Category: Pilgrimage

America, Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Passport for Pocohontas on the John Smith Trail

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And as I train on for the Camino next week I’m leaving stamps on my passport for Pocohontas on the John Smith Trail for a next trek.

Pocohontas, as we don’t have to tell you, is twice blessed in the sacred Rotunda in the US Capitol in Washington DC.

We’re concentrating here on the stone relief sculpture above the doorway.

Titled The Preservation of Captain Smith by Pocahontas by Antonio Capellano.

Captain Smith and Pocohontas which you’ll know from your Disney are inextricably linked.

At home with Pocahontas

On set: The John Smith Trail

As they are on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

The 3,000-mile trek through five states and the District of Colombia.

For Pocohontas fans Machicomoco State Park along the York river and Gloucester County Visitor Center are your touch points.

Face of the tribes: Pocohontas

With Werowocomoco, where Pocohontas grew up, alas closed off for just now from us.

While the The National Park Service works through with Virginia’s First Nations how to shape the site.

With Werowocomoco holding truths about Native American societies in the Chesapeake stretching back thousands of years.

A tale of two Johns

A page out of history: Werowocomoco

The John Smith Trail is the authentic way through pre-American history.

In much the same way as the 216-mile John Muir Trail is in California.

You may be more familiar with the Father of the National Parks’ 134-mile coast to coast trek in his native Scotland.

Big hand: For John Muir in his native Dunbar

Now whichever trek you set out on remember to take your passport with you.

Yes, of course, that document that will let you through the security gate but also trail passports.

Where you collect stamps as a memento of your odyssey.

Stamp your authority

Jimmy: On the Camino in Galicia

I’ll be on my second Camino passport but a Portuguese Way one to go with my Camino Frances.

While I also have a Via Francigena from my journeys in Italy.

All of which reminds me that I have to update my Big passport for next year and get my Irish one too, like the Daughterie.

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail has 43 unique stamps,

And like all trails the first journey always has a first step.

 

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Portustroll in shoulder-season

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It’s a step change all right putting off a summer getaway for a Portustroll in shoulder-season.

But shoulder season, or autumn travel away from the burning summer heat, is this year’s travel trend.

And because we’re always ahead of the curve we’re lacing up our walking boots next month on the Portuguese Way for our Camino.

But more of that later we’ve got to get a shift on here to tell you of the walks you can enjoy this shoulder season.

The shoulder season in Portugal, the geographical shoulder of Europe.

Shoulder to shoulder with its Iberian neighbour Spain.

Bordering on the meticulous

Water way to go: Take in the surroundings

The charms of Alcoutim: The longest continuous border in Europe, dating back to 1297, gives the gentle stroller the chance to straddle two ancient nations.

You’ll start and finish your 4.6km walk in the Praça da República (Square of Republic).

The trail takes walkers through the border city of Alcoutim.

And reveals iconic landmarks, the Castle of Alcoutim, the ruins of the Old Castle, the Praia Fluvial, and the River Guadiana landscapes.

There is also the chance to cross over to the other side of the river and visit the Spanish town of Sanlúcar del Guadiana.

Stroll to the beach

Beloved: Amado Beach

Rota Vicentina Circular routes Amado (Rated: Moderate): OK, you start and finish at the Amado beach on this moderate 7.75km walk but you get the picture.

And you get to wash your feet in the Atlantic swell at the end on the beach which incidentally is Portuguese for beloved.

This coastal trail offers a blend of wildlife, rare flora and fascinating geology.

Hikers can spot native birds and wildlife, admire globally rare cliff-top plants, and explore landscapes shaped over 300 million years ago.

Hot foot in the Algarve

Coast with the most: Vila do Bispo

Rota Vicentina Historical Way Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo: And one for those British sitcom friends and you might not BELIEVE it.

But our Portuguese pals call this route 21.4km moderate. 

You’ll start your journey at Largo do Comércio, Carrapateira and end, and say a prayer, next to the main church in Vila do Bispo

And, of course, the Algarve will show many of its dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountains meet the coast.

Along the way, hikers can spot native flora, protected temporary ponds.

And a variety of wildlife, including rare birdlife and the endemic Triops vicentinus, an indigenous prehistoric tadpole shrimp.

All of which conjures up all that lovely seafood to keep you going on your travels.

Walk this way

Bridge the gap: Peaceful Alte

Section 7 of the Via Algarviana Salir–Alte: And because we like a challenge, this, the seventh section of the Via Algarviana, is calling us.

You’ll start your 16.4km odyssey in the square next to the Mother Church of Salir.

And finish in the Fontes de Alte Natural Springs.

Now the terrain is rural paths, traditional villages, and farmland that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Along the way, walkers can admire old stone walls, water wheels.

And the impressive Rocha da Pena Protected Landscape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and local legends.

The route continues through the picturesque village of Benafim.

Before following the peaceful Ribeira de Alte to the scenic Fontes Grande and Pequena, ending in the charming village of Alte.

Walking season

On the road again: With your fellow walkers

Alternatively, visitors can visit the Algarve Walking Season website to find out about upcoming walking events.

And for a comprehensive guide to walking opportunities throughout the year in the Algarve.

Visitors can easily view the calendar of all walking festivals in the region, including their locations and key features.

It also provides regular updates on these festivals and walking-related news in the area.

 

Countries, Ireland, Pilgrimage, UK

Shrinecations near you

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And because we were on pilgrimage long before Gen Z turned it into a TikTok fashion here are our shrinecations near you.

All of which is timely, and not just because it’s never been a better time to get off the mad path the world has chosen.

But because ten years after we first explored the most famous trek of all, The Camino Way.

Santiago and Saint Jimmy on the Camino

We’re following our own footsteps and taking on the Portuguese Coastal Camino with our go-to providers CaminoWays.

Traditional Caminos, of course, started outside our own doorsteps and that’s where we’re beginning here.

World Expeditions or its Euro brands, UTracks and Walkers’ Britain & Europe, kick us off.

On the BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island.

The Holy Island

Holies of Holy: Holy Island

We’ve been here before but we’ve never been worried about retracing our steps.

And Walk Northumberland Coast Path & Lindisfarne.

A seven-day self-guided with Walkers’ Britain & Europe.

Replicate the journey of the BBC’s celebrity pilgrims with highlights.

Including walking the St Cuthbert’s Pilgrim route over the causeway to Holy Island.

And visiting ancient castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Lindisfarne and staying in fishing villages Alnmouth, Seahouses and Craster. 

From £860pp, daily departures from April-September.

Man alive

Set sail: For the Isle of Man Camino

And because the isle that Finn MacCool created, the Isle of Man, is more than just daredevil TT motorcyclists, walk this way.

As the bird flies the nine-day self-guided Isle of Man Coastal Path: The Way of the Seagull is a 100-mile route.

Walkers’ Britain & Europe will map out your walk which overlaps with many sections of the Raad Ny Foillan Pilgrimage Trail.

You’ll take in cultural heritage towns such as Castletown and Peel, while WB&E want us to try some sea swimming too.

You’ll pass the remains of Celtic chapels, clifftop carved crosses and remnants of island life in times gone by. 

From £990pp, daily departures from April-October.

Mingle on the Dingle

Walk this way: Dingle

And while I’ll probably be having a glass of wine before my red-eye out to start the Camino, our Irish pals do things differently.

Irish pilgrims would traditionally sail from the south-west for Finisterre, so for the hardy you could bolt on UTracks’ The Kerry Camino.

A six-day self-guided tour with UTracks in the Kingdom of Kerry.

And an exploration of the wild Atlantic coast on foot.

And the chance to immerse yourself in the music and culture of Dingle.

On a lesser-known camino which we’ll call the Camino with the Craic. 

From £720pp, daily departures April-October.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countries, Pilgrimage

Holy Miley… trek like a celebrity to Lindisfarne

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Now this is no time for cold feet. So Holy Miley… trek like a celebrity to Lindisfarne.

You might well have seen Cold Feet’s Karen, aka Hermione Norris.

Row, row, row the boat: Cold Feet

And Patsy Kensit and their merry band pound the tracks of north-east England in the latest expedition of the pilgrims programme.

Timed for broadcast at Easter on BBC Two and iPlayer we’ve been following in the footsteps of our Spiritual Seven.

Of different faiths and beliefs as they explore the lives of the early Celtic Christian saints.

Across three one-hour episodes, this Pilgrimage, the eighth series, sees the peregrinos take on a 240-mile challenge.

Abbey days

Inspiring: Whitby Abbey

On the journey through Northumberland they encounter Whitby’s cliff-top Abbey.

The UNESCO site of Durham Cathedral and their final destination, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

The troupe travel by foot and bus through remote moorlands and the rolling Cheviot hills.

The pilgrims put their first foot in front of the other on the coast just south of the ruins of Whitby Abbey.

And travel along a curated network of trails celebrating 7th-century saints – Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert.

As true peregrinos, the peregrinos carry their own backpacks, and overnight in various locations.

From small wooden pods to an off-grid hostel and a basic bunkroom.

Step it up

Historic: Durham Cathedral

Travelling north on the way of St. Hild, the pilgrims take the coastal path to the ammonite beaches of Runswick Bay.

Before heading inland towards Durham.

Where the hard work really starts, climbing the 224 steep and uneven ‘Steps of Doom’.

For their first glimpse of Durham Cathedral.

And the medieval pilgrim tradition of foot washing, before visiting St Cuthbert’s shrine.

We find our hardy pilgrims contending with an amber weather warning at Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

Saintly path

The Spiritual Seven: Pilgrimage

Of course there are no shortage of holy sites and the pilgrims pray at Newcastle’s Reform Synagogue.

And the ‘Nether Springs’ retreat centre, where the daily lives of this community are inspired by the medieval saints.

From here, they join St Oswald’s Way and take in a medieval hermitage in the grounds of Warkworth Castle.

Carved into a rocky outcrop and only accessed by boat.

Sealed it: Look out for the locals

In the Scottish Borders, the pilgrims’ last trail, St Cuthbert’s Way marks the Celtic monk, bishop and hermit.

A challenging walk in the Cheviots on Wide-Open Hill takes them to the highest point on the route.

Feet on Holy ground

Way to go: To Lindisfarne

And just because the Beeb certainly knows how to treat its celebs.

By directing them to Cuthbert’s Cave where monks sheltered with his coffin when fleeing Viking raids on Lindisfarne.

After 12 demanding days, the group finally reach ‘Pilgrims’ Way’.

Where for more than 1,000 years pilgrims have walked across the tidal sands, those that caught out Matt, Pete and Robert.

To reach Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island.

Walkers this way

Village people: And comfy billets

And as luck, and planning would have it.

We have a seven-night self-guided trek with Walkers Britain & Europe with six nights in selected B&Bs. And all for £860.

With WBE telling us that you’ll stay in the pretty fishing villages of Alnmouth, Seahouses and Craster.

And the ancient castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Lindisfarne.

While, of course, like with every Camino, they will also provide you with your itinerary and daily routes.

 

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Pilgrimage

Ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way

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And see what we’ve done there… to mark Boyzone’s finest’s celebration of Ireland’s most famous trek, we say ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The one-time boy band warbler has been retracing his boyhood holidays up the west and north-west coasts of Ireland.

And the great ambassador that he is he has been sharing it with his British audience for Tourism Ireland.

Ronan and the fragrant Storm whom he took for his wife in our Archerfield estate, near North Berwick, being adopted Brits now.

Donegal homecoming

In the zone: Ronan on the Way

Now Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic goes out in Britain on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from tomorrow, April 6.

And it will conjure up Easter memories for this Hiberno-Scot from childhood holidays in my Dear Old Mum’s Donegal homestead.

I can fix it: With a little help

Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Derry-Londonderry will all feature in the programme.

Ronan, of course, isn’t alone on his trek (the whole route is 1,553 miles from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork).

Getting your hands dirty

Leading the way: Teaching an old dog new tricks

He’ll be joined by a cast of unique fellow travellers.

He’ll try his hand at everything from fishing and hurling to seaweed baths and sheep herding.

Whether Ro’s travels take him to Mum’s townland of Brockagh I’ll just have to watch to find out.

But he did get a big kick out of his walk, saying: ‘I was 16 when I left Ireland, and there was so much of the west coast I hadn’t seen.

‘Now, I’m coming home, and I can’t wait for viewers to share all the laughter and tears along the way.’

A family business

Ro of all trades: Learning the skills

Now if he does we’d advise he visit the Isaac Butt Heritage Centre.

The old schoolhouse which boasts pictures of Mum’s family, the McNultys who filled much of the first class roll.

Before heading down a few yards to the Ramblers, the one-time home and hotel business of Edward and Bridie McNulty.

