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In 2024 the Scottish Cross pilgrimage we will be walking the spectacular Moidart Route starting just south of Fort William at Corran and arriving on Island of Iona on Easter Saturday.
The pilgrimage walk will follow the previous walk as closely as possible but we will be staying in some accommodation for two nights so an element of ferrying by minibus will be required.
The Moidart Route is a beautiful, exciting and - in places - challenging route comprising of paths, sometimes muddy tracks, forestry roads and some wild walking where there are few paths apart from the occasional sheep track. There is also a small amount of road walking. There are a number of ferry trips to cross lochs and the sea to Tobermory and Iona. Some of the Moidart route follows old traditional pilgrim routes and through a part of Scotland which is rich in history. The route crosses wild and stunning countryside where eagles, deer and occasionally wild cats can be seen.
The pilgrimage is 115 miles in total (185 km), with most days averaging around 16-18 miles and this will often include a number of hills. While not all the hills are very steep the terrain is rough and going up and down hills can make tiring walking and increase the distance. Pilgrims should be strong, fit and confident walkers and ideally have some experience of hill and wild walking. Weather can be extreme - from being very cold, snowing, heavy rain, but often there are days of sun and with the occasional swim! Good outdoor waterproof, warm clothing and boots are essential (please see kit list).
The accommodation is simple with a mixture of sleeping on church, village hall floors and nights at independent hostels. Breakfast, sandwich/picnic lunch and delicious hearty evening meals provided each day.
Over the years we have built strong relationships with the local communities who have always been very welcoming. These relationships have become a core part of the pilgrimage, with people joining us for prayer, meals and to walk sections of the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage is overseen by a group of experienced and helpful volunteers, with walking being led by an experienced outdoor leader and we also have people with first aid training. You can choose to undertake all of the pilgrimage or on certain days it can be possible to join for a single/part of a day (please enquire).
We will require a number of people to provide support each day for those walking. This would include clearing up after each night's accommodation, packing the minibus/cars in the morning, undertaking any shopping, unloading the mini bus at destination and helping to prepare the evening accommodation and meal. We seek volunteers to take on this role, but you may also be asked to help if we are short-staffed and need to set up a rota.
If you would like to discuss the route or have any questions over length of days and level of fitness needed please contact us. Please note the heights for each day listed below are not the accumulative height gained over the day but the highest single point.
Accommodation: Corran Bunk House (showers and WIFI available). Arrive by 1800.
The Corran Bunk House, South Corran, Onich sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe and about eight miles south of Fort William.
Accommodation: Corran Bunk House (showers and WIFI available). Distance: 16.5 miles. Highest point: 200m (650ft). Grade: Moderate - a long first day, with one steep climb and long (sometime muddy) decent. We will return to Corran bunkhouse for our overnight accommodation.
This is a beautiful first day walking into wild countryside with breathtaking views and scenery. We walk up Cona Glen along a rough Land Rover track for 11 miles, a steady climb to 650 feet. After 11 miles we head up a steep track and over the broad ridge 'Feithnana Con' and drop down through woods and next to the Callop river eventually meeting Loch Shiel. The three mile track down from 'Feithnana Con' can be hard going especially if it is wet and muddy. We then take a forestry road and wooden foot bridge over the base of Loch Shiel and walk up the road to Glenfinnan from where we will travel back to Coran to stay the night. During the morning walk we will celebrate Palm Sunday.
Accommodation: Acharacle Community Centre (showers available Loch Shiel Hotel). Distance: 18 miles. Highest point: 10m (30ft). Grade: Moderate - a long flat walk which can be tiring due to distance.
We leave Corran bunkhouse early to travel back to Glenfinnan to start our walk heading back to the Callop River which we passed at the end of the first day. We then turn west and head along the shores of Loch Shiel for 12 miles. This is a very beautiful long walk along the shore of Loch Shiel. At Polloch Pier (12 miles) we will be met by a small fishing boat which will transport us in small groups across Loch Shiel via beautiful Green Isle and St. Finnan's Chapel (where if time allows we may stop to visit). This is the route that the coffins were brought to sacred ground in years gone by and an area rich in history. It was the area in which Bonny Prince Charlie fled and raised his last army. It is area of Scotland which was and remains strongly Catholic since that time. On crossing we follow a path and farm track to Dalelia and then minor road for a 6 mile walk into Acharacle. If tired, it is possible to take the mini bus to Acharacle.
