Neda → Pontedeume
You leave the Ría de Ferrol behind with a single moderate climb, on the way to one of the prettiest towns on the route.
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A last look at the Ría de Ferrol
Right after leaving Neda, the Camino crosses the Belelle river on a footbridge and follows the Calle Real, the town's oldest arcaded street, past the churches of Santa María and San Nicolás. Then comes the only notable climb of the stage, on the way to Fene and the Vilar do Colo industrial estate, with the last views of the Ría de Ferrol before leaving it behind for good.
The reward comes in Pontedeume, one of the prettiest towns on the Camino Inglés: an arcaded old town, the Torre de los Andrade, and a medieval bridge over the Eume river that announces your arrival.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Flat leaving Neda, with a moderate climb of about 140 m towards Fene and a final descent into Pontedeume.
Scenery
Marshes along the Belelle river, the last views of the Ría de Ferrol, and finally the Eume river valley.
Path type
A footbridge over the Belelle, cobbled streets in Neda, tracks and a stretch of secondary road through Fene.
Towns
Neda, Fene (with the Vilar do Colo industrial estate) and Pontedeume.
Water points
Bars in Neda and Fene; Pontedeume has full services for pilgrims.
Shade
Scarce on the industrial stretch through Fene; a bit more tree cover approaching Pontedeume.
Traffic
A bit heavier than the previous stage through the industrial areas of Fene. Take care at crossings.
Key tip
Don't miss Neda's Calle Real or Pontedeume's medieval bridge: two of the prettiest sights on this short stage.
The gear that makes a difference
An honest pick for this stage: only what you'll actually use. These are affiliate links; it costs you nothing extra and helps us keep this guide going.
🥾 Trekking boots / shoes
The stage's only climb, towards Fene, feels lighter with footwear that's already broken in.
🧦 Blister-proof technical socks
It's still early on the Camino: take care of your feet from the start.
🦯 Trekking poles
Help on the climb towards Fene and on the final descent into Pontedeume.
🧥 Rain jacket
The marshland and estuary stretch can be damp even on days without rain.
🔋 Power bank
So you don't run out of battery with all the photos of Pontedeume's old town.
Accommodation in Pontedeume for pilgrims
Pontedeume has a good range of options for its size, thanks to being a very popular stop on the Camino Inglés. Approximate prices per night.
Pilgrim hostel
Good pilgrim atmosphere in one of the prettiest towns on the route.
Guesthouse in the old town
Sleep among medieval arcades, steps from the bridge over the Eume.
Refuel in Pontedeume
Pontedeume's arcaded old town has a good range of bars and traditional Galician restaurants.
Stop in Fene
Bars with a set menu in the Vilar do Colo area, around the midpoint of the stage.
Fish and seafood from the Eume
Pontedeume keeps a strong seafaring tradition thanks to its spot by the estuary.
Historic stops on this stage
Calle Real and Neda's churches
The town's oldest arcaded street, past the churches of Santa María (Baroque, 1721) and San Nicolás (Gothic).
Torre de los Andrade
A former stronghold of the area's most powerful medieval family, a landmark of the old town.
Medieval bridge over the Eume
The 14th-century stone bridge that gives the town its name and announces your arrival in Pontedeume.
None of these stops need booking ahead: you visit them freely as you walk.
Getting there and back
If you start here: regular buses run from Ferrol to Neda, along the same road that follows the Camino.
Getting back from Pontedeume: regular buses run towards A Coruña and Ferrol, quite frequent since it's a stop on the main road through the area.
🚆 Trains and buses
Compare train and bus schedules and fares across Galicia.
🎫 Train (Trainline)
Renfe tickets towards A Coruña, Santiago or the rest of Spain.
🚗 Car rental
If you want to explore independently before or after the Camino.
Sort these out before you leave
🛡️ Travel insurance
Medical and baggage cover designed for pilgrims and travellers.
📶 Data eSIM
Internet the moment you land, no card swap or roaming needed.
📱 eSIM (Holafly)
Unlimited data with Spanish-language support. Handy for short stays.
Worth knowing before this stage
Enjoy the last views of the estuary
Leaving Neda gives you the last panoramas of the Ría de Ferrol before the Camino turns inland.
Carry extra water for Fene
The industrial stretch has less shade and fewer refill points than the rest of the stage.
Set aside time for Pontedeume
It's one of the prettiest towns on the Camino Inglés: well worth a slow stroll through its old town.
Cross the medieval bridge without rushing
It's one of the town's landmarks and the best possible finish to a short stage.
Don't miss the best of this stage
Underestimating the Fene climb
It's an easy stage overall, but the climb towards Vilar do Colo shows if you're not hydrated.
Rushing past Pontedeume's old town
In the hurry to arrive, many pilgrims miss the arcades and the Torre de los Andrade.
Not stopping at Neda's churches
The Calle Real and its two churches are a great way to start the stage, right after leaving the albergue.
Forgetting to refill water before Fene
It's the stretch with the least shade and fewest bars of the whole stage.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Neda to Pontedeume?
Is this stage difficult?
What is there to see in Pontedeume?
Are there albergues in Pontedeume?
Is it worth stopping in Neda before setting off?
Can this stage be done by bike?
Quick comparison for pilgrims
| Product | What it's for | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical socks | Prevent blisters and keep feet dry | ★★★★★ | AmazonEnlace de afiliado · Amazon |
| Folding poles | Help with the climb towards Fene | ★★★★☆ | AmazonEnlace de afiliado · Amazon |
| Lightweight rain jacket | Marsh and estuary damp without extra weight | ★★★★★ | AmazonEnlace de afiliado · Amazon |
| 10,000 mAh power bank | Charge your phone on the go | ★★★★☆ | AmazonEnlace de afiliado · Amazon |
| Blister plasters | Treat and protect your feet on the move | ★★★★★ | Amazon |
Browse the stages
Things to do and day trips in Santiago de Compostela
Small-group walking tour of the old town
A small-group walk through Santiago's old quarter 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
Galicia's traditional flaming drink, explained and tasted in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in a single full day from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You've still got stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you'll have earned a proper breakfast. At Bonsai Café, right in the centre, we've got weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.