace — 5 or 6 days instead of 3. But if you’ve only got a long weekend and a reason to walk, the Camino Inglés will show up for you. Maybe not gently, but honestly. And that’s enough.
Related Posts
- Exploring Madeira: A Hiker’s Dream
Lush peaks, cliffside trails, and some of the most underrated hiking in Europe. - Hiking Andorra: What It’s Like to Trek a Country You’ve Barely Heard Of
Tiny but mighty. Andorra serves up high-altitude solitude, questionable signage, and killer views. - Solo Trekking in Albania: The Balkan Secret You’ll Want to Keep
Wild landscapes, empty trails, and just the right amount of adventure chaos.
(More Camino content coming soon — stay tuned.)
3 Comments