Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma
The Camino Inglés's toughest, most remote stage: forest, tiny villages and the highest point of the whole route.
Best season: Apr–Oct
Map
- Betanzos
- Hospital de Bruma
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma is 24.1 km along the English Way. It's stage 4, with 630 m of ascent and 270 m of descent, completed in about 6h 30m. Difficulty: Hard.
The Camino Inglés's queen stage
Traditionally considered the most demanding and remote stage of the entire Camino Inglés: right after leaving Betanzos, a steady climb leads up to A Malata, the highest point of the whole route, at about 454 metres. The path then crosses rural countryside and stretches of dense forest, with tiny villages and very few services along the way.
The only stop with anything to offer at the midpoint is Vilacoba; those who'd rather split the stage can do so at the Presedo municipal albergue. The destination, Hospital de Bruma, takes its name from a medieval pilgrim hospital, now home to a Xunta de Galicia albergue.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
The toughest stage of the Camino Inglés: a steady climb up to A Malata, the highest point of the whole route (~454 m).
Scenery
Galician rural countryside and stretches of dense, remote forest, among the prettiest and quietest of the route.
Path type
Rural and forest tracks, with tiny villages and very little paved road.
Towns
Vilacoba (the only stop with some services), Presedo (an option to split the stage) and Hospital de Bruma.
Water points
Scarce: leave Betanzos with enough water and food for the whole stage.
Shade
Good on the long forest stretches, which cover a good part of the stage.
Traffic
Very light: the quietest, least-travelled stage of the whole Camino Inglés.
Key tip
Leave Betanzos well stocked with water and food: it's the stretch with the fewest services on the whole route.
Accommodation in Hospital de Bruma for pilgrims
Hospital de Bruma has limited options, centred on the Xunta albergue; book ahead or arrive with margin in high season.
Pilgrim hostel (Xunta)
Located on the site of a former medieval pilgrim hospital, it's the main option for the night.
Split at Presedo
If you'd rather have a shorter stage, the Presedo municipal albergue lets you split the walk over two shorter days.
Supplies for a stage with few services
This is the stage with the least food options on the whole Camino Inglés: plan ahead.
Stock up in Betanzos
Buy enough water and food before leaving: it's the last town with a wide range of options until the end of the stage.
Stop in Vilacoba
The only intermediate stop with some services, useful for restocking at the midpoint.
Historic stops on this stage
A Malata
The highest point of the entire Camino Inglés, at about 454 metres, after the longest climb of the route.
Hospital de Bruma
Takes its name from a former medieval pilgrim hospital; today it houses a public Xunta de Galicia albergue.
This stage is about scenery and solitude more than monuments: enjoy it at your own pace.
Getting there and back
If you start here: Betanzos has good bus and train connections with A Coruña.
Getting back from Hospital de Bruma: being a very rural area, most pilgrims simply continue on foot towards Sigüeiro or Santiago; if you need to head back, plan your transport ahead of time.
Worth knowing before this stage
Buy supplies in Betanzos
It's the last town with a wide range of food and water before a long rural stretch.
Stop in Vilacoba if you need to
It's the only intermediate stop with some services on the whole stage.
Consider splitting the stage at Presedo
If you'd rather have a shorter day, a municipal albergue lets you split the walk over two days.
Enjoy the solitude of the forests
It's the quietest, least-travelled stage of the whole Camino Inglés: a good moment to walk in silence.
Don't underestimate the route's toughest stage
Leaving Betanzos without enough water or food
The worst possible mistake on this stage: services are very scarce until the end.
Underestimating the climb to A Malata
It's the highest point of the entire Camino Inglés; take it at a calm pace.
Not planning where to stop
If you decide to split the stage, decide in advance whether it will be at Vilacoba or Presedo.
Walking without enough daylight margin
Being such a rural, remote area, plan your timing carefully, especially outside summer.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma?
Is this the toughest stage of the Camino Inglés?
Are there services along the way?
Can the stage be split?
What is Hospital de Bruma?
Do I need to carry food?
Browse the stages
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Walking tour of the old town
Small-group walking tour of Santiago’s old town with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional Galician flambéed drink, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Fisterra, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in a full-day trip from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you will have earned a good breakfast. Bonsai Café is right in the city centre, with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.
Map
- Bonsai Café
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