There is a distinct connection between Galicia and the other Celtic Nations. Galicia became one of the Seven Celtic Nations in 1986, though that’s been disputed ever since.
You’ll see this connection first hand on the Camino Inglés. When pilgrims would arrive from Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia, they’d arrive at one of the ports in Either Ferrol or A Coruña and then make their way to Santiago de Compostela.
These port towns were mainly used by the Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 ships that made the attempt to dethrone Queen Elizabeth I to restore Catholicism in England in 1588.
When taking the Camino Ingles, you can start from either Ferrol or A Coruña. The biggest difference between the two is the distance. From A Coruna, it’s only 74km while from Ferrol, you’ll travel 115km.
If you want your Compostela, remember that you have to go 100km to get it.
There is some evidence of pilgrims taking this route around 1000 A. D., through one of the most documented and notable incidents occurred in 1147.
This route was dormant for centuries beginning in 1547 when King Henry VIII sought to divorce Katherine of Aragon, which caused him to break away from the Catholic Church.
Advantages of the Camino Inglés
It’s the Shortest Route
If you only have a week or so to do the Camino, this is the best route to take. It’s also one of the less demanding routes, so you don’t need to be in superstar shape to complete it.
It’s Well Marked
This is one of the few routes that you can o without a map if you’re feeling adventurous. I don’t recommend it, but it is waymarked.
You Get to Experience Rural Galicia
This is a chance for you to experience another side of Galicia. It’s very rural between Ferrol and Santiago, and you’ll be contributing to the local economies there.
Less Crowded
According to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, about 3.5% of pilgrims did the Camino Inglés in 2016. Most of the pilgrims will choose the Camino Francés or Camino Portugués.
Disadvantages of the Camino Inglés
If there is a disadvantage, it’s that you do need to know a little Galician as it’s spoken more so than Castilian Spanish in the rural areas.
How to Get to the Camino Inglés
Of course, how to get there depends on your starting point.
A Coruña is very easy to get to. You can fly from London Heathrow to A Coruña on Vueling, and TAP Portugal flies there from Lisbon. You can also get to A Coruña via Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or Sevilla.
Getting to Ferrol is a little tricky because there is no direct route to get there. You can take the bus with transfers along the way. Fortunately, it’s a short distance and takes about 90 minutes by bus.
If you want to splurge on a taxi, it’ll take you about 30 minutes and cost about $75.
Finally, the train can take you to Ferrol, which might be the cheapest and easiest way to go.
