Ferrol to Neda
The start of the Camino Inglés: flat, urban at first, and along the estuary for most of the way.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Ferrol
- Neda
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 Ferrol to Neda is 15.4 km along the English Way. It's stage 1, with 90 m of ascent and 80 m of descent, completed in about 3h 45m. Difficulty: Easy.
A gentle start to find your rhythm
The Camino Inglés starts at the Curuxeiras docks in Ferrol, next to the old town and its famous Barrio da Magdalena, laid out in a neoclassical grid. From there, the route hugs the estuary for most of the way: it crosses Narón through the A Gándara area and follows the Avenida do Mar to Neda, with the Monastery of San Martiño de Xubia and its Romanesque apses as a standout stop along the way.
It's a short, nearly flat stage, ideal for breaking in your backpack and boots without pushing too hard on day one. The first part is urban; the second half gets quieter as you move away from Ferrol and Narón.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Nearly flat, with a small rise or two crossing the built-up areas of Ferrol and Narón.
Scenery
The Ría de Ferrol and the Xubia river accompany much of the walk, with open views over the water.
Path type
City streets and pavements at first, then estuary-side promenades, almost all paved.
Towns
Ferrol, Narón (A Gándara) and Neda, with the Monastery of San Martiño de Xubia as a midway stop.
Water points
Bars and fountains in Ferrol and Narón; Neda has full services for pilgrims.
Shade
Scarce on the urban stretches; a bit more tree cover as you approach Neda.
Traffic
Moderate through Ferrol and Narón, with several street crossings. Take care.
Key tip
Get your credential stamped as soon as you arrive in Ferrol: it's the first official stamp of the Camino Inglés.
Accommodation in Neda for pilgrims
Neda has simple, sufficient options for the end of this first stage.
Pilgrim hostel
The cheapest option, with the most pilgrim atmosphere for your first night on the Camino.
Guesthouse in Neda
A private room to rest well before the second stage towards Pontedeume.
Refuel in Neda
The Ría de Ferrol area is good seafood and octopus country, and Neda is no exception.
Stop in Narón
Bars and cafés with a set menu around the midpoint of the stage, in the A Gándara area.
Seafood from the estuary
Neda and the whole Ría de Ferrol have a strong seafaring tradition: mussels, octopus and fresh fish.
Historic stops on this stage
Curuxeiras docks
The starting point of the Camino Inglés, next to Ferrol's old town.
Barrio da Magdalena
Ferrol's neoclassical historic centre, a listed Historic-Artistic Site.
Monastery of San Martiño de Xubia
A former monastery with three Romanesque apses, one of the prettiest stops on the stage, close to Neda.
None of these stops need booking ahead: you visit them freely as you walk.
Getting there and back
Getting to Ferrol: it has a train station (Renfe) connected to A Coruña in just over half an hour, plus regional buses. The nearest airport is A Coruña (Alvedro), about 45 minutes away.
If you need to head back from Neda: regular buses run back to Ferrol and on towards Pontedeume and Betanzos, along the same road that follows the Camino.
Worth knowing before you set off
Get stamped in Ferrol
It's the first official stamp of the Camino Inglés; ask for it as soon as you arrive, before setting off.
Use it to fine-tune your backpack
Since it's a short, flat stage, it's the best moment to check everything sits right.
Watch out for city traffic
Ferrol and Narón have stretches with street crossings; stay alert through the more urban sections.
Try the seafood from the estuary
Neda is a great spot for your first proper Galician meal on the Camino.
Don't ruin day one
Setting off without getting stamped
It's easy to forget in the rush of starting out; do it first thing, in Ferrol.
Getting overconfident because it's an easy stage
Day one can still give you blisters if your footwear isn't properly broken in.
Rushing past the Monastery of Xubia
In the hurry to reach Neda, many pilgrims miss one of the prettiest stops on the stage.
Carrying your backpack without testing it first
Day one of the Camino isn't the best time to find out it's too heavy.
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 Ferrol to Neda?
Is this stage difficult?
Where do I get my credential stamped in Ferrol?
Are there albergues in Neda?
Is it worth stopping at the Monastery of Xubia?
Can this stage be done by bike?
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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