From the West of England to the South of England

A Pilgrimage with celtic connections

Land's End to The Lizard

The South West Coastal Path stretches from Minehead in Somerset, to Swanage in Dorset, a total of some 630 miles. Our Pilgrimage takes us from the most westerly point  of England (Land's End) to its most southerly point (The Lizard), a distance of 45 miles. The Path was originally created by coast guards who were checking the small inlets and coves for smugglers, and by tin miners and fishermen. Their churches and cottages and mines  are still scattered along the path, which dips up and down along a rugged coast line - up to the heathlands and down to the sea. You need to be fairly fit to do this - time to begin walking and getting in shape in readiness!  But most days we only walk 7 or 8 miles, and there is a rest day midweek. There are a few ups and downs and some are demanding, so it’s worth getting fit before the walk.

Come and enjoy the glorious Cornish coast - you might spot seals, eat a cream tea, enjoy local fresh fish, learn about Celtic saints, worship in a 6th century church. And along the way, have plenty of time to be refreshed and renewed in your walk with the Lord. In May, the coastal path is fringed with glorious wild flowers - bluebells, thrift gorse, campion and many others. 

This is an 8 day holiday arriving on day one,  walking for 5 days, with a day off mid week (see below)  and departing on day 8.

We will stay at Chy-an-Eglos, a wonderful house above an old harbour. Built in 1775, with quirky rooms and great charm, it’s an eclectic three-storey Grade II Listed Manor House with two main stairways, and is wonderfully higgledy –piggledy! There are fine original Rococo plasterwork ceilings, and original wall panelling and chimney pieces. The large parlour has a modillioned cornice and the small parlour has florets within a cavetto moulding;  the original doorcases have chest-shaped overdoors and original 6-panel doors. For a period during the C19th this house was the home of Piers St Aubyn, Architect. There are lots of nooks and crannies to sit - the library, study, sitting room or window seats. AND there is an indoor swimming pool in the grounds. Perfect for the mid week day off! History and home combine to make this a wonderful place to stay and to rest.    There are 3 double rooms and 3 twin rooms, each with their own bathroom. So bring your spouse; or a friend with whom you don't mind sharing a room.  

We will walk about 8-10 miles each day, with the longest day's walk being 10 miles and most days only 8 or so; but we will have one day off midweek for other activities or relaxation - your choice from things such as sleeping, reading, taking time by yourself, exploring the historic St Michael's Mount, or the Newlyn School of Art, playing golf at St Enedoc, pottering around the quaint shops and galleries of Marazion ...

We will begin each day with breakfast and a short meditation about a local Cornish saint; there will be reflections and 'spiritual exercises' occasionally as we walk; we will stop at lunch time for you to purchase refreshments at  local pubs or cafes (try the Cornish pasties! or fish and chips ...)  and each evening before dinner there will be a devotional time with worship, a reflection or Bible teaching, and ministry time. Then we will relax over supper and wine - and light the fire if it's chilly! 

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Further details:

 

We will soak up the atmosphere in ancient and tiny storm-wracked churches; learn more of the Celtic saints who first established Christianity in this area; explore old tin mines and talk to sheep and cows. And try a Cornish cream tea and Cornish meat pasties. Maybe even a Stargazy pie! In May there is normally a profusion of wild flowers clustered along the edge of the path, pinks and blues and yellows. The beauty is stunning as we walk along this rugged edge, sometimes dipping down to the sea or climbing up to the bracing heathlands. But above all, we all want to take time out from everydayness and give the time and the space for the Lord to speak into our lives. There’s something about the walking and the newness of this rhythm that enables us to hear from God in a way that perhaps doesn’t seem to happen at home. evening devotions will include times of worship and prayer, and Kim giving a short Bible teachingeach morning will have a thought from the life of a local Celtic saint, given by Penelope who will continue the theme as we walk

 

- This is a typical  English Houseparty - staying in an old house, eating together, making ourselves at home and able to use all the facilities of the house, and being out and about in the fresh (read bracing!) English coastal air every day except one. 

It is suitable for any Christian of any age and stage, single or married. You need to be able to walk about 8 – 10 miles a day; but there’s no hurry and there’s nothing else to do all day, so it’s unlike a walk at home, with deadlines or with work again tomorrow.  

 

The Cost for this 8 day holiday includes:

7 nights staying in an historic Cornish manor house

breakfast and evening meals provided daily

wine with dinner each evening

all linens and towels provided

fully guided walking each day

transport to and from the walk each day

transportfrom Penzance Station to Chy-an-Glos on Day One

transport to Penzance from Chy-an-Glos on Day Eight

morning devotions including the lives of some of the Cornish Celtic saints

meditations and contemplations each day while walking

evening worship and Bible teaching

Essential information on what to bring

spiritual preparation and walking preparation in advance

Emergency back-up

 (Penzance is the closest main railway station; fast trains from London Paddington, no changes needed.)    

NOT INCLUDED:

Travel from home to Penzance on Day One

travel from Penzance to home on Day Eight

travel insurance.

You will also need to buy your own lunch each day, either at cafes and pubs along the route or in the local shops.the cost of any activities on the midweek day off

 

 

Places are limited to a maximum of 12. We are also able to lead specific  groups, who would like to do this together, such as a home group or church leadership group.  Please contact us if this is of interest to you, to discuss dates and prices..

WHAT IS A PILGRIMAGE?

For centuries, Christians have walked to special places, to take time to be with God and allow God the time and space to work in their lives. And today, pilgrimages are becoming even more popular, as people leave behind the daily normal routine of busy and stressful lives and have some time for walking, for reflection, for BEING. Why not discover how the rhythm of walking gives mental and spiritual refreshment?

It is a vacation with a difference.

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jer. 6:16

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BOOKING CONDITIONS

1                Booking Procedure

When booking there is a non-refundable deposit per person. The balance must be paid by 8 weeks prior to arrival. Where bookings are made less than 8 weeks before the start of the tour, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.

2                Payment

Payment for deposit and for balance should be made by bank transfer. Details on booking form

3                Cancellation

Should a holiday booking have to be cancelled please notify me in writing. If some one is found to replace you there will be no further payment due; however, if the place is not filled you will be liable for cancellation charges of the total pilgrimage cost.  We recommend you take out cancellation insurance.

4                Insurance

We do not accept any liability for any loss or injury however caused.  We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance cover against illness, injury, loss or damage to luggage whilst on holiday.  This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

We wish to remind you that (except in the case of their negligence or wilful default) neither the leaders, the host team nor the houseparty venue accept any liability for any death, injury to persons, illness or property damage of any kind occurring during the week’s Walk.

NOT INCLUDED:

-        Travel from home to Penzance on Day One

-        travel from Penzance to home on Day Eight

-        travel insurance. 

-        You will also need to buy your own lunch each day, at shops, cafes and pubs along the route.

Penzance is the closest main railway station near Chy-an-Glos; trains from London (Paddington) are straight through, and take about 5 hours. It is a very interesting and beautiful journey especially the last two to three hours.  

Once your place is reserved initial information will be sent, including walking fitness, equipment suggestions and flight and insurance suggestions. Further help and advice is sent a few weeks prior to the Walk.