20 KM days possible on the Ingles?

[GreatDane]

I'm in the middle of gathering info on the Ingles from resources here and my copy of "The Northern Caminos" by Whitson and Perazolli. Since returning from Astorga in April, I'd been thinking I would resume my CF in Ponferrada next time. Now I'm thinking, and since I am somewhat of a contrarian, of visiting Ponferrada for a day and then taking the train to Ferrol and walking the Ingles to Santiago. Completely completing the entire CF is not so important but I would like my Compostella. So a few questions:
1) I planned my last segment of the CF using godesalco.com because I wanted to average only 20km per day. No Ingles on Godesalco and haven't sat down long enough to read my guides - is a 20KM average day do-able on the Ingles?
2) Lots of knee killer portions? For example I do just fine on things like the hill west of Castrojeriz. I'm not quite to kneereplacementville but don't have much meniscus left either knee!
3) Planning first week in April again, do I need to prepare for possible snow (heck just one more light layer)? Rain is a gimme. Rain is my friend!! (I hate hot weather)

Gracias!

 

[Susan Jag]

Hi GreatDane,

We walked the Camino Ingles in 6 days in late April. We had only one day of rain, rest of the days were beautiful. You may not be able to do 20 km days on the Ingles due to the limited availability of accomodation. For example, if you don't stop at Neda, you have to do over 30kms to Pontedeume, with a steady climb out of Neda to the top of the headland. It's good to get into Pontedeume early in the afternoon so that you can stop by the beach, and then enjoy Pontedeume, good bars and cafes! And the suggested last stage from Bruma to Santiago is well over 40 km, with lots of ascents and descents - so we stopped at Sigueiro.

We found all the distances to be incorrect, so I wrote a book just for the Camino Ingles. You can find it on Amazon, search by The Camino Ingles: 6 days to Santiago. "The Northern Caminos" and other literature was not very accurate as far as the Ingles goes. I think the route has been adjusted a bit and all the stages are longer than stated.

There are two steep climbs, out of Pontedeume, and then from Bar Julia to Vizono, but be aware that there is uphill and downhill all the way everyday, except the first stage to Neda. The actual distance according to our fitbits was over 144 kms. You can take a cab to cut out the steeper bits, and lose about 12 kms BUT then you won't get the required 100kms nonstop for the Compostela. You can also get your backpack ported on those days to make it easier on your knees if you like.

Take raingear and sunhats, the stages between Cos and Presedo, before Siguero, and on the last day into the industrial parts of santiago, can be hot and unshaded. Boots are good too as there are plenty of muddy and wet paths as well.

If you are prepared, the Ingles is beautiful, quiet and uncrowded. We loved it! The seafood along the way is outstanding as well!
Buen Camino!

Susan Jagannath

 

[Former member 22438]

We did the Inglès with all distances within 20 kms a day. No problem

Ferrol to Neda. Short distance first day. Albergue
Neda to Pontedeume is 14 kms albergue
Pontedeume to Miño 15 kms. Albergue
Miño to Betanzos 15 kms albergue
Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma 18 km albergue. Btw we used the pickup service from bar Julia to Hostal Meson do Vento in Meson Novo
From Meson do Vento to Ordes 17 kms. Ordes is a small detour of 2 kms where is a comfortable hotel. From there within 3 kms you are back on the waymarked camino path.
Ordes to Sigueiro 18 kms. Hostal or other privat rooms
Sigueiro to Santiago 20 kms

Just search on this forum to posts of @Tia Valeria
She even did it in more the 7 days and everywhere found places to stay

Buen camino

 

[NualaOC]

Hi @GreatDane, you can download @JohnnieWalker 's guide to the Ingles here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/pilgrim-guide-to-the-camino-inglés-2016-v-1.489/ (donation to CSJ recommended).

