The Camino in Spain might be one of the most famous pilgrimage hikes in Europe, but now there’s a new 12-day pilgrimage walk in northwest Wales.
Llwybr Cadfan was officially launched at the end of September.
The 128-mile (207-km) trail is named after the 6th Century Saint Cadfan. The hike is broken down into 12 days. It starts in Tywyn, Gwynedd, leading pilgrims to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) off the Llŷn Peninsula, known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking scenery.
Along the route, hikers visit 17 historic churches and six holy wells. The trail twists through areas of outstanding natural beauty and coastline in Meirionydd, Eifionydd, and the Llŷn Peninsula.
The launch event took place at Saint Cadfan’s Church, Tywyn, the first church on the pilgrimage trail.
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, who was one of the first pilgrims to walk the first stage of the route, said: “The launch of Llwybr Cadfan marks a new chapter in the ongoing tradition and renewed popularity of pilgrimage in Wales. I am delighted to be one of the first pilgrims to walk the first stage of the trail.
“With the success of programmes such as BBC’s Pilgrimage, we have seen more and more people explore their spirituality by walking ancient pilgrimage routes and visiting churches and holy wells to discover our rich Christian heritage as they seek answers to life’s problems.
“The Llwybr Cadfan pilgrimage is an opportunity for individuals to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, experience the tranquility of nature, spend time with God in prayer and reflection, and return home with a renewed sense of peace.
“I hope and pray that many more people will discover or deepen their spirituality as they embark on what can be a life-changing pilgrimage.”
The trail includes historical and religious highlights such as The Two Kings Statue near Harlech Castle, inspired by the tale in the Mabinogion, an anthology of early Welsh folklore compiled in the 12th and 13th centuries.
It also takes in Saint Cybi’s Well, believed to hold healing properties with many people travelling large distances to discover its healing waters, as well as St Hywyn’s Church, Aberdaron, the final rest stop for pilgrims on the journey to Ynys Enlli.
The Diocese of Bangor has created Llwybr Cadfan as part of the Llan project. Llan is a £3m, seven-year project that will see the development of new Welsh-language evangelistic resources, social enterprise initiatives and new ministries focused on pilgrimage across the diocese.
The first 11 stages range in length from 8.5 miles to 12.4 miles, with the final day a short 1.2-mile hike that also can include a trip over to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). Trips can be made to the island from March to October. Ynys Enlli is approximately one mile in length, and the boat trips over generally allow for three to four hours on the island. Adults cost £50, children £25 (2024 prices), and dogs are not allowed on the island.
