How long does it take to walk the English Way?

We are often asked: How long does it take to walk the English Way? The time needed to complete the English Way depends on your pace, physical preparation, and chosen starting point. This route, one of the most accessible of the Camino de Santiago, allows the experience to be adapted both for those with just a few days and for those who want to savour each stage at a relaxed pace.

From Ferrol, most pilgrims complete the route in 5 or 6 days, with stages ranging between 18 and 25 kilometers. This option is ideal for those seeking a week-long getaway that combines nature, history, and spirituality. The itinerary takes you through coastal landscapes, forests, rural villages, and towns like Pontedeume, Betanzos, or Miño, offering many opportunities to rest, enjoy good food, and experience the essence of Galicia.

From A Coruña, the English Way can be completed in 3 or 4 days, making it an attractive option for those with less time who still want to fully experience the pilgrimage. This route passes through the areas of Cambre, Carral, and Ordes, offering notable heritage and a quieter path. Along the way, you can visit sites such as the Church of Santiago de Sigrás, the mills of Rego das Xesteiras, or the castro of As Travesas.

Both routes converge at As Travesas, near Bruma, a meeting point that symbolizes the union of different stories, landscapes, and rhythms into a single path toward Santiago. From this point on, pilgrims from both routes continue together, sharing trails and experiences until they reach Santiago de Compostela.

Although these are the most common durations, more and more people are choosing to walk the English Way over more days, embracing a slower approach that allows for more rest, leisurely visits to points of interest, and enjoyment of the surroundings without rushing. Thanks to the availability of intermediate services such as guesthouses, rural homes, small inns, and dining options in lesser-known villages, it is entirely feasible to divide the stages and walk between 12 and 18 kilometers per day. This way of pilgrimage fosters a deeper connection with the landscape and reduces physical strain, making it ideal for those who want to care for their body or simply go at a different pace.

To enjoy a full experience, it is recommended to plan with flexibility, avoid overly long stages, and book accommodation in advance during high season. Places like the historic center of Betanzos, the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña, or the Monastery of San Martiño de Xuvia in Narón deserve an unhurried visit, as they not only enrich the journey but also leave a lasting impression on the traveler’s memory.

No matter where you start, the English Way is a welcoming route full of character. It can be completed in just a few days or savoured slowly over a full week, but it always offers pilgrims an intimate and authentic experience that lasts well beyond their arrival in Santiago.