It's definitely possible to walk shorter stages on the Ingles. For example, @Tia Valeria 's post might give you some ideas: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-slow-camino-inglés-may-2015.34739/

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

Without buying any more Guidebooks simply download the Confraternity of St James complete and comprehensive guide from www.csj.org.uk or from the resources section of this forum. Please consider leaving a donation.
As for walking 20 kms stages - you will certainly be able to achieve that or nearly achieve it. There are posts on this forum from pilgrims who have broken down this route into shorter stages.
There is rucksack forwarding available throughout the route.
On the first day if you are heading to Pontedeume there is an alternative route described in the CSJ guide which considerably reduces the length of that stage.
There are short but steep elevations leaving Pontedeume, leaving Betanzos and on the way to Hospital de Bruma/Meson do Vento. If you set out early and take your time you'll be fine.
There is no suggested stage of over 40 kms from Bruma to Santiago. Although mostly flat the majority of pilgrims stop in Sigueiro where there are increasing options for accommodation.
Buen Camino

John

 

[Tia Valeria]

As others have said we took several extra days to walk in order to keep the kms per day down. There are posts here on the forum and also on our blog. For the blog you will need to look at the posts for May 2011 We used @JohnnieWalker 's guide to sort out our stages. In 2015 we walked again taking an extra day to see Betanzos - again use the index to find the Inglés part of that Camino
Buen Camino

 

[GreatDane]

Thanks all for the Ingles resources! Some I already had, others I'm read to dive into. Looks like the CF spoils us for places to stop for food, both to sit and eat and/or shop for picnic goods and meals later. Seafood and water views will be a highlight!

 

[rometimed]

I did the English Camino in 4 days last year.

From my notes I did:

1. Ferrol to Pontedeume (24 KMs)
2. Pontedueme to Bentanzos (22 KMs)
3. Bentanzos to Hospital de Bruma (30 KMs)
4. Hospital de Bruma to Santiago (17 KMs)

The KMs listed are what my phone was showing from starting of the actual walking to the point I was where I wanted to end.

You won't miss the Albergue in HdB... there's no restaurant in that town but in the evening they order down to a restaurant for you who can bring up a pilgram 3 course meal. I recall having soup + lamb + a bottle of wine for about 12 Euros.

 

[musicman]

I have a spreadsheet , from 14 months ago, we used.

Send me an E if you want it - mainly " Ensuite", but cheap!

Lovely Camino.

 

[mylifeonvacation]

I did the English Camino in 4 days last year.

From my notes I did:

4. Hospital de Bruma to Santiago (17 KMs)


You won't miss the Albergue in HdB... there's no restaurant in that town but in the evening they order down to a restaurant for you who can bring up a pilgram 3 course meal. I recall having soup + lamb + a bottle of wine for about 12 Euros.

Recent reports indicate (Johnnie's latest guide shows) that there is now a restaurant in Hospital de Bruma, so that makes it a little nicer for Pilgrims going through. I think you have a typo in the km from Bruma - Santiago, or missed a stage. It's more like 24 from Bruma to Sigueiro, then another 17 to Santiago.

For the OP - you should be clear of snow on that route. If they get snow in that area it's an anomaly. I recall seeing photos on social media from February of one day where they had a dusting of snow around Ordes, but it seemed to be a rarity, hence the photos on Facebook.

Buen Camino!!

 

[rometimed]

Recent reports indicate (Johnnie's latest guide shows) that there is now a restaurant in Hospital de Bruma, so that makes it a little nicer for Pilgrims going through. I think you have a typo in the km from Bruma - Santiago, or missed a stage. It's more like 24 from Bruma to Sigueiro, then another 17 to Santiago.

For the OP - you should be clear of snow on that route. If they get snow in that area it's an anomaly. I recall seeing photos on social media from February of one day where they had a dusting of snow around Ordes, but it seemed to be a rarity, hence the photos on Facebook.

Buen Camino!!

Oh wow ya showing 37 KMs thank you.

 

[Former member 22438]

Recent reports indicate (Johnnie's latest guide shows) that there is now a restaurant in Hospital de Bruma, so that makes it a little nicer for Pilgrims going through. I think you have a typo in the km from Bruma - Santiago, or missed a stage. It's more like 24 from Bruma to Sigueiro, then another 17 to Santiago.

