Our pilgrimage on the Saints Way
What an incredible journey we experienced on the Saints Way pilgrimage. It was a great opportunity to forget the stress and strain of everyday life and enjoy the peaceful Cornish countryside, having time to talk with each other whilst tracing the footsteps of Cornish saints.
Following a blessing from Father Paul Keys in St Petroc we set off, initially following the Camel Trail out of Padstow. The route took us along secluded creeks to St Petroc Minor Church in Little Petherick where Father John held midday prayers.
We then began the long climb to St Breock Downs which is the highest non granite point in the county. Conditions underfoot were very challenging but the Standing Stone and views from the top were spectacular which made it all worthwhile.
Following the route past Standing Stones and Celtic Crosses our next stop was Withiel and the impressive St Clement Church. Clement the First was 3rd successor to St Peter as Bishop of Rome and was influential in the early development of the Christian Church. From there our support drove us to Lanivet where we moved on to Bodmin for the evening. Father John Deeney celebrated Mass in St Mary and St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin, a very beautiful Church, before we set off from Lanivet on day two.
Before leaving Lanivet we visited its Church which was very special. Talking to a passionate local parishioner, he told us so much about the history of the Church. Fortunately, the inclement weather had eased by the time we left Lanivet on our way to Helman Tor and Llanlivery. In Llanlivery we enjoyed a welcome coffee in the medieval Crown Inn (circa 1130) before having midday prayers at St Bryvyth Church. The granite tower of the 15th century Church is the third highest Church tower in Cornwall.
Feeling refreshed we started our final leg of the journey to Fowey passing through Crewel Cross and Milltown towards Golant. This part of the pilgrimage was particularly hilly to navigate, both up and down, and in places very testing. We did find along the route that strangers were very open and welcoming even offering us drinks and letting us rest.
We approached Fowey as light began to fade arriving at St Fimbarrus Church at 5.00pm. What a journey we had been on, although a little tired it was very fulfilling to know we had completed our pilgrimage safely.
A heartfelt thank you to Filipe and Asia who provided transport to Padstow and from Fowey, it was very much appreciated. Thanks also to Stephen for acting as support on day one, Father Paul Keys and Kate in Bodmin for providing supper and somewhere warm to sleep.
Written by John Ashdown. Photographs by Nicole Forrester
