Gower Pilgrimage Way

In Spring 2022, Rhossili Church was the venue for the launch of a new family-friendly pilgrimage route linking seventeen historic churches on the Gower Peninsula, attractive to visitors both from local communities and from far afield.

The Gower Pilgrimage Way is a new 50-mile walking and cycling route.  It combines the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Gower’s wonderful natural environment whilst discovering the rich heritage of the Gower churches, which have their roots in the age of the Celtic saints, and continue to serve as places of faith and worship today. 

An upsurge of interest in pilgrimage routes and spirituality, both in the UK and around the world, makes this route an exciting new addition in our locality.  It was conceived by local man David Pope and the then vicar Rev Justin Davies, in a ‘Dreams’ church focus group in South West Gower, whose purpose was to consider Christian relevance in modern life and society, in a post-covid world.  Such journeys certainly provide a chance for contemplation, fellowship, reflection and meaningful conversations. 

The route – developed by the Church in Wales – includes coast and countryside, open moorland and wooded valleys, taking in churches, several chapels and other Christian sacred sites.  It runs from Penclawdd in the north-east, around the peninsula, to St Teilo’s in Bishopston in the south-east, and has been carefully divided into five manageable journeys, with waymarker signs to give direction.  Emphasis on walking and cycling, together with encouragement to use public transport, aims to promote sustainable tourism in Gower, and provide a boost to local businesses. Significant grants were awarded, of which several applications were positively supported by letters from Rhossili Community Council and others. A booklet with maps and route details is available in the Gower churches and from tourist outlets.  It contains a ‘Pilgrim Passport’, that can be stamped at each church visited, with each stamp having its own unique design.  And for children, a booklet about Arthur Bear’s journey is also available, and includes a bear hunt around the churches in search of hidden teddy monks and nuns.  The first ‘pilgrim’ to complete the whole 50 mile walk and have his Pilgrim Passport stamped was our very own well-known walker David Stockwell – congratulations on his historic achievement!

In September the first Gower Pilgrimage Festival took place to coincide with CADW’s Open Doors month, offering a week of guided walks, with the churches open to visitors along the route for refreshments, information and activities.  At the end of each day a pilgrim-themed event took place in the churches, including a Celtic Christian Meditation, a Compline service led by Brother Titus from Caldey Abbey, a talk on Pilgrimage by Rev Sam Aldred, in Port Eynon a play for voices on the life of Saint Cattwg, and a closing Cymanfa Ganu service (Songs of Praise) in Bishopston.

Television and radio presenter, Adrian Chiles, has kindly agreed to be Patron, and since its launch in May, the Pilgrimage Way has steadily gained recognition through five comprehensive monthly articles in The Bay magazine each covering a section of the walk; by Radio Wales in its Country Focus programme; and recently in a recording for S4C’s Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol, broadcast on 20 November and available on BBC iPlayer. 

Bishop John of Swansea and Brecon says: ‘Whatever your own reason to begin this pilgrimage, whether you are a person of faith or none, I think one thing we can agree on is that to journey is to change’.  To find out more or to embark on your own pilgrimage visit ‘Gower Pilgrimage Way’ or ‘Llwybr Pererindod Gwyr’  on facebook or the gowerpilgrimageway.org website.

Rhossili is part of the 11 mile Section 3 of the walk starting in Llangennith, coming over Rhossili Down into the village, before going back up the Down to journey along ancient byways to Old Henllys and Llanddewi Church, and completing at Port Eynon.  It makes for a very enjoyable afternoon!

Caroline Johnson

Website: gowerpilgrimageway.org 
Facebook ‘Gower Pilgrimage Way’ and ‘Llwybr Pererindod Gŵyr‘