And say we sent you

HAPPY EASTER

 

America, Countries, Culture, Pilgrimage

The Indian roots of Route 66

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And as we continue to follow the journey of the Mother Road on its 100th birthday it’s important to follow the tracks of the Indian roots of Route 66.

With the great American thoroughfare winding its way through more than 25 Tribal Nations.

The start: In Chicago

Half of which, 1,372 miles, are native American lands

So, while we celebrate the neon diners and roadside attractions.

The American Indigenous Tourism Association is reclaiming the native American history of these lands through their A Sovereign Journey campaign.

On the right trail

We were here first: Native American women

From the Pueblos of New Mexico to the Hualapai Nation in Arizona and the 39 distinct Tribal Nations in Oklahoma.

The road is a gateway to a vibrant, modern Indigenous landscape.

With Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association painting another picture.

‘For too long, our stories were treated as an afterthought or a marketing gimmick. The American Indigenous Tourism Association is proud to provide the tools for travelers to journey with intention.

‘Honouring the sovereignty and resilience of the Native Nations who remain the heartbeat of the Mother Road.’

And your Indian guides

Know your history: Stops along the way

With the centre of the initiative AIT’s guidebook, American Indians and Route 66 originally published for the 90th anniversary in 2016.

This comprehensive travel guide, created in partnership with the National Park Service is funded in part by the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

It provides historical context on the road’s impact – both the economic opportunities and the challenges of land displacement – and offers travelers essential etiquette for visiting tribal lands.

Digital footpring

To support the centennial, AIT has launched dedicated digital resources to help travellers plan their Indigenous-focused road trip:

Got there: Santa Monica pier

While our Indian friends helpfully map out more.

 

Countries, Ireland, Pilgrimage

A Brigid house

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Take a bunch of reeds and look up the internet for instructions to make the kind of cross to grace a Brigid house.

The off-centre cross, invented and popularised by the 5th-century saint, would hang in every Irish and diaspora doorway to stave off fire and evil.

Not that it needed to be Brigid’s house you were visiting but it just happened that our Grannie was a Brigid, and a proud one at that.

Or Bridie as she was always known and Massie to my Mum.

While her and Grandpa Eddie’s cottage also had a bit of Bridge about it, referred to by all and one in the area as the Bridge House.

Fording the Sur Wee burn (or stream) as it did in Brockagh, Co. Donegal.

St Brigid a feminist icon

Women of the cloth: The Tipperary weavers

Now St Brigid, the darling of Old Ireland has had something of a reinvention in Modern Ireland, as of all things a feminist icon.

On account of how she rose from humble beginnings with her mother a Portuguese slave brought to Ireland.

And went on to become the equivalent of an archbishop, in charge of 1500 nuns.

Which, of course, is timely as the English as they love to do have claimed their newly instated Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally as the first female archbishop.

Paddy’s dynasty

Green marks the cross: St Brigid style

When the Irish will gleefully point to Brigid who was ordained by Saint Patrick‘s nephew Bishop Mel.

Though the story also goes that Mel may have read her the wrong prayers,

In ordaining her a nun and given her even greater status.

But we say that she richly deserved it because who else could weave a cloak to cover the acres of the Curragh in Kildare.

And persuade a king to give them their land for their monastery.

Prevailing against the patriarchy

Holy of holies: St Brigit Festival

A woman of her times, and all times, St Brigid clearly had to prevail against the patriarchy.

And still does as Ireland’s only patroness saint.

So we, of course, welcomed that her day, February 1, was granted National Day status, three years ago.

While she would doubtless be proud of the Mná na hÉireann today, three Presidents and counting.

And the 100 Tipperary women who weaved a giant cloth.

Which they paraded in Clonmel on the Premier County on the eve of St Brigid’s Day yesterday.

With the cloak carried in procession too and showcased in Dublin Brigit’s Parade today, February 1.

So, with an eye to our own St Brigid’s Cross, and crossing myself for my mum’s mum without whom I wouldn’t be there.

And countless other Brigid connections, we say… 

HAPPY ST BRIGID’S DAY

Deals, Europe, Pilgrimage

Corphew go trekking in the Greek islands

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Giorgios, Maria, Evi and all our Greek friends, and Dutch Frank, all tell us that the locals head for the islands when it heats up so Corphew… let’s go trekking in the Greek islands.

And put in the hard work we wimped out on the last time we were there.

