Follow in the footsteps of the medieval pilgrims and embark on a magical journey through the North Wales landscape. The trail takes you across tranquil lanes, majestic forests, breathtaking coastlines, and miles of mountainous moorland which shelter quaint valley villages below. The North Wales Pilgrim's Way connects many sacred sites such as churches, holy wells, standing stones and shrines that were visited by pilgrims from far and wide. Their journey across the North Wales landscape of those times was often hard and filled with danger. The medieval pilgrims travelled in groups and followed rivers and well-known drover tracks, to arrive at inns or private dwellings that offered them hospitality and a comfortable place to stay. The modern trail takes you through the Counties of Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy and Gwynedd. If you're adventurous you may want to walk the whole trail over a period of a few weeks; or you may be thinking about walking sections of the trail at different times. Whichever way you decide to walk the trail, please plan your journey in a way that helps you experience the lovely villages and towns you'll encounter on the way. Many of them have developed Information Centres and History Hubs for visitors, and you'll find lots of great places to stay, eat and visit. The trail will be officially launched in July 2014. Great places to visit on the North Wales Pilgrim's Way after the launch include:
- Basingwerk Abbey
The official 'start' of the North Wales Pilgrim's Way, the ruins
of this amazing Abbey dissolved by Henry VIII are captivating. At the Visitor Centre you can pick up your Pilgrim's Passport
in order to collect souvenir stamps on your journey; and look
out for the lovely mural.
- The Church of St James, Holywell
Situated next to St Winifrede's Holy Well, the church features
an exhibition of their history and a digital hub which gives you
more information about the North Wales Pilgrim's Way. An
ideal starting point to your journey.
- Ss Asa and Cyndeyrn Church, Llanasa
In the centre of this pretty village, the church is open daily
and features a history exhibition. Check out the gravestone
of Gruffydd Vachan - was this Owain Glyndwr's father or is
this just a myth? See the beautiful stained glass window that
was thought to have been moved from Basingwerk Abbey
during the dissolution.
- Ss Beuno and Mary Church, Whitford
Explore the fascinating tales of two of North Wales' most
powerful families - the Mostyns and the Pennants. You can
also enjoy a hot drink in the self-service coffee shop here too!
- Church of Corpus Christi, Tremeirchion
An important place of pilgrimage during the medieval period,
visit the beautiful stone cross in the churchyard and find out
more about the stories behind the effigies - their identities
are a bit of a mystery!
- St Dyfnog's Church, Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch
This church isn't on the trail but is worth a detour:
Famous for it's fabulous 16th century Jesse Window, the
churchyard also leads to St Dyfnog's Holy Well which is
situated in a glorious spot - remember to take your camera!
- St Asaph Cathedral
Take some time to explore this beautiful Cathedral - in the
churchyard you'll find a statue dedicated to the first
translators of the Bible into Welsh. The Cathedral contains a
digital hub which gives you more information about its history
and the North Wales Pilgrim's Trail
- St Sannan's Church, Llansannan
As well as the statue of the little girl, the unusual telephone
box information point, and the lovely pilgrim's bench that
you'll encounter on your walk - you'll also find an unusual
'poetry and pilgrimage' digital exhibition in the church which
is a must for all visitors.
- Gwytherin
An important place in North Wales for pilgrims, Gwytherin
is said to be the resting place of St Winifrede and the site
of a 6th century convent.
- Llangernyw
As you walk across the trail through Hafodunos Hall, look out
for the pilgrim who will be guiding you on your way. When
you reach the village, visit St Digain's Church and the famous
yew tree, said to be the oldest tree in Wales. There is also
an exhibition inside the church - find out more about the
Sandbach family of Hafodunos, and why the 19th century
vicar of the church had so much trouble with the locals! St
Digain's Holy Well is nearby.
- St Martin's Church, Eglwysbach
This lovely church in the centre of the village was once the
subject of a royal visit! The church contains a lovely history
exhibition where you can find out more about the village and
the monks of Maenan Abbey.
- Seion Chapel, Rowen
This wonderful chapel contains a digital history hub and
exhibition. Explore the pretty village and when you reach
the top of the mountain as you continue on the trail, look
out for the bronze-age cairns, standing stones, and even
the remnants of a Roman Fort.
- St Celynnin's Church, Llangelynnin
One of the oldest churches in Conwy, this remote little church
is situated high on Conwy mountain above Henryd. In the
corner of the churchyard you'll find a Holy Well which was
visited by desperate parents looking to seek a cure for their
sick child. You can read all about the well and the church
on the leaflets available. There are also a number of hub sites and interesting places to explore across the trail that leads through Gwynedd - this information will be updated shortly. On this Facebook site you are welcome to post your questions about the North Wales Pilgrim's Way, and of course if you've already walked all or part of it, we'd love you to tell us about your experiences and post your photographs. You can find more information about the North Wales Pilgrim's Way by visiting the following websites:
http://www.pilgrims-way-north-wales.org/
http://www.snowdoniaheritage.info/en
(users of Google Chrome may find that they need to go into Internet Explorer to open these links directly)
So what are you waiting for? Get those walking boots on...
