Wales — 217 km — 10–12 days
North Wales Pilgrim’s Way
From Holywell’s sacred spring to Bardsey Island — the Island of 20,000 Saints — across the full breadth of North Wales.
Medieval pilgrims believed that three journeys to Bardsey Island — Ynys Enlli — equalled one to Rome. For centuries, the faithful walked from the shrine of St Winefride at Holywell, one of the oldest continuously visited pilgrimage sites in Britain, across the full length of North Wales to the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula and the holy waters beyond.
The route is strikingly varied: ancient abbeys, the foothills of Snowdonia, the dramatic Llŷn Peninsula coast, and a boat crossing to the island itself. It passes through Welsh-speaking heartland, a living culture that has nurtured this pilgrimage for 1,500 years. One of Britain’s least-known great pilgrimages — and all the more rewarding for it. A moderate to challenging walk requiring good fitness and appropriate footwear for mixed terrain.
The Route
Stage by Stage
Holywell to Bodfari
Begin at St Winefride’s Well — a pilgrimage site continuously visited since the 7th century, known as the ‘Lourdes of Wales.’ Follow ancient lanes west toward the Vale of Clwyd and the market town of Denbigh.
Bodfari to Clynnog Fawr
Cross the foothills of the Clwydian Range and enter Snowdonia’s eastern approaches. The route passes a succession of ancient Welsh churches — many with holy wells — before arriving at Clynnog Fawr, a major medieval pilgrimage church in the Llŷn Peninsula.
Llŷn Peninsula Coast
Walk the dramatic Llŷn Peninsula coastal path — an AONB of extraordinary beauty. Pass the fishing village of Aberdaron, the last resting point before Bardsey, where pilgrims once waited for suitable weather to cross.
Aberdaron & Bardsey Island
Cross Bardsey Sound by boat to the Island of 20,000 Saints. Walk to the 13th-century abbey tower — all that remains of the monastery that drew medieval pilgrims from across Britain. A profound and isolated conclusion.
Your Package
What's Included
Full logistical support across North Wales, with all the complexity of the Bardsey crossing handled for you.
- Full logistical support across North Wales, with the Bardsey crossing handled for you
- Hand-picked Welsh B&Bs, inns and farmhouses
- Daily luggage transfers throughout
- Detailed bilingual route notes (English & Welsh)
- Bardsey Sound boat crossing arranged and confirmed
- 24/7 local support line throughout
- Guide to Welsh-language place names and culture
- Flexible start dates to suit Bardsey crossing schedule
Everything in self-guided, plus a Welsh-speaking guide steeped in the culture and history of this remarkable route.
- Everything included in self-guided
- Welsh-speaking expert guide for the full route
- Welcome dinner at Holywell on arrival evening
- Evening talks on Celtic Christianity and Welsh saints
- Overnight stay on Bardsey Island (limited availability)
- Guided tour of Bardsey Abbey and the island
- Two departures per year — May and September
Walk to the Island of 20,000 Saints.
One of Britain’s most extraordinary pilgrimage journeys. We’ll handle every detail across North Wales and beyond.