North Wales Pilgrim's Way

In short: North Wales Pilgrim's Way: from Holywell to Aberdaron and Bardsey Island. Length: around 210 km, duration: 10 to 14 days. Best time: May to September.

Overview

In the Middle Ages Bardsey, in Welsh Ynys Enlli, was such an important destination that three journeys there counted as equal to one journey to Rome. According to legend, 20,000 saints are buried there.

The route starts at the holy well of Holywell and leads through North Wales past old churches to the Llŷn Peninsula. It follows the coast in places and the foothills of Snowdonia in others.

Boats run to the island from the end of the peninsula, but only in good weather, so allow some spare time. Hearing Welsh spoken is part of the appeal of this journey.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 210 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 60 to 80 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 12 days that comes to roughly 700 to 950 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in the United Kingdom, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.