English Way by bike
The short route par excellence: from Ferrol to Santiago in around 120 km, comfortable and very cyclable. Perfect when you have only a few days, with one important caveat for the cycling pilgrim that we explain below.
Route: Ferrol (A Coruña) → Santiago de Compostela
About this route
The English Way owes its name to the pilgrims who arrived by sea from the British Isles, Scandinavia and Flanders, landing in Ferrol or A Coruña. It runs entirely through Galicia and is one of the shortest routes: around 120 km from Ferrol (or around 74 km from A Coruña). It is comfortable, well signposted and very cyclable, ideal for anyone with only a few days.
Watch out for the Compostela by bike
There is a key caveat: to obtain the Compostela by bike you need at least 200 km, and the English Way from Ferrol comes to only around 120. So, by bike it does not entitle you to the certificate, although on foot it does (from Ferrol it exceeds the 100 km required of walkers).
If your goal is the Compostela on two wheels, this is not the right Camino; in that case the Portuguese Way from Porto or the French Way from León is better. The English Way by bike is enjoyed for the experience, not for the certificate.
Which bike to use
It is one of the simplest Caminos in terms of surface: between 85 and 90% runs on tarmac, mostly small roads between villages. Almost any bike will do: gravel, hybrid, MTB or e-bike. It presents no cyclability problems.
How many days and difficulty
Because of its short distance it is done in 2 or 3 days by bike. It is not as flat as the Portuguese Way —it has some climbs towards the Galician interior— but its gradients are moderate and manageable. The two variants, from Ferrol and from A Coruña, meet in Bruma before reaching Santiago.
Best time to go
From spring to autumn is ideal, with the Galician Atlantic climate as a factor to keep in mind: it can rain at any time of year, so it is best to carry light waterproof clothing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the English Way?
Around 120 km from Ferrol and around 74 km from A Coruña, its two usual starting points. It runs entirely through Galicia.
Does it count for earning the Compostela by bike?
No. By bike you need 200 km and the English Way from Ferrol comes to only around 120. On foot it does entitle you to the Compostela, but not by bike.
How many days does it take by bike?
Because of its short distance, 2 or 3 days are enough.
Which bike is best?
Almost any: 85–90% is tarmac on small roads. Gravel, hybrid, MTB or e-bike all work well.
Is it hard?
It is of moderate difficulty. Not as flat as the Portuguese Way, but with gradients manageable for normal fitness.
Why is it called the English Way?
Because it was the route of the pilgrims who arrived by sea from the British Isles, Scandinavia and Flanders, landing in Ferrol or A Coruña.