North Wales Pilgrim's Way: Walking the Welsh Camino

The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way (Taith Pererin Gogledd Cymru) is a long-distance walking route starting in Holywell, Flintshire, and concluding at Aberdaron on the Llŷn Peninsula. As pilgrims have trekked the “Welsh Camino” since the 6th century, it is around three centuries older than Spain’s more famous Camino de Santiago. The trail in Wales, Great Britain, was inaugurated in July 2014 as a formal walking route passing ancient monuments, sacred churches, and stone crosses set to a backdrop of wild moorland landscapes and the occasional glimmer of coastal beauty.

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Notable landmarks of the North Wales Pilgrim's Way

The Welsh Camino covers close to 140 miles (221 km) and takes an average of 14 days to complete at a leisurely pace allowing time to visit places of interest. There are several points along the way where hikers are presented with a choice of routes, either heading towards the coast or venturing further inland. Travelers short on time may also choose to break the journey down into a series of shorter multi-day or one-day walks. 

Basingwerk Abbey marks the official starting point for all walkers. Before leaving Holywell, hikers can stop at St Winefride’s Well, which comprises a sacred shrine where Saint Beuno performed his miracle. There is also a pool on the premises where bathing (in modest attire) is permitted. After leaving the village, the walk veers to the northwest and introduces hikers to the rolling valleys of the Clwydian Range and the Vale of Clwyd. Tremeirchion, St Asaph, Gwytherin, and Llannefydd are notable villages along the way with churches to see and pubs offering refreshments. 

The route skirts the northern boundary of Eryri National Park. Also known as Snowdonia, this is home to the tallest peak in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). The massif becomes visible on the approach to Bangor and Pistyll, as do the peaks of the Carneddau Ranges. This area falls under the UNESCO-designated Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, which traces the heritage of mining and quarrying amid a stunning region of forests, moorlands, and river valleys.

As the trail reaches the Llŷn Peninsula, the scenery adds a seaside twist. The village of Clynnog Fawr is the point of entry, from where an old road now used as a cycleway guides walkers past St. Beuno’s Chapel and Well. The coastal route passes Aber Falls and Porth Dinllaen with stunning views of the rugged Welsh coastline and its sandy beaches. Once at Aberdaron, many walkers complete the hiking excursion with a spiritual boat crossing to Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli). This is known as the “Island of 20,000 Saints” owing to its burial grounds. It is also a place of remarkable natural beauty and an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. 

As a souvenir, walkers may also pick up a Pilgrim Passport and receive stamps from 23 churches and sites along the North Wales Pilgrim’ Way. These stamps are designed by local schoolchildren to reflect local legends and landmarks.

Luxury dining and lodging on the Welsh Camino

Traditional village inns, humble guest houses, and quaint tea rooms are the typical options for accommodation and comfort breaks while hiking the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way. It’s also possible to make a deviation to a luxury hotel or celebrated restaurant along the route or to plan a stay at a country estate upon completion of the pilgrimage. 

Bodysgallen Hall and Spa (near Llandudno) is Grade I listed historic hotel with a spa, stunning gardens, and fine dining restaurant. It’s a slight detour but close enough to stage a luxurious overnighter before approaching Snowdonia and the peninsula. Palé Hall (near Bethesda) is a 5-star country-house hotel at the foot of Snowdonia with sumptuous rooms and award-winning dining. This is an ideal place to unwind after completing the trail. 

The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way is a deeply rewarding hiking experience which combines Welsh heritage with landscapes. Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to discuss a bespoke itinerary of walking and castle-hopping.