Penrhys Pilgrimage

Organised by Guided Pilgrimage 

“Diolch Chris and Iain for a truly blessed weekend pilgrimage. The words of encouragement and the friendly smiles from you both and my fellow pilgrims put me at ease. Time to talk, time to be silent, time to think, time to pray, a time to walk in peace. I loved it. Meeting people along The Way and a ‘proper welsh welcome’ at Llanfair Uniting Church Penrhys. The Walk, the Pilgrimage, the Journey - times I will never forget.” (Ceri, July 2024)

Where we’ll be:

We will be walking from Llandaff Cathedral along a medieval pilgrimage route which is rich in history (and has recently been restored) to our destination of Penrhys where a statue of the Virgin Mary was said to have miraculously appeared in the fifteenth century.

The route is 21 miles in total and we will walk 10.5 miles on each of the two days. We end the first day at Llantrisant, reconvening on Sunday morning to walk the second leg to Penrhys.

Transport will be provided each day back to our start points (Llandaff on Saturday and Llantrisant on Sunday).

Expert guides Iain Tweedale and Christine Smith from Guided Pilgrimage - a not-for-profit travel company specialising in pilgrimage experiences in Wales - will lead us both days, stopping on the way to point out key places on the route and to reflect on the meaning of pilgrimage both in the past and in the modern day.

You can sign up to take part on one or both days.

"Thank you both for a fabulous experience this weekend. I felt the journey came full circle to start in a building magnifying the “glory of faith” to a place that demonstrates true faith, a community working to give warmth, food, shelter, education and support to all without question and judgement. The connection with place, environment and people was ever present! And the stories and words of wisdom were gratefully received." (Rachel, September 2022)

"The company was excellent and what a joy to share the experience with other like minded people." (Andrew, March 2022)

The weekend starts with A Storytelling Evening with Steve Killick on Friday 6th June 2025 at 7pm (The Scout Hall, Belle Vue Crescent, Llandaff North, CF14 2FJ - doors open at 7pm). In every age, people have set out on pilgrimages, to strange and sacred lands, on spiritual journeys, personal quests, or simply for the joy of it and to share in the company of fellow travellers.

A Storytelling Evening ticket is £12 for those who are not walking the pilgrimage. You do not have to walk the pilgrimage to attend the storytelling event. If you walk either or both days of the pilgrimage, you will receive a complimentary ticket to the Storytelling Evening as part of your Walking Pilgrim Ticket.

Guided Pilgrimage walk to Penrhys:

Saturday 7th June 2025 - Stage 1: Llandaff to Llantrisant: we gather at 9am at Llandaff Cathedral (CF5 2LA) from where we set off on our 6.5 mile walk to reach Creigiau / Groesfaen where we will lunch (please bring a packed lunch with you). In the afternoon we continue our journey along the medieval pilgrimage route to our destination at the 14th century Guildhall at Llantrisant (CF72 8EE). Transport will be provided for those who need it to bring pilgrims back to Llandaff Cathedral by approx 5pm. Total walking today 10.5 miles.

Sunday 8th June 2025 - Stage 2: Llantrisant to Penrhys: We meet at 9am at Heol y Sarn free car park, Gwaunruperra Rd, Llantrisant, CF72 8QQ (this is only 200 metres from the Bullring). We make our way on foot to Tonyrefail. We stop in Trebanog or nearby for a lunch stop (please bring a packed lunch with you). We will need the fortification for the last part of the route this afternoon heading first for Dinas and then to Penrhys. Here we can enjoy the beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary and the holy well together with the hospitality of the Llanfair Uniting Church. After tea and cakes and presentation of completion certificates, transport will be provided back to Llantrisant. Total walking today 10.5 miles.

"Many, many thanks once again for organising this pilgrimage which will remain the highlight of the year for me." (Margaret, March 2022)

Walking Pilgrim Ticket price: £40 per person for 1 day (either Saturday or Sunday) or £65 per person for both days. What is included in the price for walking pilgrims?

• Complimentary entry to the storytelling event on 6th June 2025.
  
• Services of experienced pilgrim guides.
• Penrhys Pilgrimage Way Completion Certificate for pilgrims who complete the full 21 miles over the two days
• Lifts back to the starting points on each day.

Overnight Accommodation

If you are coming from afar, you might want to book some local accommodation. The better prices are for the early bird at some hotels so don't delay in getting your accommodation booked.

Llandaff area - there is a wide range of accommodation available here. The Maltsters Arms Hotel (https://www.maltstersarmspub.co.uk/) is a medium range hotel close to the start at Llandaff Cathedral.

Llantrisant area - again there are a range of local b&b etc but ideally placed is the Premier Inn (https://www.premierinn.com).

What to bring:

You will need to bring waterproofs, a packed lunch on both days, a drink and snacks and a day pack to carry these in. Walking boots or walking trainers are required for this route as sections are rocky and can be muddy if we have rain. Please also dress according to the weather - dressing in many layers of clothing is always the best idea. A hiking stick or pilgrim staff can be a useful addition. 

Any queries, please contact Chris or Iain via Ticket Tailor (Contact the Organiser) or via our website at guidedpilgrimage.co.uk.