Hi Stephen!
Your first Camino is daunting but it really is easy to plan; plus you make the choices where you walk to and stay. Not some other person.
Whatever you choose it is your Camino not mine and if a company is what you really want; then ignore this info no probs!
A lot of people on here have used companies and have thoroughly enjoyed their experience!
Regarding weather checkout this website might give you some idea when to go; even pilgrim info is anecdotal!
Get a personal daily weather forecast for the
Camino de Santiago for the exact dates you're planning to go. Or browse to pick the best time of year.
caminoweather.com
The Ingles is the shortest Camino where you can qualify for a Compostela. (113km I think)
Start in Ferrol.
Depending on your health and fitness it can be walked from Ferrol to Santiago in 5 days or choose shorter stages and take 8 (average 14km or 8.5 miles)
This website Gronze (in Spanish but Google Chrome translates to English) is great and so easy to use; shows all accommodation near the path with websites, phone numbers and reviews also booking.com which is easy to use and has free cancellation up to a few days before you stay.
El Camino Inglés corresponde a la ruta de peregrinación utilizada en la Edad Media por devotos ingleses, irlandeses y de otros países del norte de Europa, que llegaban en barco al puerto de A Coruña y, en menor medida, a otros situados en las rías de Ferrol, Ares y Betanzos. Hoy, tras la...
www.gronze.com
Basically that's all your paying a company for; booking 5 to 8 nights of board and lodging.
If you want your main pack transported everyday you can use a service like this one
Correos transfers your rucksack, suitcase or luggage along the
Camino de Santiago stage by stage
www.elcaminoconcorreos.com
Flights from LGW direct to A Coruna (2hr 5 min flight) May average prices pp between £22 and £55 depending on time of the month.
Bus £6-9 train£9-14 or taxi to Ferrol! start fresh the next day!
Whatever you decide to have a wonderful walk
Good way
Woody