The Way of St David
The Way of St David
6 days / 5 nights
Regular departures and private groups
“At the back of our brains, so to speak, there is a forgotten blaze or burst of astonishment at our own existence. The object of the artistic and spiritual life is to dig for this submerged sunrise of wonder.”
G K Chesterton (1874 – 1936)
THE WAY OF ST DAVID
(part of the Wexford–Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way)
IN BRIEF
- 63 kms/39 miles pilgrimage to St Davids on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
- Clifftop walks, deserted beaches and sweeping hilltop views
- Enter into the landscapes that have influenced great poetry, writing and music, engaging your own creative imagination.
- Reflections, poems and readings on the way with Christine Smith, pilgrimage guide.
- Beautiful wildlife and landscapes
- 5000 year old burial chambers, Celtic chapels, holy wells and the great Norman cathedral of St Davids
- Pilgrimage Completion certificates authorised by the Cathedral
“There are many highlights. The Church at Nevern and the cross in the rock over the stream. The first view of Porthgain as you see it emerging in front of you. The end of the pilgrimage at St Nons and the presentation at St Davids. I would also add in the mysterious chemistry that can bring 9 unique people together in such a way and create a pilgrimage atmosphere that was quite inspiring. Not to forget the poetry that helps to evoke the mystery of the pilgrimage. ” (Stephen, 2024)
In 1123 when pilgrims could no longer travel to Jerusalem because of the Crusades the Pope suggested two other destinations instead – Santiago in Spain and St Davids in Wales. 2023 was the 900th anniversary of this edict and was royally celebrated in St Davids with pilgrimage events and special festivals.
The Pembrokeshire National Path Coast Path is described by Lonely Planet as the finest coast path in the world. The remote north coast route from Fishguard to St Davids has also inspired generations of poets, writers and artists to express what the landscape and the route to St Davids means to them. As we enter into the old Celtic rhythms of the tides and seasons our minds still and we sense the world around us in a whole new way. Experience the inspiration of the land and experience a bigger reality as we follow in the footsteps of Celtic saints and pilgrims on the way to the Medieval cathedral of St David – the patron saint of Wales.
Description
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Day 01: Arrive
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 which are not on your route such as the impressive spiritual centre of Nevern and the neolithic burial chamber at Pentre Ifan. Later transfer back to Goodwick and your hotel for check in and dinner and preparations for our pilgrimage ahead.
Day 02: Goodwick to Garn Fawr / Melin Tregwynt
Coast path walk from Goodwick Harbour to the Celtic church at Llanwnda with its holy well and nearby neolithic burial chamber. Past the site of the last invasion of Britain in 1797, we discover hidden coves and inlets before reaching the lighthouse at Strumble Head. Then onto the volcanic hill of Garn Fawr with a hermit’s cell and sweeping views west to St Davids. We finish the day with the famous poem of Pwll Deri, inspired by the crashing waves and high cliffs. Transfer to our accommodation in Trefin which will be our base for the next two nights. (Maximum 19km/12 miles – usually 13km/8 miles).
Day 03: Melin Tregwynt to Abereiddy
Clifftop and beach walks on this most rugged and wild Celtic landscape. Rocky headlands, seabirds and maybe seals and the occasional dolphin too. We stop at Carreg Samson – a 4000 year old burial chamber near Abercastle and then walk on to Trefin the birthplace of two Archdruids of Wales and the inspiration for the haunting poem – Melin Trefin. We continue our walk through the beautiful Porthgain harbour with its intriguing nineteenth century history, to finish at the beach of Abereiddy. Here we are met and transferred back to Trefin for our overnight! (15km/9 miles).
Day 04: Abereiddy to Whitesands
We continue on the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast Path today, with an overriding sense of remoteness and being one with nature. We will journey also inland past the ruins of what was thought to be a Quaker village called Maes-y-Mynedd and then head towards the peak of Carn Llidi where legend has it St Patrick was given his mission to Ireland by angel. We visit the site of the sixth century St Patrick’s chapel at Whitesands beach before walking into the smallest city in Britain – St Davids for our overnight accommodation. (16km/10miles).
Day 05: Whitesands to St Davids
This is our final day of pilgrimage as we continue along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Whitesands around St David’s Peninsula. We walk along the Ramsay Sound, past the site of St Justinian’s Chapel and RNLI lifeboat station. It feels wild and exposed as we come out of the protection of the Ramsay Sound and head for the old saint’s port of Porthclais. We finish our coastal walk at St Non’s chapel ruins and holywell before heading inland to St David’s Cathedral where we will end our pilgrimage at the shrine with a Pilgrim’s Welcome provided by the Cathedral. (13km/8miles).
Day 06: Depart
Some sharing of stories before your transfer to Fishguard/Goodwick or the Ferry port for train/ferry connections or to be reunited with your vehicle.
The Way of St David
Departures:
18 – 23 June 2025
04 – 09 August 2025
£895.00 per person based on sharing a twin / double room
£190.00 per person single room supplement
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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 to and from Fishguard & Goodwick Station. We sleep in three different places along the route.
Accommodation is in comfortable lodgings in single or twin/double rooms with private facilities (shared toilets at one venue). All bedding and towels provided.
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Pilgrimage completion certificate
Entrance fees where required
Excludes:
Casual refreshments, drinks and tips
Travel to Fishguard/Goodwick prior to start of holiday and travel home from Fishguard/Goodwick after end of holiday
Travel Insurance (please ensure you have a suitable travel insurance policy)
“If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me fast” Psalm 139:9-10 NRSV
This ancient wisdom opened itself to me as I flew across the sea and entrusted my spirit to pilgrimage guided by Christine Smith. Chris was an expert at leading us over paths of rugged rock and soft greens perfumed in honeysuckle and sweet manure. She compassionately understood our challenges and celebrated our hearts’ content at seascape and bird song. With the ease of an artist at play, she knew how to use story, poems, prayerful laughter and tears to help us explore our own inner stirrings as we walked on Holy Ground. With great integrity, she held us fast.” (Bonnie, 2023)