PILGRIMS on a new route in north-west Wales will be taking inspiration from the sixth-century saint Cadfan, who is thought to have come from Brittany, and who established an abbot-led community at Tywyn (the start of the route) and a monastery on Ynis Enlli, Bardsey Island (its conclusion).

The 128-mile route, Llwybr Cadfan, was launched on Saturday. Its 12 stages take in 17 historic churches and six holy wells, following the coast for much of the way and passing through many areas designated as of outstanding natural beauty.

It has been created by the diocese of Bangor, as part of the £3-million Llan project: a seven-year undertaking that will mean the development of new Welsh-language evangelistic resources, social-enterprise initiatives, and new ministries focused on pilgrimage. It is enabled by the Church in Wales Evangelism Fund.

BANGOR DIOCESEPilgrims on the LLwybr Cadfan launch on Saturday

Places on the route regarded as having particular historical and religious interest include St Cybi’s Well, believed to hold healing properties, and St Hywyn’s, Aberdaron, the final rest stop for pilgrims on the way to Ynys Enlli.

The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, spoke of a new chapter in the renewed popularity of pilgrimage in Wales. “We have seen more and more people explore their spirituality by walking ancient pilgrimage routes and visiting churches and holy wells to discover our rich Christian heritage as they seek answers to life’s problems,” he said.

The Ministry Area Leader for Bro Eryri, Canon Naomi Starkey, walked the opening stage. “Wales has always been far less discovered compared to places like Lindisfarne and Iona,” she said on Monday.

“There has always been the rumour of a southern pilgrim trail; so it’s been really exciting to see something planned and waymarked to connect the interests that are out there. It will be so good to learn about the faith stories of these ancient buildings that can so easily just end up being tourist attractions, and are now part of the pilgrim story.

“I can just imagine saints like Cadfan seeing Bardsey when the clouds lifted, and thinking, “I’m going to get across there and have time apart with God.”