For the OP - you should be clear of snow on that route. If they get snow in that area it's an anomaly. I recall seeing photos on social media from February of one day where they had a dusting of snow around Ordes, but it seemed to be a rarity, hence the photos on Facebook.

Buen Camino!!

Take your skis with you !

 

[Sheena]

1. Not sure if our itinerary for the CI next year would be of use to you, our daily distances might be too short, but here it is -
   
   Day 1. Ireland - Ferrol - Gran Hotel de Ferrol.
   Day 2. Ferrol - Neda - Pazo da Merced. 17Kms.
   Day 3. Neda - Pontedeume- Hotel Eumesa. 13Kms.
   Day 4. Pontedeume - Minho - Hotel Crisol de las Rias. 10Kms.
   Day 5. Minho - Betanzos - Hotel Palacete. 15Kms.
   Day 6. Betanzos - Abergondo - Hotel Casa das Veigas. 15Kms.
   Day 7. Abergondo - Meson do Vento. Meson do Novo. 16kms.
   Day 8. Meson do Vento - Ordes - Casa Rural Anton Veiras. 14Kms.
   Day 9. Ordes - Sigueiro - Hotel San Vincent. 20Kms.
   Day 10. Sigueiro - Santiago de C - Hotel Compostela. 18Kms.
   Day 11. Free day in Santiago.
   Day 12. Fly home.
   
   (Distances approximate - they seem to vary quite a bit depending where you look).
   
   Good luck with your plan and buen Camino!
   
   Sheena
   

 

[sandykayak]

What a thrill to "see" Susan Jagannath here. After viewing The Way in 2013 and reading about 25 Camino books, I came to the conclusion that it would be an armchair hike for me.

I came across your book a few weeks ago and all sorts of lightbulbs started flashing. Still in my cart but will be ordering shortly.

The official publication date is October 20, 2016. As if today (Nov 5, 2016), there are 53 reviews. 89% give 5 stars and 11% give 4 for 100%!! Well done.

Apparently, it starts in La Coruña, which is too short to meet the 100 km minimum to obtain a Compostela. Does this mean that starting info from Ferrol is not included?

Lastly, any recommendations to do the Camino Inglés "in six days or MORE?" Even 20K sounds like a lot to me now.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We took 9 walking days
1 Ferrol to Neda/Narón
2 Narón to Pontedeume or Cabañas
3 Cabañas/Pontedeume to Miño
4 Miño to Betanzos (rest day)
5 Betanzos to Casa Julia -pick up to O meson Novo
6 Return to Casa Julia to walk to O Meson Novo (or to Bruma) We left most of our stuff in our room so walked light.
7 O Meson Novo to Ordes (You can get a taxi from Calle de Poulo and return next morning but if so be careful to try to get stamps at bar in the afternoon as it is closed early morning and also hotel)
8 Ordes to Sigueiro
9 Sigueiro to Santiago.
This keeps the daily kms down and you can use a mix of albergues and private rooms. It does qualify for a Compostella. See @JohnnieWalker 's latest CSJ guide for diirections, distances and accommodation details, or check on Gronze for more updates on the last early next year.
Buen Camino

 

[Camino with Kids]

We did the camino Ingles this past August with three of our kids and walked it over 7 days with only two 20+ days. The walking was easy for the most part - a little tough on the hill out of Pontedueme and the hill after Casa Bar Julia, but the rest was easy.
We were glad we had short days though as a heat wave came through (35 to 39C) and we weren't use to the heat and humidity.
Sounds like you have the same knee as me - I wore a knee brace for prevention and had no problem - in fact my knee never felt so good. I did use a walking stick which was very helpful going downhill. And my pack was fairly light - maybe 15 pounds - no sleeping bag as we pre booked places that had linens but we had to carry other supplies as we went on a holiday after the camino.

HTH
Susan

 

[La Rubia]

Like everyone here has said, it's easy to plan for 20km days. My husband didn't walk, so we'd just agree on where I'd stop for the day and he'd pick me up and drop me at the same place the next morning. You could do the same with taxi services. There are some steep hills, but nothing that wasn't un-doable, as long as I took them slowly and with hiking poles (I am a member of the Bad Knees club myself). Buen Camino!