On honeymoon, 32 years ago when it was more about sunset walks on the Corfiot beach.

In my defence it was toga-wearing hot when we were there in the September of 1994.

Good reason then for the grumpy Greek Orthodox monks to be wearing robes.

Going Solos

Stark beauty: Corfu

I have since got my walking shoes on on my travels out to the Attica region and Kythera, and continue to mither The Scary One to join me.

Although, of course, my notorious wayfaring is hardly a persuasive argument.

Which will be why she always suggests I go on my own… ‘take a long walk down a short pier.’

Solos are, of course, the go-to for, er solo, trips where you meet like-minded travellers.

Or those who have exhausted the patience of those at home and who you end up falling out with on holiday.

Come what May

Enchanting: Corfu town

And so Solos are marking this May, in celebration of National Walking Month, by sending us all out on a week of hiking and cultural discovery in Corfu.

You’ll be based at Aronda House in Dassia.

And the itinerary features moderate guided hikes through the hills, coastal paths and valleys on this most verdant of Greek islands.

Stretching out: Ready for your trek

Highlights include a coast to coat walk from Skripero, a forested trail past the heritage village of Agios Markos.

And a loop around the flamingo-dotted Korission Lagoon in the island’s quieter south.

With daily distances around 13kms and routes made up of gentle ascents, it’s ideal for all walkers.

Deal us in

Lie back: And think of Corfu

A seven-night Corfu Walking Tour departs on May 1 and is priced at £1,259pp.

This includes return flights, transfers, airport taxes, double room for solo use.

A welcome drink, daily breakfast, BBQ dinner at hotel, three picnic lunches.

Four exclusive fully guided walks and a Solos Tour Leader.

 

 

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

May St Anthony guide you in 2026

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It’s never too early in the new year to be looking for inspiration so may St Anthony guide you in 2026.

And your travels as St Anthony is the Church’s torchbearer for travellers.

Now if the Christmas season is about Baby Jesus and the main saint is Nicklaus.

Then Saint Anthony is not far behind him.

Because as well as being the patron saint of peregrinators St Anthony is also the go-to man for lost causes.

Dome from home: The basilica

And Christmas is definitely one of those occasions, as well as when you’re portable on holiday, when things go missing.

Under a pile of Christmas wrapping and bundles of new gifts.

Which is what happened to Herself when we repaired to go out for a tipple at the local North Berwick hostelry.

Only to realise that her keys were nowhere to be found.

Answer to our prayers

Sacred shrine: Where miracles happen

Of course, misplacing our valuables comes when we’re distracted.

And we are thinking about too much at the same time.

And I’m a master of both and have a mountain of possessions long since fenced by those little Borrowers blighters.

Now after Herself hunting high and low and sending me out of the house and the way.

I suggested we ask St Anthony as a last resort.

For a token fee, of course, in his collection box at the chapel.

Now disbelievers will scoff but the evidence is there and moments later She called to inform me.

That she had found them among the wrapping and tinnies in the bin.

With some story about the dog lead knocking them in there.

Man of charity

Everything in the garden: And it’s rosy

All of which mishaps among the merriment brings us to the hero of the moment.

No, not me, but St Anthony, and where we can find him to bank our favours for the future.

Well, for those who follow such things, St Anthony is often referred to as St Anthony of Padua.

Lisbon native Fernando Martins de Bulhões, having been as is so often the case, born from a privileged status.

But going on to dedicate himself to charity in the 13th century.

And preaching, and here is where this peregrinator, came face to face with the great man.

Or the closest thing to that with a reliquary of the Portugueezer in his adopted town of Padua in north-east Italy.

Now Anthony, his given monastic name, found himself in Italy after his ship was blown off course.

On his way back from Morocco, where he had fallen ill (been there, done that).

The trip of the tongue

City of saints: The Italian jewel

And it was in Bologna where the legend of Anthony intervening when you lose something was spawned.

When Anthony lost his psalter and prayed to God that it would be found or returned.

And the thief was moved to not only return the book to Anthony.

With the stolen book now said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna.   

While St Anthony’s tongue and jaw bone which miraculously survived, while the rest of him turned to dust, is the sight of veneration.

In the St Anthony Basilica in Padua where pilgrims gather to pay homage.

And ask where they’ve left their keys, wallet, mobile phone or whatever is dear to you.