You don’t need to be religious to enjoy these uplifting treks, writes
Brian Johnston.
The greatest gatherings of people on our planet aren’t at beaches or bucket-list icons, but on the banks of sacred rivers, around mysterious stones and the tombs of saints, at temples in whispering woods or in cathedrals.
The Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in India attracts 120 million Hindus during its two months, while two million people attend the annual haj in Mecca over five days.
Millions visit Rome and Jerusalem, hundreds of thousands walk the pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Pilgrim destinations are interesting places to be and remind us, in the midst of our busy, materialistic lives, that we should perhaps slow down, meditate and consider the grander picture. Here are 10 top pilgrim routes to renew your spirit.
St James’ Way, Spain
What: A network of pan-European pilgrim routes converges on Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, with a core 770-kilometre journey leading from Roncesvalles on the French border across northern Spain.
El Camino features challenging terrain, beautiful landscapes and a region dense with great medieval cathedrals, chapels, monasteries and walled cities.
Why: Need to know:
The apostle St James (Santiago in Spanish) is reputedly buried in the Compostela’s cathedral, the ultimate destination of the pilgrimage. In the Middle Ages this was one of Christendom’s most important religious sites.
Revelations:
At Lavacolla, the trail reaches the top of a hill nicknamed ‘‘Mount of Joy’’ because Santiago’s cathedral first comes into sight. For pilgrims and exhausted hikers alike, it’s an exhilarating moment.
Five weeks on foot; budget at least a week by car for sightseeing. Best weather in May, June or September. See caminodesantiago.com.au
Essentials: Kumano Kodo, Japan
What: The Kumano Mountains on the rugged Kii Peninsula south of Osaka have several trails linking Buddhist and Shinto shrines. The most popular Nakahechi route is 68km.
Why:
Gorgeous hiking through pine forest, tea plantations and farming communities, plus dozens of temples and a stunning finale at a bright orange pagoda beneath Japan’s tallest waterfall.
Need to know:
Kii Peninsula has been revered since ancient times in Shinto mythology, in which numerous gods are believed to manifest themselves in trees, rocks, rivers and animals.
Revelations:
Meditation logs beside the walking trails invite passers-by to lie down and contemplate Shinto mysteries – or simply the sun that filters into the fragrant cedar forest.
Allow four or five days for the Nakahechi route. Best weather in May or September. See wakayamakanko.or.jp
Essentials: Croagh Patrick, Ireland
What: A 764-metre mountain near the town of Westport in County Mayo in western Ireland. Several routes take you to the summit, but the pilgrim route from the car park is the best.
It provides one of the best outlooks in Ireland. The steep, rocky track to the chapel on the summit tests your enthusiasm but rewards you with magnificent views over ocean, islands and battered coastline.
Patron St Patrick converted the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century and supposedly fasted on this hill for 40 days. Archaeological evidence shows pagan pilgrimages as early as 5000 years ago.
Your highlight might be encountering talkative Irish hikers, many in a devotional frame of mind as they ascend this impressive mountain.
Four hours’ return on foot. Traditionally climbed (led by the local archbishop) on the last Sunday in July. See croagh-patrick.com
Why: Need to know: Revelations: Essentials: Via Dolorosa, East Jerusalem
What:
The Way of Sorrow is a street in Jerusalem’s old town linking Revelations: Essentials: