Divine WALKS

Discover beautiful pilgrim trails that are popular with those of all faiths and none

- MIRIAM RODELL

Pilgrimages are enjoying a surge in interest – and not just among the religious. Journeying on foot is great exercise, good for the mind and kind to the planet.

Hundreds of thousands of people walk the Camino di Santiago (Way of St James), which leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. But you don’t have to travel abroad to enjoy a pilgrim walk, as 2020 has been designated the Year of Cathedrals and Pilgrimage in the UK, and newly marked ways are opening across Britain.

Many take a day to walk, others a few days or even weeks, but you can always walk short sections if you prefer.

Pembrokeshire Whitchurch to St Davids Cathedral

One day

For 2020, more than 40 British cathedrals have launched new one-day pilgrimage routes. This 7.5-mile trail in Pembrokeshire runs from the hamlet of Whitchurch, through the fishing village of Solva, along the Wales Coast Path – with fabulous views of St Brides Bay – then inland to St Davids. The cathedral, dating from around 1180, is the star, but this is also a chance to explore the historic surrounding streets of Britain’s smallest city.