Pilgrimage

Welcome to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Pilgrim Walks - CaminOH!
These walks link the twelve churches of this Ministry Area, all but one of which are medieval or even Celtic Christian in origin. In themselves they tell of the strong Christian tradition in this part of the world for over 1500 years, starting with St Illtud’s 5 th century monastic school at Llantwit Major. The churches at St Athan, Gileston, Llanmaes, St Donat’s, St Brides Major and Ewenny all have Celtic Christian foundations. Those at Llanmihangel, Marcross, Monknash and Wick were built in the 12th century, while the youngest at Southerndown was built in 1968.
The walks are fairly short and can be completed in a few hours. Some walks are circular, while public transport can be used on the linear walk to return to the start. Linear walks can be combined in order to visit more churches.
These walks follow ancient tracks that would have been followed by herdsmen and travellers down through the ages. But those connecting the churches would have been used by people as they went on pilgrimage to join in with the patronal or saint’s day festival of their neighbouring churches. They may have been used by the Celtic Christian missionaries as they went out from Llanilltud Fawr to all parts of Wales.
Pilgrimage is common to many religions, and ‘to be a pilgrim’ has always been part of Christian life. While a pilgrimage is a journey to a place of significance such as an ancient church, it also has a spiritual dimension, an inner journeying towards God. As you follow these ancient paths and visit these special places of worship and prayer, may you find the presence of God in the beauty of the countryside and in the peace of the churches.
Around Llantwit Major
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Llantwit, Gileston, St Athan
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Marcross, Nash Point, St Donats
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From St Brides to Ewenny
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Around St Brides Major
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Wick to St Brides Major
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Wick, Monknash + Marcross
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