 

[Former member 22438]

Talking about our stay in Ordes. Ordes is a little detour from the waymarked path but there are some hotels .we booked hotel Nogallas in the center.
Close by is a church where I went for a stamp but the priest in charge refused because Ordes is not on the camino path.
The hotel reception stamped our credentials after all !

 

[Camino with Kids]

Btw we found the Johnnie Walker guide excellent!

 

[sandykayak]

Many thanks tiavaleria and Sheena et al

I already have Brierly's 2017, will get Susan's book soon. Leaving JWalker's guide until closer to departure.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola Sandykayak - I think the answer to your question is in Tiavaleria's post. I can understand your need to prepare well - all these guidebooks! To reassure you I can tell you I've walked this route 10 times now and it is very straightforward and very well waymarked. The number of pilgrims is increasing every year. The infrastructure is growing and there is more accommodation now than ever before.
As you've already read, there are different ways of cutting the stages - some involve using taxis or going slightly off route for accommodation. If you need any help planning just ask here or email me.

Buen camino

John

 

[Jim Kavanagh]

Sheena.
The daily distances in your post look very attractive (to this 70-year old) and so do the hotels etc to judge by the names.
I take it you have studies all this so all the accommodation is available in, say, April/May and there is someplace to eat in each location.
I am sorely tempted to try that Camino next year.
Jim.

 

[Sheena]

Sheena.
The daily distances in your post look very attractive (to this 70-year old) and so do the hotels etc to judge by the names.
I take it you have studies all this so all the accommodation is available in, say, April/May and there is someplace to eat in each location.
I am sorely tempted to try that Camino next year.
Jim.

Hi Jim.
Many of our group are over seventy now, that's why we put together this itinerary. Did you see the update, we are now staying in the Meson do Novo instead of having to take transport to and from Ordes. It took a little while to get it right but really looking forward to getting walking again! As to availability of accomodation in April and May, I would suggest some trial bookings. All the places we have chosen seem to have a choice of eateries either in-house or very close by.
Wishing you well with your planning.
Sheena

 

[daesdaemar]

I have done the Camino Ingles twice - both in five days. I did not find the distances too long but there are some steep areas as mentioned in the preceding posts. Having said that, the Ingles can be walked in a longer time frame than five days to keep the distances shorter as some have suggested, again, in the preceding posts.

One of my pet peeves about the Ingles is that the stated distances seem to vary considerably. The CSJ guide states it is "approximately 118 kms." The first post in this thread states it is "over 144 kms." For the latter figure, the author states that these distances were determined by their Fitbits. I am a long distance runner (triathlete actually) and have read several reports that Fitbits are notorious for overestimating distances.

I wish I had measured the distances myself since I own several high quality GPS devices. However, I did not. I would be very interested in knowing if anyone has done the "standard" CI (as per the CSJ Guide) with a quality GPS and what those distances (and stages) measured.

 

[Jim Kavanagh]

Thanks Sheena.
You have done the research for me.
I would have sent a PM but I don't know how.
Will look for the update.
Buen Camino.
Jim

 

[Sheena]

Thanks Sheena.
You have done the research for me.
I would have sent a PM but I don't know how.
Will look for the update.
Buen Camino.
Jim

You're very welcome Jim.
I've had so much help and encouragement from many folk on here, it's so nice to be able to do something in return.
May be our paths will cross next year?
Sheena

 

[sandykayak]

Ok. I'll 'fess up. I'm 70, with arthritis, creaky knees and an artificial hip! Sheena's itinerary seems definitely doable.

A triathlete who finds it easy in 5 days would have a hard time understanding the slowpokes.

And... JWalker, the thirst to read "so many guidebooks" is, apart from the fact that I enjoy reading, that every one has a different slant. As a friend once said, "Everything's easy when you know how." (I got the Carrying Grace memoir this week and had finished it by early the next morning.)

