David and I set out to walk the Camino Inglés. The route starts in Ferrol and continues southwards to Santiago de Compostela in the centre of Galicia. Distances covered on foot over 100km are considered proper pilgrimages so I was entitled to claim my Compostela at the end.
We completed the journey in five days and stayed in a variety of places including bunk beds at an albergue (overnight accommodation to assist pilgrims on their way) and a number of hostels. There were probably about thirty others completing the same journey each day and we got to meet some fascinating people. Each day had its challenges:
Day One: Ferrol to Pontedueme
I wasn’t expecting to complete the whole 29km of this leg as many split the journey into two parts by stopping at Neda. But, as we were making such good progress we pressed on. Here I am with my ample backpack.
Day Two: Pontedueme to Betanzos
Only 19.5km seemed a doddle after the first day but the image below identifies the challenges of steep inclines and descents. I felt absolutely dreadful on arriving n Betanzos and made sure I packed dried fruit and nuts for the next day to keep me going.
Day Three: Betanzos to Bruma
Faced with 29km, I off loaded some of the heavier items in my backpack onto David. I then suffered a backpack malfunction because I hadn’t packed it properly and the frame was digging into my back. Once that was sorted I was ready for cake!
I seemed to build stamina on this leg of the journey but acquired blisters!
Day Four: Bruma to Sigüeiro
24km, mainly downhill. Easy walking in the drizzle. More blisters.
Day Five: Sigüeiro to Santiago
Only 16m and an easy walk to our destination.
What did I discover from this camino?
- I can walk several days in a row with a pack on my back
- walking long distances is a great way to test the body and free the mind
- it’s possible to meet the most surprising people in out of the way places
Would I do it again?
Absolutely!
the writer is a lonely hunter 
Wow! What an amazing experience. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Thank you, Jim, for reading about it!
I recognise some of the destinations on your route as I walked it in 2011. However we had two cars for the luggage so it was a bit of a cheat. It meant ease of progress though. It also meant we could eat in places other than the hostels at night. I loved every moment of the walk. The emotion floods in when you reach the Cathedral.
The Cathedral is looking spruced up now most of the scaffolding is down. It’s quite an experience!