BBC Pilgrimage TV series: walk the real routes

What is the BBC Pilgrimage TV Series?

Pilgrimage is a BAFTA-nominated BBC Two series in which a group of well-known personalities — of different faiths and none — walk a historic pilgrimage route together, sharing the journey's challenges and conversations along the way. Since 2018 the series has followed celebrities along famous routes including the Camino de Santiago and, most recently, the road to the Scottish Isles. Many of the British routes featured can be walked yourself.

Episodes are currently available on iPlayer.

The merry band of pilgrims includes thoughtful 'Pagan' Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, wise Christian instagram influencer Scarlet Moffat, kind Sikh cricketer Monty Panesar, serious Muslim comedian Shazia Mirza, loving Jewish actress Louisa Clein and other great casting choices.

It's such a heartfelt exploration within a group of people discovering what pilgrimage can do to dissolve tribal barriers. Watching this inspires us to continue to promote this humanising activity of pilgrimage – it is so valuable for bringing people together in search of what really matters.

Which route do they walk in Pilgrimage: Road to the Scottish Isles?

The route goes from Ireland's Donegal to Scotland's Iona, and is dedicated to Saint Columba, from Celtic times. It visits prehistoric pilgrim places like stone circles and a cave, as well as more traditional Christian places.

Can I walk the routes from the TV series?

Here are some routes in Scotland and Wales to inspire you:

Scotland routes

St Columba's Way, Iona to St Andrews - 261 days - 1 month

St Conan's Way, Iona to Dalmally - 73 miles, 6-7 days

Wales routes

North Wales Pilgrims' Way - 140 miles, 14 days

Llbyr Cadfan, 128 miles, 12 days

Lleyn Pilgrims Trail, Aberdesach to Porthmadog, 72 miles, 7 days

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