We’ve since devised a 200 mile network of off-road walking routes connecting all 15 of our sites. These form a network of adventurous pilgrim trails connecting the whole of Cowal. Pilgrims come in all types, so we’ve also tried to accommodate variations for cyclists between some of our sacred sites, and provided information about parking for vehicles. In the future we hope to include sailing routes to those sites most conveniently reached by water (the motorways of our ancestors).
Currently these Scottish pilgrim routes must be considered unofficial: the routes borrow existing thoroughfares, and do not bear any Faith in Cowal waymarks. Many of the routes involve small sections of improvised hikes between Forestry roads, without even any real path to follow. Our digital pilgrim guides are very comprehensive, however, and we’re in the process of gaining SPRF Accreditation.
Now that all the walking routes are in place, we intend to set up an annual pilgrim walk event and we’re working alongside some commercial organisations to provide pilgrim retreats in Cowal and Argyll. Bookmark our blog, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram, so you can stay up to date. And if you’re interested in helping us achieve these stretch goals, then please get in touch!
This project is funded by Church of Scotland, but the routes, the sites and the Churches are always open to all comers. Whether you come to Cowal to pray or to meditate, to practice faith or practice yoga, to walk, cycle, sail or simply sit and enjoy Scotland’s landscape, you’ll always find a warm welcome and a pilgrim trail to suit your needs.