Water & Bees Pilgrimage 29th May 10:30am - 3pm  /  5 km

The Pilgrim Fayre day begins with St Davids Cathedral and Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way joining forces to lead a guided walk linking Saint Aidan and Saint David through symbols of water and bees.

We meet at Tŷ'r Pererin for a warm welcome & refreshments and are then guided down to the Cathedral for a musical send off by Côr Pawb & the Pererin Wyf / I am a pilgrim project. Our journey then begins through Glyn Rhosyn valley at the edge of an old water mill, across a stepping stone bridge through a nature reserve and down to Porthclais harbour. Wells, springs, rivers, hives and skeps retell the stories linking Dewi & Aidan to our landscape. At Cross Square we join the celebrations and Pilgrim Parade at 2pm led by Small World Theatre with the giant puppet of Saint David and a new 6m-long sea monster in a procession with musicians and pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn. We will be led through the Cathedral grounds by the giant St David Puppet to visit the bee skeps 'Do the Little Things' artwork by Bedwyr Williams, on his way to the festivities at the Fayre to arrive at 3pm.

A lively medieval marketplace awaits us with an array of exciting stalls showcasing some of the finest wares the area has to offer. There'll be stalls selling delicious, award-winning food and drink too, made from locally sourced ingredients. There'll be mischief makers, meandering minstrels and holy relic sellers and surprise pop-up performers. The day continues with the chance to experience traditional crafts and skills used to build the Bishop’s Palace and St Davids Cathedral with the Tywi Centre crafts people in their marque as they share their knowledge of historic buildings and demonstrate decorative plasterwork, carving stone, thatching, traditional window making amongst other things. Ancient Connections will be sharing the impact of the Ancient Connections project through a programme of films screened in the vaults of the Palace. The films feature artists’ and community commissions from Wales and Ireland.  Finally, gather round for open-air concerts with ancient music from Wales and the Celtic nations performed by renowned folk musicians Julie Murphy, Ceri Rhys Matthews and Jess Ward. A perfect musical accompaniment to a magnificent celebration in the impressive, historic setting of the ruined Palace.

Film makers credit: Small World Theatre & Richardson Media Wales

Pilgrimage is a Bring your own Beliefs practice and will include:

- New ways of meeting holy places (bring your own beliefs!)

- Pilgrim songs on the path

- Opportunities for silence

- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition

- Natural beauty and the wild places between the land and sea 

Who can come?

Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious?

Most of our pilgrimages are faith-neutral, drawing on a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy where pilgrims can participate as they choose. We ask all pilgrims to respect one another, whatever their beliefs. There is time and space to engage with holy places on your own terms, whether that is with quiet contemplation, a personal prayer, our suggested practices or simply relaxing in the space. Some pilgrimages are guided by individuals with specific faiths. On these journeys all faiths and no-faiths are equally welcome, but you can expect to experience some faith-specific practices on these. Look for “Faith Focused” pilgrimages in our listings for these.

Is it just walking?

Every pilgrimage is unique, and includes a range of practices carefully selected by your guide. Set an intention for your journey and participate in a rich experience, created by a different things throughout the day. These could include moments to stimulate thought such stories, songs, poems and folklore, physical practices like barefoot walking, wild water drinking, forest bathing or forehead pressing. There may be moments of deliberate silence, a blessing or reading from a local person, wild flower foraging – all sorts of things, plus plenty of time walking on the path. You will never be made to participate in something if you prefer not to. The day can feel relaxed, contemplative, light-hearted and joyful, and will be different depending on the route, guide and the band of pilgrims you share it with.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group?

We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you. It is certainly not compulsory.

What do I need to bring?

The list may vary for each pilgrimage so check the individual details. However, we generally recommend: Appropriate footwear and weather protection (waterproofs or sun cream). Packed lunch, waterbottle or thermos flask. Anything required for wild loo stops (your guide will be able to recommend some good spots if no toilets are available). A staff or walking stick are not essential but are a recognised symbol of the pilgrim. Some pilgrims like to bring snacks to share with other pilgrims too.

Are there fitness or access limitations?

Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, giving us time to walk the distance. Where relevant you’ll find additional information about accessibility in the full event entry. Click the button in the event listing for more info.

Photo credit: Celtic Routes

Photo credit: @willjpin

Photo credit: @mothergoosefilms

Photo credit: @willjpin

Photo credit: @willjpin

Photo credit: @mothergoosefilms

Photo credit: @mothergoosefilms

Photo credit: @KarelJasper