Take a breath and take a step on a pilgrim hike which brings you closer to your spiritual side with these specially selected trails in Spain and Ireland for you to explore.
The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is the most famous pilgrim path in the world. The remains, or relics, of St James, were transported by his followers to Spain and are said to be buried in Santiago de Compostela. Far from being a single trail it is a large network of ancient routes stretching across Europe and finishing at the tomb of St. James. Trace St. James’ pilgrimage on the most famous trail, the Camino Frances, which culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain where you can celebrate your journey with other fellow pilgrims from across the globe.
Ireland too is famous for its pilgrim paths. On St Kevin’s Way you can follow the path of the saint that founded a medieval monastic settlement at the still and peaceful Glendalough. In Kerry you can relive the route taken by St Brendan the Navigator between Tralee and Dingle or visit the 5th century Christian site of Mám Éan in Connemara and the West of Ireland where St Patrick is said to have rested on his own pilgrim journey.
These carefully chosen hiking trails are perfect for those seeking to combine a spiritual adventure with great hiking.
St Cuthbert’s Way is a spiritually enriching 100km (62-mile) National Trail through the tranquil borderlands of Scotland and England, named after the 7th-century English saint. Starting at Melrose Abbey, where St. Cuthbert began his monastic life, the path winds through rolling farmland, ancient woodlands and moorlands, offering moments of reflection and connection to the sacred. Historic sites like Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, Iron Age hillforts and the Roman Dere Street adds layers of spiritual and historical depth. Crossing the Cheviot Hills, the trail brings a sense of solitude and contemplation. The journey culminates in a dramatic walk across the tidal sands to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), St Cuthbert’s final resting place and a revered Christian site. St Cuthbert’s Way is the ideal hiking trail for those seeking peace and spiritual renewal in the beauty of nature.
Experience an unforgettable journey on the Camino Frances, a world famous pilgrimage trail along the Camino de Santiago. This hike is ideal for all ages and abilities offering a perfect balance of challenge, companionship and achievement. The Camino Frances covers the final 160 km of the official Camino de Santiago pilgrim route leading to the sacred shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Our excellent route notes will take you through to your final destination highlighting interesting sites and recommended stops along the way. Gain the official Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Certificate by completing the last 100km of the Camino. Whether you seek to explore the captivating Spanish countryside or deepen your spiritual horizons, the world renowned Camino Frances provides an unparalleled pilgrimage experience with its renowned camaraderie. You are bound to make new friends along the way.
Follow the path of Saint Brendan the Navigator along the Kerry Camino, the monk who supposedly sailed to America in the 6th century with his Irish apostles in a masted boat made of wattle and cow hide! This pilgrim path is recognized by the Camino Society Ireland and starts at St. John’s Church in Tralee. It passes through coastal mountains near Brandon Bay heads south to Inch beach then turns towards its final destination at St. James’ Church in Dingle. Along the way you can collect your Camino stamps. The trail covers 57km of picturesque hiking before ending in the legendary town of Dingle, the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Whether you are a pilgrim or adventurer this tour will take you deeper into Ireland’s storied and religious past. The Kerry Camino provides a truly unique and enriching pilgrim’s holiday.
St Kevin’s Way & Glendalough is a renowned pilgrimage in Ireland, deeply rooted in the history of the 6th century saint, Saint Kevin. Beginning at Ballinagee Bridge, our tours guide you through the Wicklow Uplands, including the Wicklow Gap, past hidden church ruins and along the valley of Glandasan. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the Glendalough Valley with its ancient monastery and the scenic Avonmore Way. St Kevin’s life as a hermit by the lough attracted followers which eventually led to the development of the monastery. It remains one of the most important monastic ruins in Ireland. This is an ideal hike for those eager to explore their spiritual side, married with the glorious views of Wicklow, and the fascinating Christian sites in the region.
Our Connemara & West of Ireland walking tours offer one of the best and little known pilgrimage hikes, ideal for those seeking a spiritual journey and a spectacular hike. The trail leads you through the stunning wilderness of Connemara in Galway and ends in Mayo. Along the way, discover the ancient site of devotion to St Patrick at Mám Éan with its unique statue and church overlooking the valley below. This is the supposed resting place of Saint Patrick as he toured Connaught. From this spot he blessed Connemara before heading north. See the rocky cleft he slept on next to its holy well. This ancient mountain pass and holy place has attracted pilgrims since the early Christian period and continues to grow in significance to this day. A truly beautiful hike along the Connemara & West of Ireland trail.
Match the type of hiking adventure you are looking for by reading through our ‘Best For’ guides below.
Hillwalk Tours has over a decade of experience in organising self-guided hiking holidays. We take pride in specialising & crafting unique and unforgettable hiking tours across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Spain and Portugal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, we have a huge range of tours to match all fitness levels and interests, ensuring a walking holiday with Hillwalk Tours will be an experience of a lifetime.
Furthermore, our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to “create experiences that make people happy”, and we strive towards fulfilling this purpose in everything we do. The following are just some examples of what you can expect with Hillwalk Tours as standard:
