AN ALTERNATIVE CAMINO

What if the Camino Francés is too challenging for my comfort? Or perhaps I just don't have six weeks, but would still want to experience what it is to walk the Camino and receive a Compostela? The Camino Inglés, or the English Way, is one of the lesser-known 100kms+ routes of the Camino de Santiago, also leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

Historically, the Camino Inglés was the route typically taken by pilgrims from northern Europe, especially from England, Ireland, and the Scandinavian countries, who arrived by sea to the northern Spanish coast. The journey for these pilgrims began the moment they set sail across the treacherous waters of the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, landing on the rugged shores of northern Spain. The most common points of arrival were the ports of Ferrol and A Coruña, both of which are starting points for the modern Camino Inglés.

This route is steeped in history and legend, having been traversed by countless seekers over the centuries. It is shorter than other Camino routes, making it possible to complete in less than a week. However, its relatively brief span does not detract from its significance or the richness of the experiences it offers. Boasting some of the mildest summer weather in all of Europe, Galicia's gentle climate makes the Camino Inglés a particularly convenient and pleasant route for pilgrims seeking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Spanish countryside, yet avoid some of the high temperatures often experienced on the Francés over the summer.

This route is especially known for its verdant landscapes, which quickly immerse pilgrims in the natural beauty of Galicia. After leaving the coastal town, the path meanders through forests and alongside rivers, punctuated by charming villages and historical monuments. One highlight of the journey is the Monastery of San Martiño de Xubia, an old Benedictine monastery with roots dating back to the 10th century. The English Way also leads pilgrims through Pontedeume, a picturesque town known for its medieval bridge and its Andrade Tower, a reminder of Galicia's feudal past.

As the Camino Inglés winds its way toward Santiago de Compostela, it offers a quieter, more solitary experience compared to the bustling and quite popular Camino Francés. This solitude can provide a more introspective journey, allowing pilgrims to reflect deeply as they follow the path through the rolling Galician countryside. Upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, all routes of the Camino converge, and pilgrims from around the world gather in the city to celebrate their journey.

The Camino Inglés guided walk offers a unique blend of maritime history, spiritual tradition, Galician folklore, and cultural richness, providing a distinctive yet integral chapter in the story of the Camino de Santiago. Its shorter length and the historical and natural wonders along the way make it an appealing option for modern pilgrims seeking a different kind of Camino experience.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

Traversing the Camino Inglés, pilgrims cross a series of historic bridges, architectural relics that weave through Galicia's rich medieval past and into the present journey. Among these, the Pontedeume bridge stands as a crowning example of Gothic design, stretching its stone arches across the Eume River since the 14th century, a silent sentinel to the ebb and flow of history. As the path continues, the bridge at Hospital de Bruma arches over a tranquil stream, its rustic beauty offering pilgrims a quiet pause for reflection. Each crossing on the Camino Inglés is a connective strand to the continuum of stories and souls that have shaped this pilgrimage through the centuries, making the bridges not merely structures of stone and mortar but sacred thresholds on the road to Santiago.

WALK ALONG SOME AMAZING BEACHES

This section offers an enchanting coastal passage, with stretches that meander along northern Spain's rugged, picturesque shores, where the land greets the Atlantic. From the outset, particularly from the port city of Ferrol, the path affords pilgrims the rare opportunity to walk beside expansive beaches, such as Doniños and San Jorge, where the sand unfolds beneath the vast sky and the waves whisper ancient secrets. These sandy stretches are natural sanctuaries where one can meditate to the rhythm of the sea, find solace in the horizon, and feel the timeless pulse of the ocean. The beaches along the Camino Inglés not only provide a scenic backdrop but also offer moments of respite and contemplation, where the spiritual journey is complemented by the soothing presence of sea air and the tranquil sound of water caressing the shore, inviting pilgrims to reflect deeply as they tread the liminal space between land and water.

PRACTICING MINDFULNESS

In the verdant heart of Galicia, the Camino Inglés winds through mystical holloways, those sunken lanes etched into the landscape by centuries of pilgrim footsteps. These corridors of greenery, enclosed by the intertwining branches of ancient trees and the embrace of overgrown foliage, create a secluded world away from the outside bustle. Walking these earthen paths, pilgrims find themselves enveloped in an almost cathedral-like silence, the rustle of leaves and the soft give of soil underfoot the only sounds. This seclusion is a gift to the spirit, a chance to turn inwards and commune with the deeper aspects of self, an unparalleled opportunity for mindfulness amidst the whispers of nature. As the dappled sunlight filters through the leafy canopy, each step becomes a meditative practice, and the Galician holloways transform into serene aisles of reflection, offering a profound connection to the spiritual essence of the Camino.

TERRAIN ON THE CAMINO INGLÉS

Difficulty Level: Moderate

The Camino Inglés unfolds with a captivating mix of coastal allure and verdant landscapes. Pilgrims navigate stone-paved paths, rustic bridges, and undulating meadows, encountering occasional challenging sections. Despite its shorter distance, the route presents a diverse terrain, requiring a steady footing through ascents and descents. The journey, marked by both charm and challenge, reveals the pilgrim's resilience amid the unique features of this lesser-traveled route.

Guided Walk of the Camino Inglés

Embarking on a guided walk along the 75-mile Camino Inglés envelops you in an experience of curated comfort and cultural immersion. The trip includes breakfast every morning, and each night culminates in a communal dinner, where pilgrims can savor the regional cuisine and share stories of the day's journey. Accommodations are thoughtfully selected at comfortable, charming hotels and welcoming guest houses brimming with local character, promising rest and rejuvenation. There are three packages to select from for this trip: shared occupancy accommodation, private single occupancy accommodation, or private double occupancy accommodation- perfect options for couples, close friends, or family members, or if you are traveling alone. Upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, the experience is further enriched by a tapas and wine tour, inviting guests to indulge in the delectable bite-sized delights that are the hallmark of Spanish gastronomy. The journey's crescendo is a guided tour of the cathedral's rooftop, a rare privilege that offers a panoramic view of the city's historic splendor and a unique perspective of the spiritual destination that has beckoned travelers for centuries. This comprehensive guided walk is an exquisite tapestry of encounters and amenities, weaving together the physical, cultural, and spiritual threads of the Camino Inglés.

STARTING AT

$1,750

*see below for detailed pricing

• Accommodations in hand-picked boutique hotels and pensions.

• Ground transportation to and from Madrid.

• Breakfast + Nightly 3-course group dinner.

• Two pre-departure workshops over zoom.

• Packing lists, reading selections, travel dossier, and much more!

• One-on-one coaching in preparation as needed.

• The Compostela Certificate.

• Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Tour.

• Tapas + Wine Tasting Tour in Santiago de Compostela.

Your 8-day trip includes:

What is included in the costs?

Shared Occupancy

This option provides a unique and communal sleeping experience with a semi-private room, where the spirit of camaraderie is shared with one or two other pilgrims in the same room (2 or 3 pilgrims per room, with their own restroom). Each guest is provided with their own cozy twin bed, sharing your space with a fellow pilgrim from our group, and fostering connections and forging lasting friendships.

Single Occupancy

Double Occupancy

Escape to the tranquility of your own private sanctuary with a private single accommodation option. Revel in the luxury of having a hotel room all to yourself, complete with a comfortable twin or double bed and private restroom. Unwind in solitude and enjoy the serenity of your private space, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Our single accommodations provide the perfect retreat for those seeking privacy and relaxation during their pilgrimage.

Perfect for partners or couples, this option is for two pilgrims and features a spacious and comfortable double bed, and your own restroom, providing a private setting for shared rest. Revel in the joy of partnership and the serenity of a shared sanctuary, making your pilgrimage a special and intimate experience.

$1,750

COST

COST

$2,250

$3,500

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COST

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CONTACT US

For inquiries, further details, or to embark on your transformative Camino journey with us, please reach out. We are here to assist you with any questions and to help prepare you for your pilgrimage. We're here to ensure your path is walked with support every step of the way.