Following the Saint's journey from Hoddom to Glasgow
News & Events
A 150 mile (240 km) long distance trail from St Kentigern’s Episcopal Seat at Hoddom to his tomb in the Crypt of Glasgow Cathedral
The inspiration for trying to develop a route around Kentigern was first envisaged around 2017 by a small group principally located in Bothwell and which included keen walkers, historians and pilgrimage enthusiasts.Early research into St Kentigern’s influence and story as it relates to the Saints travel, life and influence revealed a clear connection with Hoddom and points between the Solway and Glasgow. So, the challenge was then to establish an authentic pilgrim route, linking key points of interest and making use, wherever possible, of core paths or sections of already established long distance walking routes.
The project’s driving force out exploring the route – in all weathers.
Since the start of this project new support has come to the assistance of the group and the project is now additionally supported by the work and input of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum.
Paths alongside both the River Annan and River Clyde.
INAUGURAL PILGRIMAGE
In October 2021 Two members of the Kentigern Way Steering Group, Bill and Christine Jack, undertook an Inaugural Pilgrimage to launch the route. They departed from the official start of the route at Annan Old Parish Church on 8th October and made contact with representatives of several churches en route. These included:
Lochmaben Church
St Andrew’s Church Moffat
Traquair Kirk
Cairngryffe Kirk, Carmichael
St Nicholas Church Lanark
Greyfriars Church Lanark
Christchurch Lanark
Bothwell Parish Church
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral was reached on 19th October where a Service of Dedication for the Kentigern Way was held.
Leaving Annan Old Parish Church
At the Old Kentigern Church Lanark
Bill and Christine at journey’s end, Kentigern’s crypt
A PILGRIM’S VIDEO DIARY
In April of 2024 Rev. Dr John Carswell, the Kentigern Way Steering Group Chairman, walked the length of the Kentigern Way, camping out in very poor weather conditions. On his journey he kept a video diary of his adventures, encounters and musings which you can access here.
SHORT EVENING PILGRIMAGE WALKS
A program of short evening or weekend ‘taster’ pilgrimage walks has been inaugurated to explore various sections of the Kentigern Way.
These walks are intended to be of about 3 hours max. duration. Covering a distance of around 5 to 7 kilometers.An initial series of five evening walks was undertaken in September 2024 on the Hamilton to Glasgow section of the Kentigern Way where aspects of local history, flora and fauna were discussed during the walk along with occasional stops to pause for reflection. A second programme of walks is now being developed for the Lanark to Hamilton section of the Kentigern Way. The longer-term aim is to create similar programmes of walks for each section of the Kentigern Way from the start point at Annan all the way to Glasgow Cathedral.
While this site is in its development stage, any information or comments should be made by e-mailing to info@kentigernway.com.
Kentigern Way Accreditation Event
13th January 2026
At Glasgow Cathedral
On St Kentigern’s Day, 13th January 2026, a short ceremony was held to celebrate the award of Bronze LevelAccreditation which has been achieved by the Kentigern Way pilgrim route
The Trustees of Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum (SPRF) grant this award to Scottish Pilgrim routes which meet the necessary standards of authenticity, infrastructure and administration.
The Kentigern Way pilgrim route traverses the three river valleys of the Annan, Tweed and Clyde, linking Annan to Glasgow. It now takes its place as one of a small number of Scottish pilgrim routes to achieve an SPRF accreditation.
The ceremony commenced with a guided tour of the Cathedral finishing in St. Kentigern’s Crypt where the presentation of the award took place. This was followed by a light buffet served in the Cathedral Hall of the St Mungo Museum.
We are delighted to receive this award which represents an important consolidation of the efforts of the Steering Group and is confirmation of what has been achieved.
