What is a pilgrim walk?
A pilgrim walk is a long walk to or between sacred or historically significant places. Traditionally these journeys were acts of religious devotion. Today many walkers follow them for history, scenery, personal reflection or simply a structured long-distance walk. You do not need to be religious to walk most routes, though respect for the places and the people who hold them sacred is expected.
Compared with wilderness backpacking, pilgrimage routes tend to pass through villages, so you can often travel light, stay in lodging and eat along the way. They are a good bridge for people who want a multi-day walk without a full camping setup. Route details, distances and services change, so check an up-to-date source before you go.
Pilgrimage routes in Britain
The Pilgrims’ Way and the Old Way
Canterbury was among the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval England, thanks to the shrine of Thomas Becket. The Pilgrims’ Way is the traditional name for a route from Winchester to Canterbury, and the Old Way is a modern route from Southampton to Canterbury. Parts of the historic line have been replaced by roads, so use a current guidebook or map for the exact route.
St Cuthbert’s Way
A trail of roughly 62 miles linking Melrose in the Scottish Borders with Lindisfarne (Holy Island) in Northumberland. The final approach to Lindisfarne crosses a tidal causeway or sands route, so check tide times carefully.
Welsh routes
St Davids in Pembrokeshire has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, and several routes lead to it. The Lleyn Pilgrims Trail in north-west Wales, about 72 miles, heads towards Bardsey Island.
Other British and Irish routes
- Cornish Saints’ Way is a cross-Cornwall route linking the north and south coasts, roughly 27 miles.
- St Edmund Way runs through Suffolk and Essex and is about 79 miles.
- Walsingham routes lead to Walsingham in Norfolk, a major pilgrimage site for both Catholic and Anglican visitors.
- Saint Patrick’s Way is a route in Northern Ireland of around 82 miles.
Pilgrimage routes in Europe
Camino de Santiago (Spain)
The best-known pilgrimage route in Spain leads to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. There are many branches. The Camino Francés is the most popular, starting in the French Pyrenees, while the Portuguese, Northern and other routes offer alternatives. Walkers commonly collect a pilgrim credential (a “pilgrim passport”) stamped along the way and stay in pilgrim hostels known as albergues, alongside hotels and guesthouses. The final stages are often busy in summer, and many walkers choose spring or autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds.
Via Francigena
This old pilgrim way runs from Canterbury to Rome. It is quieter than the Camino and has less infrastructure in places, so more planning is needed. Many people walk only part of it, for example the Italian sections.
Saint Olav Ways (Norway)
These routes lead to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. They suit people who want a quieter route in scenic country, with lodging that is sparser than in Spain.
Other options
Routes such as the Way of St Francis in Italy, the Via Podiensis in France and various Camino variants offer different scenery and lengths. Choose by how many days you have and the level of services you want.
Planning a pilgrim walk
- Season. Spring and autumn are usually most comfortable for southern routes. Summer can be hot in Spain and Italy, and northern routes can be wet and muddy outside summer.
- Accommodation. Book ahead in busy periods. Albergues generally charge low rates but conditions are basic, so earplugs and a light sleeping bag liner are popular extras.
- Footwear. Daily distances add up quickly. Well-fitted, broken-in footwear and good socks do more to prevent blisters than almost any other choice.
- Pack weight. Keep your pack light, since you can resupply nearly every day. Heavy packs are a frequent cause of injuries on these routes.
- Fitness. Start with several weekend walks, then build up to consecutive days with a loaded pack.
Frequently asked questions
What is England’s most important pilgrimage destination?
Canterbury, with the shrine of Thomas Becket, is often cited as the most famous medieval destination. Walsingham and Durham also have strong pilgrimage histories.
What is the famous pilgrimage route in Spain?
The Camino de Santiago, ending at Santiago de Compostela.
What is the full route of the Old Way?
The Old Way is a modern route that follows a historic pilgrim route from Southampton to Canterbury. Confirm the stage-by-stage route with an up-to-date guide.
If you are choosing among regions for your next long walk, our guide to the best countries to backpack in can help.