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CTC Pilgrimage Resource Pack 2025
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Churches Together in Cornwall
PILGRIMAGE RESOURCE PACK
Contents
INTRODUCTION Page 2
OUR HISTORY 2
PILGRIMAGE TODAY 3
PILGRIMAGE IN CORNWALL 4
WELCOMING PILGRIMS – Some practicalities 7
ORGANISING A PILGRIMAGE 8
Promoting and sharing
Location and background information
Preparation and research
Organising a group
FURTHER RESOURCES 10
FINALLY… 11
Let us proceed
in peace
In the name of
Christ, Amen
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INTRODUCTION
What is pilgrimage? Generally, it is defined as a walk, or
journey, to a place of spiritual or religious significance. Pilgrims
typically set out in faith, in groups or on their own, seeking
spiritual growth. They are hopeful of positive change and
fulfilment, both in the journey itself and at the destination.
Experiences along the way – meeting and enjoying the
company of fellow pilgrims, being welcomed by strangers and
visiting new places, countries or sites – are all essential
features.
Pilgrimages can, of course, be long or short, local or
international, and are common to all of the world’s faiths, not
only Christianity. You have probably heard about the Hajj – the
major Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Sikh pilgrimages to the
Golden Temple in Amritsar and the importance to Jews of
praying at the Western Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem, as all
that remains of the Second Temple.
As quoted by the British Pilgrimage Trust: Walking is for the
body, pilgrimage for the soul, but whether we walk, drive,
cycle, use a wheelchair, horse or coach, the travelling takes us
on a spiritual journey of growth and change. The experience
offers us gifts, opens us to possibilities and enriches us as we
begin a new pilgrimage through life.
OUR HISTORY
In Cornwall we are blessed with many ancient holy sites, even
dating back to the time of the Celtic saints (6-10th centuries).
These include holy wells, crosses and the remains of places of
worship. There are many historical works that detail the lives of
these saints, their journeys to Cornwall, often from Ireland of
Wales, and their onward missions to Brittany and beyond.
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PILGRIMAGE TODAY
• A rich resource on the history and significance of pilgrimage
can be found through The University of York – Pilgrims
and Pilgrimage
https://www.york.ac.uk/projects/pilgrimage/content/today.h
tml
• The British Pilgrimage Trust covers the whole of Britain.
This website provides comprehensive information about
routes, events and news: ‘We advance British Pilgrimage as
a form of cultural heritage that promotes holistic wellbeing,
for the benefit of all’.
https://www.britishpilgrimage.org
• A wide range of companies and organisations offer guided
(including self-guided) pilgrimages, in the UK, Ireland and
internationally.
Penhale
Monasterboice, County Louth
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PILGRIMAGE IN CORNWALL
Cornish Celtic Way
An excellent and up to date resource is A Cornish Celtic Way by
Nigel Marns (ISBN 9780956650931). The Third Edition is
described as both a guidebook and handbook. It is beautifully
illustrated with clear maps and with this book we are invited
to: ‘Discover a new 125 mile route through Cornwall, from St.
Germans to St. Michael’s Mount. Uncover the stories and
heritage of the Celtic saints, and follow in their footsteps
through the unparalleled beauty of the Cornish coastline and
countryside. With songs, poems, prose and prompts – be
inspired, question and explore your own spirituality through an
authentic outdoor journey and experience.’
As well as offering ‘a fresh introduction to Celtic spirituality’
pilgrims can purchase a ‘Passport’ which can be stamped to
record visits to churches and places of interest.
Also check out the website for opportunities to join a guided
group to walk sections of the route.
https://www.cornishcelticway.co.uk
The Saints’ Way – Forth an Syns
The ancient Saints’ Way crosses Cornwall for approximately 30
miles from Padstow on the north coast to the port of Fowey in
the south. A very practical pack of both route and information
cards guides and informs pilgrims along each section of these
very characterful paths.
‘…the Saint’s Way connects a number of religious sites,
including shrines, standing stones, holy wells, chapels and
churches.’ A Saints Way ‘Passport’ is available that can be
stamped in each of the churches along the way.
Further information can be found on the Cornwall Council
website:
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/countryside/cycle-
routes-and-trails/the-saints-trail/
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The Long Distance Walkers Association:
https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=
Saints%27+Way%2FForth+an+Syns
and others.
St Michael’s Way – Fordh Sen Mighal
Situated in the far west of Cornwall, St Michael’s Way crosses
from Lelant, on Penwith’s north coast, to Marazion and St
Michael’s Mount in the south. A distance of some 12.5 miles it
historically enabled travellers to choose a safer overland route
in preference to the dangerous waters around Lands End. St
Michael’s Way is recognised as an official section of the Camino
de Santiago for pilgrims hoping to gain their Compostela. The
St Michael’s Way website contains ample information about its
history, significance, activities and publications. A ‘Passport’ is
also available for this route and stamps available at churches
and places of interest along the path. Interestingly the
signposts are also marked with the scallop shell – the
traditional sign for pilgrims.
http://www.stmichaelsway.net/home/4590588218.html
Tregaminion Chapel of Ease located on
The Saints’ Way
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Bodmin Way Routes
Joining with both the Saints’ Way and the Cornish Celtic Way;
these routes include the churches of Lanivet, Nanstallon,
Lanhydrock, Cardinham, and St Petrocs in the town of Bodmin
itself. They are suitable for walkers, cyclists and for driving
which opens many possible opportunities. The website tells us:
o A 21-26 mile circuit of Bodmin that connects five locations
and churches, offering a trail for pilgrimage, history,
heritage, arts and health
o Varied and inclusive routes for walking, cycling, horse-
riding and driving
o The opportunity for you to bring people together, to do
part or all of the circuit
o Passports for stamping at each church
o Leaflets with maps and written directions at all five
churches plus Bodmin Town Information Centre at the
Shire Hall.
‘Whether…you are local or a tourist, you are alone or with
family and friends, you see a spiritual dimension to pilgrimage
or the health benefits only, you are interested in heritage or
enjoy the great outdoors, you are a walker cyclist, horse-rider,
driver or passenger … The Bodmin Way is for you!’
https://www.bodminway.org/about-the-routes
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2025 Jubilee Year
‘Pope Francis has declared that the year 2025 will be a Holy
Year of Jubilee for the Roman Catholic Church – an event that
takes place once every 25 years. The theme for the 2025
Jubilee is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, an invitation to showcase the
hope of our Christian faith to people right across the world at a
time when there is so much suffering.’
Local centres of pilgrimage have been designated:
• Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth
• St Cuthbert Mayne Church, Launceston
• National Shrine of St Boniface, Crediton
• Holy Trinity Church, Dorchester
A Pilgrims Passport has been produced and is available is
available
https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/jubilee-2025/
WELCOMING PILGRIMS – Some practicalities
• An open church – this is always the best welcome for
pilgrims as a place to rest, reflect and pray. Pilgrims in
general are interested and generous visitors who are
respectful and careful about closing doors, turning off
lights and appreciating a sacred space. If the church
closed then instructions about accessing a key would be
very helpful.
• Refreshment is always welcome – some water (in
bottles, from a tap or as a jug left ready). The opportunity
to be met with, or to be able to make, a hot drink, is an
added bonus
• ‘Passport’ stamps easily visible and accessible
• Visitors’ Book as a great way of recording visits and
visitors from far and wide
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ORGANISING A PILGRIMAGE
Promoting and sharing
Publicity and promotion of any event is always a challenge, and
I am sure that we have all had the experience of feedback from
people who lament that they never had any information at all,
despite our best efforts!
It is important to be clear about the nature of your pilgrimage
– its length, both in distance and likely time it will take, the
effort and level of fitness required, and any alternative means
of transport. This can be particularly relevant if the pilgrimage
aims to finish with a gathering at a holy place so that those
who are unable to walk can still join the celebration.
