The Kentigern Way

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 8^th 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.