The English Way surpasses 30,000 Compostelas in 2025

The English Way surpasses 30,000 Compostelas in 2025 for the first time in its history, a milestone that confirms the sustained growth and consolidation of this Jacobean route. The increase is significant and reflects a positive trend both nationally and internationally.

A historic rise in the number of pilgrims

This year’s figures show a clear evolution: The English Way surpasses 30,000 Compostelas in 2025, a number that marks a turning point for the route. Compared with 2024, the number of pilgrims has grown by 8%, while the increase in relation to 2023 reaches 16%. This progression demonstrates that the route continues to strengthen its appeal. In just a decade, the number of people walking the English Way has tripled, revealing steady and expanding demand.

Manuel Mirás, Honorary President of the Association of Councils of the English Way, notes that the organisation was created “with the aim of transforming a little-travelled path into a thriving and well-recognised route”. The results are evident in today’s figures.

The role of international pilgrims

Another key factor behind The English Way surpasses 30,000 Compostelas in 2025 is the strong increase in international walkers. Countries such as the United States (+36%), Canada (+30%) and the United Kingdom (+19%) show a notable rise. Other countries also record significant growth, such as the Czech Republic and Argentina, both around 31%. These figures confirm the growing global interest in the route.

The number of pilgrims beginning their journey outside Spain is also increasing. This year, those who started the route from an officially waymarked point in the United Kingdom rose by 58%, while those who began in Ireland increased by 33%. This international boost strengthens the visibility of the route and broadens its potential audience.

Steady growth among national pilgrims

The number of pilgrims arriving from Spain’s autonomous communities also continues to grow steadily. On average, the increase sits around 10%, with particularly notable cases such as the Canary Islands, where the rise reaches 30%. Although territories like Ceuta and Melilla still have small numbers, they too show significant increases. The national public remains essential for the English Way, something Manuel Mirás highlights as fundamental: “They represent the majority of our walkers, and we continue working to ensure their experience is truly unforgettable.”

A project that consolidates its expansion

The Association of Councils of the English Way was founded in 2016 and was officially recognised as a Jacobean entity by the Xunta de Galicia in 2019. Since then, the work carried out —together with the support of the Xunta and the Provincial Council of A Coruña— has helped place this route in a prominent position. Today, with the record figure placing the English Way above 30,000 Compostelas in 2025, one thing is clear: the route has evolved from being little known to becoming one of the Jacobean itineraries with the greatest potential, recognition and growth both within Galicia and abroad.