Please see below some hints and tips but also do let us know
what has worked for you. You will notice that Social Media is
mentioned more than once – this can be very effective in
reaching a much wider, and especially younger, group:
o Local publicity through –
o Parish and Community newsletters, magazines etc.
Don’t forget to share with other churches in your
area – this can be an opportunity to build ecumenical
links.
o Local newspaper, radio and Social Media
o Countywide –
o Please use the Cornwall Churches Together website
https://www.ctcinfohub.org and sign up for the CTC
Weekly News which will pop into your inbox
o Any Diocesan, District or Deanery communications
networks
o Social Media
o Nationally – Pilgrimages of many kinds have gained in
popularity over recent years, and Cornwall is a popular
place, so it is definitely worth sharing with these and other
national organisations. Also, national church networks are
also often happy to include and promote
o British Pilgrimage Trust
https://www.britishpilgrimage.org
o Pilgrim Ways https://www.pilgrimways.org.uk
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o Church of England
https://www.churchofengland.org/contact-us
o Roman Catholic Church – communications team
communications@cbcew.org.uk
o Methodist Church
https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/contact/
o Social Media
Location and background information - about points of
interest and significance
The books and resources mentioned above are excellent
sources of information. There are, of course, many more,
including local history and the precious memories of people in
your community.
Preparation and research
I wonder if we have all been caught out at times on a walk – by
impassable mud or flooding, unexpected livestock, or poor and
misleading signage? It can be very easy to take a wrong path
or turn, so walking the route beforehand is essential. There
might be changes like re-routed paths or even an unexpected
bull so a recent reconnaissance is vital. Guidance for dog
owners is also a must.
As much information as possible about the reason for the
pilgrimage, the significance of the destination, and points of
interest, as well as spiritual aims and practices, all help to
provide meaning and motivation, especially for those who may
be unfamiliar with the practice. Are you planning to have stops
(or stations) for readings and prayers? Does your pilgrimage
have a particular theme like Creation Care, or might you be
remembering a local saint and their significance? Pilgrimages
not only aim to nourish the soul but also provide fellowship,
while being great fun!
Organising a group
Having a confident and competent leader is very important,
also someone walking behind the group to encourage and
ensure no-one is left, lost or injured in any way.
The degree to which any Risk Assessments, First Aid expertise
or kits are required will depend on the nature of your
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pilgrimage, its length, degree of difficulty, size and nature of
the group, and so on. Please use your discretion and any
guidance that your church or organisation may have to keep
everyone as safe as possible.
FURTHER RESOURCES
The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage
sites in Ireland and Britain. Poems and readings inspired by
best-loved Celtic Christian sites
Author: Michael Mitton
Publisher: BRF
ISBN 9781800393219
Drawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in
Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23
significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced
pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of
the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information
about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience
of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading
and a photo of the site.
Michael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of
Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual
director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-
fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven
Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition).
A Celtic Pilgrimage A walk from Wales to Brittany through
Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
Author: Anne Hayward. Foreword: Bishop Philip Mountstephen
(former Bishop of Truro)
Publisher: Y Lolfa
ISBN 978-1784618322
Anne Hayward spent almost four months as a pilgrim,
travelling on foot from her home in south Wales, through
Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and across the English Channel
to Brittany. She visited ancient Celtic places of worship and
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pilgrimage and numerous chapels and churches of different
Christian denominations along the way. In this book she gives
some of the history of those places on her route and recalls
conversations with those she encountered as a modern-day
pilgrim.
A Celtic Pilgrimage will appeal to anyone who is interested in
Christian spirituality and pilgrimage, Church history – especially
early Church history in Wales, Brittany and the west of England
– and also to those who enjoy walking, camping and the
outdoors.
FINALLY…
Churches Together in Cornwall will appreciate any feedback
whatsoever about this Pilgrimage Resource Pack. Please
help us to correct any errors, suggest any improvements and
develop for the future. Please send your comments to The
Editor ctcinfohub@gmail.com; we promise to read them all.
Thank you so much.
