The UK’s long and fascinating spiritual history means that the landscape is criss-crossed by ancient pilgrim trails, which make their way through idyllic countryside to remarkable sacred sites. The team at big-cottages.com has put together an inspirational list of the best pilgrimage routes in Britain and Northern Ireland and here we highlight some of our favourites, perfect for body and soul!

St Cuthbert's Way and Lindisfarne Castle © big-cottages.com

St Cuthbert’s Way is a delightful route in Northumberland, which leads pilgrims to one of early Christianity’s most important sites – the Holy Island of Lindsfarne. This is a route we are very familiar with and have enjoyed guiding church groups here in the past.

St Cuthbert was one of medieval England's most famous religious figures. Prior of the monastery at Lindisfarne from 665 until 676, upon his death in 687 people flocked to pray at his grave where miracles of healing were reported. Today, Holy Island is a place of tranquillity and breathtaking beauty.

Those looking to explore North Wales on foot can do no better than to follow the awe-inspiring Pilgrim’s Way – a 130-mile trail from Basingwerk Abbey on the Dee estuary in north east Wales, through the brooding mountain landscape of Snowdonia to remote Bardsey Island off the coast of the Llyn Peninsula.

North Wales Pilgrim's Way and Bardsey Island © big-cottages.com

Known as the Welsh Camino, after the Camino de Santiago in Spain – possibly the most famous pilgrimage route in the world, one of the most scenic sections is the five-mile final stretch from Porth Oer to Bardsey Island, where a Christian monastery was founded more than 1,500 years ago – believed to be the first in Britain.

See ancient St Hywyn Church in pretty Aberdaron – the final stopping point before the once treacherous journey across the sea to Bardsey Island – and when you reach Bardsey by boat, enjoy the unspoilt nature reserve as you explore the ‘island of 20,000 saints’, so-called because it is said there are that many buried there.

Rosslyn Chapel Way in Scotland © big-cottages.com

The extensive Way of St Andrew in Scotland offers not one but eight pilgrim routes, which wend their way quietly through Scotland’s scenic landscape to the ancient city of St Andrew’s, from points all over the country including Edinburgh, and the famous Isle of Iona in the west, as well as Hexham and Carlisle in the north of England.

The Rosslyn Chapel Way is one of the most fascinating sections of the Way of St Andrew, starting as it does at St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral in the splendid city of Edinburgh, and making its way along former railway tracks and forest paths through Midlothian, to arrive at exquisite and mysterious Rosslyn Chapel – a pleasant 8-mile walk.

Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Discover the birth of Christianity in England along the Way of St Augustine, a 19-mile pilgrimage route which follows the beautiful Stour Valley from Ramsgate on the coast of Kent to glorious Canterbury Cathedral.

The Way of St Augustine in Kent © big-cottages.com

St Augustine was sent to England by Pope Gregory and went on to become the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The route starts at the Shrine of St Augustine, designed by renowned 19th century architect Augustus Pugin, where to this day you will find a relic – a small bone from the saint’s body. About three miles from the shrine, St Augustine’s Cross marks the place St Augustine is said to have landed in 597 AD.

The best way to appreciate the landscape of the Stour valley, and the historic churches (and pubs) along the way is to split the route into two roughly equal halves. And if you’d prefer not to walk the whole way there’s the option to hire a canoe for part of the route!

St Michael's Way in Cornwall © big-cottages.com

At just 11 miles long, St Michael’s Way in Cornwall is easily completed in one day and takes pilgrims from Lelant on the north coast to St Michael’s Mount in the south, travelling past historic churches, ancient hilltop landmarks and holy wells. The last part of the walk can be completed by causeway to the island at low tide.

The route is thought to have been used by pilgrims voyaging from Ireland and Wales, on their way to Santiago de Compostella, to avoid the dangerous waters near Land’s End. The views along this path are stupendous and bring to life ancient stories of Irish saints and local giants.  

Saint Patrick © Tourism Ireland

Another of our favourite pilgrim trails is St Patrick’s Way in Northern Ireland. An 82-mile (132km) walking route, St Patrick’s Way meanders through the lush Irish landscape between the historic cities of Armagh and Downpatrick in the south of the country. It connects key sites relating to Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and takes in some of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful countryside.

To discover more pilgrimage routes in the United Kingdom, visit big-cottages.com, and if your clients would like to enjoy the spiritual tranquillity of their own pilgrimage or walking tour, please do contact our friendly team today