It's still all finisterre (lower case as in "the end of the world") to me. Plus I have to translate kms into miles to have an idea of what a 20 km day might be. And then look up the terrain,
which will make a huge difference.

A frequent comment I read is, "I would have loved to stop and visit the museum/town/church but I had to keep walking. I'm one of those who like to stop and smell the roses and chat with people (I'm fluent in Spanish and have basic French and Italian).

As they say: HYOH (hike your own hike) or "that's why they make chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla!"

 

[Tia Valeria]

As a quick guide 20kms is about 12+ UK miles. Divide kms by 5 and multiply by 3 gives approx value for shorter distances rather than the divide by 8 and multiply by 5 which is more accurate.
We prefer to walk slow, stop and look at places/churches/the view talk to locals etc. The advantage of pre-booking, whether before travelling or a day ahead means that provided the hostal knows your expected time of arrival you are able to walk at your own comfortable speed and view everything you want as you go along.
Our first time on the Ingles we simply took all of @JohnnieWalker 's suggested stage stops and stayed at them all. Five days was never in our thinking.
Buen (slow)Camino

 

[Camino Bear]

My husband and I walked the Ingles last August over eight days and took the route listed below EXCEPT we added an extra day by going from Betanzos to Presedo (we loved that day too because there's now a wonderful restaurant that's family owned near the Presedo alburgue where we ate lunch and dinner). There are also some private accommodations that will allow you to split up the last two legs listed below. There were a few pilgrims that did that.

Buen Camino!

We did the Inglès with all distances within 20 kms a day. No problem

Ferrol to Neda. Short distance first day. Albergue
Neda to Pontedeume is 14 kms albergue
Pontedeume to Miño 15 kms. Albergue
Miño to Betanzos 15 kms albergue
Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma 18 km albergue. Btw we used the pickup service from bar Julia to Hostal Meson do Vento in Meson Novo
From Meson do Vento to Ordes 17 kms. Ordes is a small detour of 2 kms where is a comfortable hotel. From there within 3 kms you are back on the waymarked camino path.
Ordes to Sigueiro 18 kms. Hostal or other privat rooms
Sigueiro to Santiago 20 kms

Just search on this forum to posts of @Tia Valeria
She even did it in more the 7 days and everywhere found places to stay

Buen camino

 

[Jakke]

Hi GreatDane,

We walked the Camino Ingles in 6 days in late April. We had only one day of rain, rest of the days were beautiful. You may not be able to do 20 km days on the Ingles due to the limited availability of accomodation. For example, if you don't stop at Neda, you have to do over 30kms to Pontedeume, with a steady climb out of Neda to the top of the headland. It's good to get into Pontedeume early in the afternoon so that you can stop by the beach, and then enjoy Pontedeume, good bars and cafes! And the suggested last stage from Bruma to Santiago is well over 40 km, with lots of ascents and descents - so we stopped at Sigueiro.

We found all the distances to be incorrect, so I wrote a book just for the Camino Ingles. You can find it on Amazon, search by The Camino Ingles: 6 days to Santiago. "The Northern Caminos" and other literature was not very accurate as far as the Ingles goes. I think the route has been adjusted a bit and all the stages are longer than stated.

There are two steep climbs, out of Pontedeume, and then from Bar Julia to Vizono, but be aware that there is uphill and downhill all the way everyday, except the first stage to Neda. The actual distance according to our fitbits was over 144 kms. You can take a cab to cut out the steeper bits, and lose about 12 kms BUT then you won't get the required 100kms nonstop for the Compostela. You can also get your backpack ported on those days to make it easier on your knees if you like.

Take raingear and sunhats, the stages between Cos and Presedo, before Siguero, and on the last day into the industrial parts of santiago, can be hot and unshaded. Boots are good too as there are plenty of muddy and wet paths as well.

If you are prepared, the Ingles is beautiful, quiet and uncrowded. We loved it! The seafood along the way is outstanding as well!
Buen Camino!

Susan Jagannath

Susan, I quoted this message in the Finnish Camino group on Facebook. Just so you know. Thanks -- good information.