Need current information on the Camino Ingles

sophiehebrides · Apr 11, 2016

I'm struggling to think about much other than my walk today, which begins in a couple of days, and I'm wondering if anyone has up-to-date information on Albergues - which are open on route, which were full(?) and what to do if I turn up and no beds are available (is it easy enough to book private accommodation if that happens?).

Also any recommendations for delicious food

(and wine)...

I know Catholic Deacon has just returned, and I think you said some Albergues were full?! If you could let me know which ones that would be much appreciated.

Finally, I've been reading about bugs on other forum threads.. what is the Ingles like for bedbugs, should I be spraying? I'm pretty used to midges and cleggs but not sure I'm down with bitey bedbugs!

Oops one more thing - If I begin in Ferrol at midday-ish will that give me enough time to get to Pontedueme i.e. is the walking hard on that section? or should I think about stopping sooner, although Neda seems a little too close and will leave a long day the next to get to Betanzos. Are there alternative accommodations on the stretch between Neda and Pontedueme?

Thanks

Sophie

Al the optimist · Apr 11, 2016

I assume you have Johnnie Walker's guide. I cannot comment on the albergues being full or not. Did Catholic Deacon walk at Easter? If so then there would obviously be more walking then than now. Sorry but it's Neda or Pontedueme. The hill up from Fene and then down to Pontedueme is a little tiring at the end of a days walk. But what of stopping at Neda and going to Mino the next day? (26k)
Buen Camino

madrid12 · Apr 11, 2016

The albergues are this route are nearly always open, I have walked it lots of times, the last time at the beginning of March. But I usually stay in hostels then I do not need to carry a sleeping bag. I have never found it a problem getting accommodation. Easter is generally busy.
Al is right about the first day, it's a long way to Pontedueme if you do not start until midday.
Enjoy your camino.

Tia Valeria · Apr 11, 2016

@JohnnieWalker 's guide is downloadable through the forum (for a donation) and also Gronze gives some information re distances and accommodation, some of which is new since the last guide was published.
IMO Ferrol to Pontedeume is too far for a first day even if starting in the morning and will be a late arrival if starting at mid-day. That means you could arrive when the albergue had filled up. However it is either stay at Neda or walk through, unless there is room at Fene in the pension.
Buen Camino

Harington · Apr 11, 2016

sophiehebrides said:
I'm struggling to think about much other than my walk today, which begins in a couple of days, and I'm wondering if anyone has up-to-date information on Albergues - which are open on route, which were full(?) and what to do if I turn up and no beds are available (is it easy enough to book private accommodation if that happens?).

Also any recommendations for delicious food (and wine)...

I know Catholic Deacon has just returned, and I think you said some Albergues were full?! If you could let me know which ones that would be much appreciated.

Finally, I've been reading about bugs on other forum threads.. what is the Ingles like for bedbugs, should I be spraying? I'm pretty used to midges and cleggs but not sure I'm down with bitey bedbugs!

Oops one more thing - If I begin in Ferrol at midday-ish will that give me enough time to get to Pontedueme i.e. is the walking hard on that section? or should I think about stopping sooner, although Neda seems a little too close and will leave a long day the next to get to Betanzos. Are there alternative accommodations on the stretch between Neda and Pontedueme?

Thanks
Sophie

I walked the Inglés mid-September last year. It was obviously a poplar time: the Pontedeume albergue was full (I went to Bar Luis - a little room and shower for €15). Betanzos was two-thirds full. Bruma was full and filled early in the afternoon because those walking from A Coruña join the route just before there. There were no bedbugs anywhere that I encountered, even though it was end of season. The Inglés is filling as an alternative to walking from Sarria. It is beautiful, though.

mylifeonvacation · Apr 11, 2016

There's a whole thread about all the wonderful food on the Ingles: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/dining-the-camino-inglés.38851/#post-386827

As for wine, Galicia is known particularly for it's white wine Albariño. It goes particularly well with the seafood dishes served. And the price/quality ratio on Galician wine is tremendous. You'll do just fine asking for "un vino blanco", or, if you prefer red, "un vino tinto". Enjoy! Buen Provecho and Buen Camino!!

Catholic Deacon · Apr 12, 2016

sophiehebrides said:
I know Catholic Deacon has just returned, and I think you said some Albergues were full?! If you could let me know which ones that would be much appreciated.

Hi Sophie! @Altheoptimist is quite correct we did walk over Easter and this is probably the reason why the Albergues were full. We arrived in Santiago on Easter Monday and it was quite noticeable how quiet it was as all the (mainly Spanish) pilgrims who had been dashing to get there for the Sunday seem to have already gone back!

Although this year is the Jubilee of Mercy, with the cathedrals Holy Door open and numbers of pilgrims have, we were told, increased, I would say you will not have a problem finding somewhere to sleep

Catholic Deacon · Apr 12, 2016

mylifeonvacation said:
As for wine, Galicia is known particularly for it's white wine Albariño.

Yes my favourite! When we lived in the UK it was very difficult to find, now living in Spain I am spoilt for choice - as sadly we are probably leaving in Summer, I am beginning to stockpile! If you want a delicious red try Rectoral de Amandi from the Ribeira Sacra region. For food obviously you must have Pulpo a Feira!

And if you are staying at the Mino albergue check out the wonderful Cafe/Bar/Restaurant Barbazul with Oreo milkshakes and Nutella toast with M&Ms!!!

miguel_gp · Apr 12, 2016

Catholic Deacon said:
Yes my favourite! When we lived in the UK it was very difficult to find, now living in Spain I am spoilt for choice - as sadly we are probably leaving in Summer, I am beginning to stockpile! If you want a delicious red try Rectoral de Amandi from the Ribeira Sacra region.

Alborino is now sold by Tesco and Sainsbury in their "finest" ranges at about £8 a bottle and my friend picked up a cheap one in Lidl the other day for about a fiver.
I second the red wine you mention as well. I always look out for it in restaurant or supermarket when in Spain.
This post is not going to help you find a bed Sophie but at least you will drink well

Buen Camino.

miguel_gp · Apr 14, 2016

Hi Sophie. It would good to hear your progress if you get the time or an update when you get back.

Hope all is going well

sophiehebrides · Apr 23, 2016

Hi Mig et al.

I didn't update on progress on route as I gave myself a media blackout for the duration of my trip, which was possibly as tough as some of the hills I'm so used to being online all the time!

Rather than write in this thread I'll open a new one titled 'lessons from my primero Camino Ingles' or something similar... I'm still processing the walk so I'll get on it later today.

Warmly
Sophie