Pilgrimage Retreat
Pilgrimage Retreat
5 days / 4 nights
Regular departures and private groups
“I have come into this world to see this, the sword drop from men’s hands, even at the height of their arc of anger, because we have finally realised there is just one flesh to wound.”
Hafiz (14th Century Persian poet)
PILGRIMAGE RETREAT
(Pembrokeshire – St Davids & Caldey Island)
IN BRIEF
- A gentle mix of pilgrimage and contemplation staying at two newly re-opened Pilgrimage Retreat centres.
- The magic of St Davids in Pembrokeshire combined with the seclusion of the monastic island of Caldey.
- Wildlife – seals, red squirrels, sea birds – beautiful wildflowers (May is our favourite time on the Welsh coast).
- Reflections, poems and readings with your pilgrimage guide.
- Impressive ancient spiritual heritage from the medieval St Davids Cathedral and the impressive Caldey Abbey to neolithic burial chambers, and holy wells.
- Pilgrim Welcome at St Davids Cathedral.
- This retreat, like all our pilgrimages, is suitable for those of any faith and those who do not follow a particular faith. We practice a ‘bring your own beliefs’ policy and all are welcome. This pilgrimage offers a very special time in the wild nature of the Celtic landscapes.
“It was a wonderful trip and pilgrimage. You make rain and wind seem like an exciting adventure! I think the tour is well planned with good logistics. Your poems, readings and rituals made it a true pilgrimage. We had a great group. However, as I said, the guide plays a major role in getting the group to become a group. I am so glad that I somehow found Guided Pilgrimage.” (Phyllis, 2024)
St Davids, located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is the smallest city in the UK, both in terms of population and size. Despite its modest scale, it holds great significance as the birthplace of St David, the patron saint of Wales. The city is centered around St David’s Cathedral, a magnificent structure that has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Surrounded by the rugged Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids offers access to breathtaking coastal walks, wildlife and stunning wildflowers.
Caldey Island is a small, tranquil island located a few miles off the coast of Tenby in Pembrokeshire. Known for its natural beauty and rich history, it has been home to a monastic community for over a thousand years. The island is currently inhabited by Cistercian monks, who continue the tradition of a contemplative, religious lifestyle. Caldey Island offers a unique blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
Description
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Day 01: Arrive and St Davids
Arrive in Fishguard/Goodwick at around midday. Pickups can be offered from the station or ferryport (if arriving from Ireland). We will spend the afternoon exploring some of the local ancient sites on the way down to St Davids. This will include Llanwnda Church and holy well, the delightful coastal village of Porthgain with its varied industrial heritage and a visit to a neolithic burial chamber.
In St Davids, we will stay at the newly refurbished St Non’s Retreat Centre dramatically located overlooking St Bride’s Bay and home to St Non’s holy well, ancient chapel ruins set within a bronze age stone circle and the new retreat chapel. The Retreat Centre offers a space for contemplation with 16 single rooms with shared facilities. Our meals will be provided by the Retreat Centre.
Day 02: Pilgrimage on Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Coast path walk today from near St Davids around St Davids Peninsula to arrive back at St Nons from where we proceed to the Cathedral for a Pilgrims Welcome. Our walk will take us past abandonned copper mines, along the protected Ramsay Sound to reach the ancient port of Porthclais. Along the way you will hear ancient tales of monsters and miracles and stories of the land (10-12km/6-7 miles).
Day 03: Pilgrimage on Pembrokeshire Coast Path - Caldey Island
Today we leave St Davids hiking along the southern Way of St David route heading for the idyllic harbour of Solva. En route we will come across remains of iron age hillforts, and holy wells with stories that will bring to life the pilgrims of old who made their way to St Davids (10km/6 miles).
On arrival in Solva, we will be met and transferred to Tenby for the boat to Caldey Island. On arrival we make our way to St Philomenas Retreat which offers 12 single rooms with shared facilities. St Philomenas is a quiet contemplative space and whilst staying here visitors are able to join in with the monastic services in the Abbey church, should they wish.
Day 04: Pilgrimage around Caldey Island
A day for contemplation with a pilgrimage around the island and time to attend the monastic services should you wish. Time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Caldey Island with deserted sandy beaches and clifftop walks and with some good luck, you might spot some of the wildlife – an amazing variety of seabirds, seals and red squirrel are there to be found (approx 7km/4miles).
Day 05: St Govans Chapel - Depart
This is our final day of pilgrimage when we take the first boat off the island. On arrival in Tenby, we will be met and taken to St Govan’s Chapel, an incredible small church built into the cliffs and home to a 6th Century hermit with many a tale to tell about this special place. We walk then for the final time along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to reach Stackpole via some of Wales’ finest beaches. (8-10km/5-6miles).
On arrival at Stackpole, we will be transferred to Haverfordwest station for your departing train or meet up with your vehicle. This marks the end of our pilgrimage retreat.
Pilgrimage Retreat
Departures:
13 – 17 May 2025
£625.00 per person based on single room accommodation
NB: Boats to Caldey Island are subject to cancellation at the last minute due to inclement weather or winds from the wrong direction. All arrangements are therefore subject to change.
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If you are interested in a private departure of this trip, please contact us for more details.
Includes:
Christine Smith, local guide with expert knowledge of the area will be with the group throughout.
Transport from Fishguard & Goodwick Station at the start and to Haverfordwest Station at the end of the trip. If you are arriving by car we will discuss the best options on an individual basis.
Accommodation is in single rooms in two retreat centres (St Nons at St Davids and St Philomenas on Caldey Island) with shared facilities. All bedding and towels provided.
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Pilgrimage Welcome at St Davids.
Entrance fees where required.
Excludes:
Casual refreshments, drinks and tips
Travel to Fishguard/Goodwick prior to start of retreat and travel home from Haverfordwest after end of retreat
Travel Insurance (please ensure you have a suitable travel insurance policy)
“Our time spent with Chris and Iain was transformative. Twenty five of us traveled from Austin Texas during the 175th Anniversary of our own St. David’s Episcopal church to walk the Pembrokshire Coast. They were so welcoming and accommodating to our large group with diverse fitness and abilities. With knowledge and respect for the history flora and fauna, they were leaders and became friends. A week after the trip,a fellow pilgrim and I both had been having dreams of the trip. I would highly recommend the group, and hope to have a chance to return.” (Sandi, 2023)