Accommodation: Tobermory Youth Hostel (for two nights; showers available). Distance: 20 miles. Highest point: 50m (188ft).Grade: Moderate - farm track, rough path and minor road.
We walk out of Acharacle past the village school and then up over the Moors and onto the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and north coast. This is again wild and beautiful countryside and the western most point of the Scottish mainland. If clear there will be magnificent views to the Outer and Inner Hebrides - Skye, Rum, Egg, Muck and Mull. This is also the route that the local Church of Scotland Minister used to take every Sunday - starting with a morning service in Acharacle and then walking the coast path for his next service in Kilchoan. We head along the north coast of the peninsula and will stop for a mid morning break at the famous and remote Singing Sands Beach. We then pick up a rough path and head along coast to Ockle. At Ockle we join a minor road to Kilmory and then onto Kilchoan. At Kilchoan there is a chance for tea at the local community centre before taking the ferry to Tobermory on Mull, where we will be staying 2 nights at Tobermory Youth Hostel.
Accommodation: Tobermory Youth Hostel (night 2). Distance: 15 miles. Height: 100m (330ft). Grade: Easy - walking along minor 'B roads' and forestry tracks/roads.
We start in Tobermory for a lovely day's walk taking us across the moors and past small lochs for about 3.5 miles. We then turn left off the road and follow a good track running alongside Loch Frisa. This is well known golden eagle countryside and also with a number of hides (bring your binoculars!). We then drop down through woodland and pick up a track at Glenaros House Farm and past Katie's Cottage (1.7 km) for the last 1.5 miles to village of Salen.
Accommodation: Pennyghael hall (no showers available). Distance: 17 miles. Highest point: 450m (1500ft). Grade: Moderate/difficult - hill walking day with steep and long climb and long descent.
On Thursday morning we will be transported by minibus to Knock Farm where we start our walk. We will then we pick up the farm track behind Knock Farm taking us round the back of Ben More (950m). After 3 miles we will head off towards the lower saddle of Ben Moore in order to cross the ridge, this is a steady and straight forward climb. This is a great day and the highest part of the pilgrimage at approximately 500m. On the ridge we head right down a main track towards the valley and road from where there is nice 4.5 mile walk along the road into Pennyghael for our overnight stay. During the evening we will celebrate Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper.
Accommodation: Bunessan Community Centre (shower available). Distance: 16 miles. Highest point: 200m (600ft). Grade: Difficult - a hard day's walking across wild countryside, cliff tops and forest trail.
We will get transported to back to Carsaig where we will proceed south along the high cliff tops. Much of the route will be across wild and beautiful country and with no obvious path, apart from sheep tracks. Care needs to be taken when walking near the cliff tops especially if the weather is poor and windy. We will stop on the cliffs mid-afternoon for the Good Friday service. The last 6 miles into Bunessan is on forestry tracks and a minor road. Bunessan is a small picturesque fishing village.If the weather is inclement we will take an alternative route along the beach front.
Accommodation: Creigh Hall, Fionnphort, Mull (2 nights). Distance: 10 miles. Highest point 5m (20ft). Grade: Easy - road and track walking.
On Saturday morning we walk out on road towards Fionnphort for 6 miles and then turn left on the Pottie farm road. The last 4 miles to the Iona ferry follows a clear path and then minor road across farmland. We arrive on Iona around 12.00 and hold a short service in the old Nunnery.
For those interested there is usually a walk around part of the Island on Saturday and Sunday and even a swim!
On Saturday and Sunday nights we will be staying on Mull in Creigh Hall.
On Saturday evening we will celebrate the Easter Vigil in Creigh Hall.
Accommodation: Creigh Hall, Fionnphort, Mull (night 2; showers available).
We join the Easter Day Service and celebrations with the Iona Community, local community and visitors.
We will leave Creigh Hall on Easter Monday morning and travel across Mull in time to get the ferry from Craignure to Oban, where our pilgrimage ends.
