FATHER MARTÍN SARMIENTO ON THE ENGLISH WAY

We are currently in the parish of Poulo. The royal road of Santiago de Compostela used to pass through here towards A Coruña. Poulo was the town hall before being added to the administration in Ordes. It is a place that is cited in other itineraries, such as the Cósimo de Médici, that refers to it as “Poblo”.

Martín Sarmiento was a learned monk that, in 1745, undertook a journey by foot throughout his homeland and from whom we have many interesting notes about the Galicia of that time. He left from Santiago the 6th of August heading towards Ferrol. In his notes, he tells us of the places he passed through which are now on the English Way, places through which we have already passed or will pass through.

Any pilgrim that is going towards Compostela will have to pass by A Ponte Pereira, A Santiña and Sigüeiro, places that Martín Sarmiento cites in his route. Now we are in Poulo, where Sarmiento arrived at midday. From here he continued towards Buscás and Cabeza de Lobo, which he says it at a one league’s distance from Poulo, a “horrendous” league; later he would go up the side of Rabo da Égoa towards Hospital de “Gruma” (Bruma) and As Travesas, which lie at two leagues from Poulo. One league further is “Zarandones” (Sarandóns), where he spent the night. The following day he continued towards Betanzos. That stretch of road doesn’t correspond to the current road.