Walking a pilgrimage route:
Quoting Saint Augustine, “solvitur ambulando” (“it is solved by walking”), means putting one foot in front of another, and following a clear path to a goal. This could be a plan for life….and also a good way to describe walking a pilgrimage route. There are quite a few such routes around the world, each with its unique history, landscapes, and cultural significance. You will definitely get a feel for the country you are visiting and probably have some unexpected..and (mostly) pleasant…surprises along the way.
In our fast-paced world a walking pilgrimage can be an excellent opportunity to slow down and focus on our spiritual growth, helping to improve both our mental and physical health along the way!
Catholic walking pilgrimage routes:
Pilgrimages have been a tradition for centuries and, as a result, there are certain pilgrimage routes that have a long history dating back before any modern means of transportation. On one of these official pilgrimage routes pilgrims are often given a “passport” or credencial, a document that is stamped at various points along the pilgrimage route to verify their progress and participation. This stamped credencial is then presented at the end of the pilgrimage in order to receive a certificate of completion. In the case of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the certificate is, not surprisingly, called a Compostela.
In some cases, of course, you can create your own walking pilgrimage itinerary that will adjust to your available time or other factors. For example, got a few hours free in San Antonio, Texas? Just visit two or three of the missions there….they are all close by, and you will have created your own walking pilgrimage (although you can easily drive as well).
France
The Chartres pilgrimage Annual pilgrimage drawing thousands on the walk from Paris to Chartres.
Here is our page on the Chartres pilgrimage.
Ireland and Wales
Wexford Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way: This pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of St Aidan’s sixth century journey from Ferns in Ireland to meet his teacher and mentor, to Saint David, in Wales. This lead to the establishment of new churches and monasteries and also helped with the flourishing of Celtic culture in the Age of the Saints.
Here is the official site of the Wexford Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way.
Italy
Saint Francis Way (Via Francigena): Approximately 323 miles (520 km) from Florence to Rome visiting sites associated with St. Francis’s life and legacy. It is usually divided into two sections, the Northern Way (from La Verna to Assisi) and the Southern Way (from Assisi to Rome).
Here is the official website of Via Francigena.
The Way of St. Benedict: Also known as the Camino di San Benedetto, this is a 185-mile (300 km) pilgrimage route in central Italy that follows the footsteps of St. Benedict of Norcia.
The trail begins in Norcia, his birthplace, and culminates in Montecassino, where he wrote his famous Rule. It’s a 16-day walking pilgrimage that takes you through charming towns, monasteries, and stunning landscapes.
Portugal
The Portuguese Way: starting in either Lisbon or Porto, this is an alternative to the Way of Saint James. The Portuguese Way is 161 miles (260 km) long if you are starting in Porto, 380 miles (610 km) long if you are starting in Lisbon and ending at the Shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. From Porto, along the Douro River, pilgrims travel north crossing the five main rivers—the Ave, Cávado, Neiva, Lima and Minho—before entering Spain and passing through Pontevedra on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The way from Porto was historically used by the local populations and by those who arrived in the local ports.According to the Portuguese Tourist Office, in 2024, the Portuguese Way was the second most popular route after the French Way.. The months of May through September were the most popular.
Spain and France
The Way of Saint James: One of the most famous pilgrimage routes in Europe, tracing the route of Saint James.
This pilgrimage has several routes (in Spain and in France), all ending up in Santiago de Compostela at the tomb of Saint James. The French Way is the most popular, with visits to Pamplona, the La Rioja wine region, the impressive cathedral in Burgos; the city of León; and Ponferrada with its historic Templar Castle. As the route continues from Ponferrada, it enters Galicia, passing through the mountains and the charming village of O Cebreiro.
Here is our page describing the Way of Saint James.
The Ruta Mariana:
The Ruta Mariana, or ‘Marian Route’, is the result of the pilgrims’ desire to follow the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It is split into five stages that bring together the principal shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary: Meritxell, Montserrat, El Pilar, Torreciudad and Lourdes.
Here is the official website of The Ruta Mariana.
Sweden and Finland
Saint Olav Waterway: begins in Turku (Finland) and ends in Eckerö (Åland). The St. Olav Waterway is the first pilgrim trail connecting Finland and Sweden over the sea. This trail combines beautiful hikes with island hopping and takes about two weeks. The total distance is 211 miles (340 km), part of which includes ferries. so the distance that you actually have to walk is approximately 132 miles (215 km). You also have the option to bike portions of the trail.
Here is the official website of the Saint Olav Waterway pilgrimage.
Turkey (Türkiye)
The Lycian Way: The region that gives the hiking route its name, Lycia, is also known as the Teke Peninsula. Lycians, the ancient civilization who lived in these coastal lands during the ancient times before Christ, were the main settlers of the region. According to the Heredotos, the origins of the Lycians trace back to the Greek colonies of the island known as Crete. is a marked long-distance hiking trail of 320 miles(760 km) in southwestern Turkey (province of Atalya) around part of the coast of ancient Lycia. It stretches from Hisarönü, near Fethiye, to Aşağı Karaman in Konyaaltı, about 12 miles (20 km) from Antalya. Completing the Lycian Way trail in its entirety would take between 30-45 days .
Saint Paul Trail: footsteps of Saint Paul. A 310 mile (500 km) 27-day way-marked footpath from Perge, 7 miles (10 km) East of Antalya, to Yalvac, NE of Lake Egirdir. There is a second branch starting at Beşkonak, the entrance to the Köprülü Kanyon National Park 80km NE of Antalya and joining the first route at the Roman site of Adada. The trail is over Roman roads, footpaths and forest tracks; suitable in places for mountain bikes. It’s a wilder route than the Lycian Way, starting at sea level and climbing up to 2200m, with two optional peaks at around 2800m. Kate Clow opened this route in 2008, to bring tourism into rural Turkey and offer walkers insight into the countryside that Paul traveled through on his first journey through Asia Minor.
Here is the website from the Cultural Routes Society describing the Saint Paul Trail.
U.S.A.
California Missions Trail: The California Missions Trail is an 802-mile route that connects the 21 Spanish missions in California, spanning from San Diego to Sonoma.The California mission system was established in 1769, under the order of the Spanish king. The first mission in California—Mission San Diego de Alcalá—was built the same year. Military troops and Franciscan missionaries were sent to the new land to colonize the territory, convert the Natives to Christianity, and build missions. Once the Native people converted, the missionaries would leave to other locations and build additional religious outposts.
Here is our webpage for the California Missions. Here is the official website for the California Missions Trail.
San Antonio Missions Trail: 5 Spanish missions within a short distance from each other (one of which is the famous Alamo). All within a short walk (or drive) of other. Four are still active parishes where you can attend Mass.
Here is our page on the San Antonio missions.
Walking a pilgrimage Route is not for everyone:
The primary consideration, of course, is time. If you only have a week or so, then that will rule out taking the entire pilgrimage route in almost all cases. You may, of course, choose to follow part of the route that will fit your time schedule.
For those who crave structure and strict scheduling, walking a pilgrimage route many not be for you. Obviously, if you have mobility problems, it is unlikely that a walking pilgrimage would be a good choice. Some of these routes are bike-friendly, so check them out if you prefer not to do that much walking. We have known some groups that traveled these routes by bus….giving those with mobility problems a chance to follow a pilgrimage route. And, occasionally, we have seen tour companies that will arrange for pilgrims who cannot walk the entire route to get off the bus and walk a few miles of a pilgrimage route while the rest of the group on the bus goes ahead and gets to their hotel a bit ahead of the walkers.
Other pilgrimage routes are good for bikers as well.