Gower Pilgrimage Weekend: 23-24 September 2023
Following the very successful Pilgrimage Festival last year, we are pleased to announce the Gower Pilgrimage Weekend on 23-24 September 2023. This will include churches being open to visitors across the Gower peninsula, guided walks along the Gower Pilgrimage Way and special pilgrimage services.
In addition to the details of the programme, you will find here essential information if you are intending to join us on the walks. This covers preparation, suitable clothing, personal safety, refreshments and transport.
There is no charge to take part in any of the walks or other events.
Please note that you are responsible for your own safety at these events and when you walk or cycle the Pilgrimage Way.
Saturday 23 September
The following churches, which are not normally open to visitors other than for Sunday services, will be open from 10am to 4pm, as part of the CADW Open Doors initiative:
St Gwynour’s Church, Llanernewydd, Penclawdd, SA4 3JH
St Andrew’s Church, Penrice, SA3 1LN
St Nicholas’ Church, Nicholaston, SA3 2HL
For information on these churches, please click on the links above or on https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/open-doors-events
In addition, the other 14 historic churches on the Gower peninsula will be open to visitors on that day: A list of churches and links is available HERE (This does not include the churches in Killay, Dunvant and Tycoch.)
Saturday 23 September: Pilgrimage Walk to Ilston Church
Meet at the Gower Inn car park, SA3 2EQ, at 3pm for a pilgrimage walk along Ilston Valley. (The car park is Pay and Display.) This will be followed at 4pm by a short service of Evening Prayer at St Illtyd’s Church, Ilston, led by Rev Sam Aldred, before the return walk back down Ilston Valley
Sunday 24 September
Meet at St Mary’s Church, Rhossili, SA3 1PL, at 2pm for a walk to Llangennith followed by a 4pm pilgrimage service at St Cenydd’s Church, led by the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Rt Rev John Lomas, and a return walk to Rhossili.
There are toilets and car parking at Rhossili (National Trust) and also a small church car park. The King’s Head pub is opposite the church in Llangennith.
Essential information for walkers
Clothing and footwear
Walkers must wear suitable footwear and clothing and be prepared for unpredictable weather. Paths can be muddy even in summer, and a waterproof coat provides protection against both rain and wind. An inadequately dressed person could affect the safety and enjoyment of the whole group. We also recommend that you bring sun protection, if appropriate for the weather conditions.
Young walkers
Young walkers are welcome but, if aged 16 or younger, they must be accompanied by an adult.
Transport
Walkers are encouraged to carshare, where possible, or to use local bus services, although there are no bus services in rural Gower on Sundays in September. For up-to-date information on relevant bus routes, visit traveline.cymru or swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk/downloads-timetables
As an alternative, there are a number of local taxi services in Swansea and Gower including
If arriving by car, please show consideration for local residents and businesses and park sensibly. For the Saturday and Sunday walks, please use the car parks at Parkmill (Gower Inn, pay and display) and Rhossili (church car park with donation box and National Trust car park).
Refreshment
For the weekend walks, please bring drinking water and any required refreshments.
Dogs
Dogs on short leads are welcome on the weekend walks, as we will not be passing through any fields with cattle.
Gower Ministry Area 