Pilgrimage follows Dalmally saint’s way

PILGRIMS following the footsteps of Dalmally’s own saint all the way to Iona, will set off in April.

So far seven people have signed up to walk St Conan’s Pilgrim Way to be organised by the Craig Lodge retreat centre. This is only the second time the pilgrimage has been held.

St Conan was part of the monastic tradition established by St Columba on Iona and in the Dalmally area, so it was a fitting name for the 70-mile route which for some of the way traces an ancient pilgrim route through Glen Lonan. The walk will take the pilgrims five days to reach Iona Abbey, starting on April 23 and passing through spectacular scenery.

There is still space for five more people to join the pilgrimage, with hot showers and accommodation provided in bunkhouses along the way.

The way leaves Craig Lodge, going from its gates over to Loch Etive via Glen Noe and on to Taynuilt. After that, it is on to Oban and then over the sea to Mull before taking to land once again and heading for Fionnphort and the crossing to Iona.

Lisa Beckett From Craig Lodge will be chief cook during the pilgrimage, taking charge of meals and making sure the walkers are greeted with a hearty meal at the end of each day’s walking.

St Conan’s Pilgrim Way was created to celebrate Craig Lodge’s 25th anniversary after the house of prayer noticed more and more walkers were coming ‘off the hills’ to drop in on them.

Ms Beckett said: ‘There seems to be an upsurge in interest in Iona and we wanted to come up with a route that would be accessible for people wanting to go from here to there. This year we have made a few changes along the way to give people more of a chance to reflect. People come with their own thoughts and intentions for being a pilgrim.’

Two guides will lead the way – no stress, no map-reading involved for those following them – and luggage will be transported for them.

Ms Beckett added: good experience for regardless of their walking experience.

‘The unifying thing is a common goal to get to Iona and share the spiritual experience of walking together.

‘Craig Lodge is famous for its ‘It’s a people age or hospitality and great welcome, and that is what we will be extending during the pilgrimage. We hope more people will come to join us on it.’

During this year’s pilgrimage, the guides will be looking out for best locations to place waymarkers.

‘That’s the idea for this year and then look at how to get permission to do it. We are thinking cairns would be a natural way of doing it, pilgrims could add a stone as they pass,’ said Ms Beckett.

To find out more about the pilgrimage, go to craiglodge. org or you can email mail@ craiglodge.org