Pilgrim Paths are routes used to make meaningful journeys to places of spiritual significance. 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. But the Camino de Santiago is not a single route but a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and finishing at the tomb of St. James.
The Camino Francés route, known as The French Way in the English language, is the most popular route for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago to walk. In full, it is a 780km trail that starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port and finishes in the city of Santiago de Compostela. The most popular starting point of the Camino Francés is the town of Sarria, around 100km from Santiago de Compostela. Starting there still allows pilgrims to receive their official Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Certificate. Shorter Camino walks are also perfect for those who have limited time for holidays or prefer the Camino experience over the challenge of a long hike.
There is a strong history of pilgrims paths in Ireland with many medieval routes to significant Christian sites such as St. Kevin’s Way to Glendalough, the Kerry Camino to St. James’s Church in Dingle, Tochar Phadraig (or St Patrick’s Way) to Croagh Patrick, The Saint’s Way (or Crosan na Noamh) on the Dingle Peninsula to the foot of Mount Brandon (named after the famous St. Brendan the Navigator), St. Finbarr’s Way to Gougane Barra in Co. Cork, Slí Cholmcille in Co. Donegal and the Mám Éan Pilgrim Trail located in Connemara and part of our West of Ireland tours. Many of these routes are also part of the Camino network and listed as official pilgrim routes by the Camino Society Ireland.
Legend has it that when St. Cuthbert’s coffin was opened 11 years after his death he was declared a saint because his remains were found to be perfectly preserved. This trail links the first records of St. Cuthbert at Scotland’s finest ruined abbey in Melrose where he began his religious life to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne where he ended his days as bishop. St. Cuthbert was a native of the Scottish borders and a key player in the growth of Christianity in the region. Like St. Patrick, St. Cuthbert’s life changed when he had a visitation or saw a miraculous light while herding sheep one night. Thereafter he presented himself to the monks at Melrose to follow a religious life. Despite living a large part of his life as a hermit on Inner Farne he was persuaded by the church and the king to return to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and become Bishop. The St. Cuthbert’s Way is recognised as a National Trail in Scotland and is a fitting tribute to the 7th-century saint and native of the Borders who spent his life in the service of the church.
This trail is unique in that it is starts in Scotland and ends in Northumberland, England. There is plenty of time for reflection along the route as you encounter the ruined abbeys of Dryburgh and Melrose. The peaks of Eildon Hill and the Cheviots offer wondrous views of the Borders region but the highlight is at the end of the trail when you are rewarded with an opportunity to walk along the tidal causeway (Beal Sands) used by pilgrims for over 1,500 years to access the island. It is a truly original experience. The last evening of your St. Cuthbert’s Way tour is spent on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne so you will get to experience the magical calm that made it a centre of religion and reflection. Click on this link for more info about St. Cuthbert’s Way.
