The English Way, a Path with History
The English Way, a Path with History
The English Way is the only Camino that "starts and ends" in Galicia, at least in terms of land routes. However, when it comes to its history, we must travel back to the Middle Ages. Thanks to the strategic location of Ferrol and A Coruña, as gateways to Galicia, this route was chosen by the first travelers of various nationalities, including Scots, Irish, and especially English pilgrims, from which it takes its name.
Pilgrims arriving by sea, particularly from the British Isles, left behind a maritime pilgrimage culture that can still be appreciated in cities like Ferrol and A Coruña.
Today, this route offers two options: the first and most popular is the route starting in Ferrol, which is 120 km from Santiago. The second starts in A Coruña, covering 75 km to reach Compostela.
Both routes converge in Bruma, merging into one to continue the pilgrimage and reach Santiago, where pilgrims can embrace the Apostle at his tomb.
If starting from A Coruña, you will begin at the TOWER OF HERCULES, declared a World Heritage Site in 2009 and dating back to the 1st century.
It is the only operational Roman lighthouse in the world. The tower is the symbol of the city and has guided pilgrims for centuries.
After leaving the city, the route advances through paths and forests, crossing the municipalities of Culleredo, Cambre, Carral, Abegondo, and Mesía. At Bruma, the path joins the route coming from Ferrol. This segment is inland and is considered of medium difficulty.
On the other hand, if you choose the other route, you will start in Ferrol, at the Port of Curuxeiras, passing by the Co-Cathedral of Ferrol.
Once on the path, you will pass through the towns of Neda and Pontedeume, the Medieval Bridge of Pontedeume, and the Medieval Bridge of Baxoi. Continuing the journey, you will arrive at Bruma, where, as mentioned earlier, the two routes of the English Way converge.
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