There are now eight great pilgrim ways wending their way quietly through Scotland’s diverse and scenic landscape to St Andrews. A popular start point is Edinburgh but others include Aberdeen, Motherwell, the famous Isle of Iona in the west, and Hexham and Carlisle in the north of England. Some of you may not be able to do a complete way but, never mind, the ways are divided into easy sections for a half-day/one day pilgrimage.
On this website you will find information and maps for each pilgrim way. Then, arriving at St Andrews, you will enjoy the thrill of walking through the giant ruins of the old cathedral overlooking the famous sandy beaches and the North Sea. Don’t miss the special circuit round the many places of religious or cultural interest, and don’t forget to have your Way Card stamped at the Tourist Office in the main street.
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, and other church leaders are strong supporters of the revival of the St Andrews pilgrimage and particularly hope that young people will take part.
Remember, everyone is welcome no matter what religion or belief. So, enjoy being a pilgrim in Scotland, enjoy the “Little Camino” and, to keep in touch and share your experiences, please click the icons above and follow us on social media.
Length: 4 km
For over 500 years, until the Reformation, pilgrims arrived to worship at the shrine of St Andrews in the great cathedral, consecrated in 1318 by King Robert the Bruce. Many of these pilgrims arrived at the West Port, the start of this 6km circuit of St Andrews. Go back in ...
Length: 19 km
This varied and attractive cross-country route of 12 km takes you to Dunfermline and the burial place of St Margaret (Queen Margaret) of Scotland and other Scottish kings. You can either cycle back 7 km (mainly downhill) along the busy bus route, or take the bus back to your start ...
Length: 37 km
This extension of St Margaret's Way continues along Fife Coastal path through ancient fishing villages along beaches and over rocks until the spires of St Andrews come into view over miles of rolling fairways. The path continues up through the harbour into the precincts of the ruined cathedral.
Length: 550 km
St Ninian’s Way is dedicated to the memory of this early Christian saint and missionary, often known as the Apostle to the Southern Picts. Starting at the ancient cathedral in Carlisle in England St Ninian's Way goes north across the border into Scotland and west to Whithorn and St Ninian's ...
Length: 250 km
Starting from Hexham Abbey in the north of England, St Wilfrid’s Way strikes north to Hadrian’s Wall and onto the Pennine Way. It crosses the border into Scotland and proceeds by qquiet roads, paths, and signposted routes through diverse landscapes and historic towns to Rosslyn Chapel and then to Edinburgh. ...
Length: 58 km
This great pilgrimage way starts with quiet roads leading from Motherwell town centre and cathedral and then out into the countryside onto bleak moorland paths, river tracks, and canals footpaths. Historic gems like William Wallace's cave, Abercorn church and Hopetoun House along the way. Don't miss the famous Ladywell in ...
Length: 146 km
The route from Aberdeen to St Andrews forms the second part of an expanded route which starts at Tain (Gaelic: Baile Dubhthaich, 'Duthac's town'), the shrine of St Duthac there being another former pilgrimage destination of some importance, hence ‘St Duthac’s Way’.
Length: 100 km
St Margaret’s Way starts from the centre of Edinburgh, taking you on bike paths and quiet roads to the Forth Road Bridge, then spectacular scenic coastal tracks and former pilgrim trails through local communities, to the famous ancient town of St Andrews, with a total distance of about 100 km.
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