Have you been thinking of doing a pilgrimage walk? More and more women over 60 are slipping into their hiking boots and heading out to do long pilgrimage walks.
Pilgrimage walks are multi-day walks taken for personal, spiritual, or religious reasons. They typically involve walking to a religious or sacred site, often with the intention of seeking personal growth, healing, or to fulfill a spiritual vow.
This list of 9 is just a starter:
- The Camino de Santiago in Spain
- The St. James Way in Portugal
- The St. Olav Ways in Norway
- The Way of St. Francis in Italy
- The Cotswold Way in England
- The South West Coast Path in England
- The California Mission Trail in the USA
- The Island Walk in Canada
- The Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan
These walks can range in distance from a few miles to several hundred miles and can take several days, weeks, or even months to complete. Pilgrimage walks can be found all over the world, and each one has its own unique cultural and spiritual significance.
This is an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to experience the natural beauty of the countryside and the cultural heritage of a region. Additionally, pilgrimage walks can be a source of personal growth, introspection, and a chance to connect with a higher power.
For senior women, it is recommended to choose a pilgrimage walk that has a good infrastructure and well-marked routes.
Pilgrimage Walks for Women Over 60
The Camino de Santiago in Spain
The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is also known as the Way of St. James and is one of the most popular pilgrimage walks. It is a pilgrimage route in northwestern Spain leading to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the remains of Saint James the Apostle are believed to be buried.
The Camino Frances is the most popular route, stretching 780 km from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela. The walk typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and passes through the Pyrenees mountains, picturesque villages, rolling hills, and historic cities like Pamplona and León.
Pilgrims can choose to walk, cycle, or horseback ride along the route, and stay in albergues (pilgrim hostels) or hotels along the way. It is a journey that many undertake for spiritual, physical, and personal reasons, and the journey itself is seen as a pilgrimage rather than just a hike. It is a chance to reflect and connect with nature and others on the path.
Read more about the Camino Routes.
The St. James Way in Portugal
This pilgrimage is also known as the Portuguese Way. It is one of several routes that make up the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. This one starts in Lisbon and covers approximately 250 km to Santiago de Compostela. The route passes through historic cities like Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Pontevedra, and is known for its scenic coastline, rolling hills, and charming villages.
The Portuguese Way is considered a less crowded and more peaceful alternative to the more popular Camino Frances route mentioned above. Like the other Camino routes, the Portuguese Way is a journey that many undertake for spiritual, physical, and personal reasons.
Read more about The St. James Way in Portugal here.
The St. Olav Ways in Norway
The Olavsleden is a pilgrimage route in Norway that leads to the shrine of St. Olav in Trondheim. The route covers approximately 770 km, passing through picturesque landscapes of forests, mountains, and fjords, and through historic cities like Oslo and Hamar.
Pilgrims stay in lodges, hostels, or camping grounds along the way. The St. Olav Ways is considered a less crowded alternative to the more popular Camino de Santiago routes in Spain and is known for its unique cultural and natural heritage, as well as its opportunities for reflection and connection with nature. The journey is seen as a spiritual pilgrimage for many and is often undertaken for personal and religious reasons.
More about The St. Olav Ways in Norway here.
The Way of St. Francis in Italy
Also known as the Francigena, it is a pilgrimage route in Italy that leads from Rome to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. The route covers approximately 800 km, passing through historic cities like Florence, Siena, and Perugia, and through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves.
Pilgrims stay in lodges, hostels, or camping grounds along the way. The Way of St. Francis is known for its affluent cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as its opportunities for reflection and connection with oneself and with nature. As with other pilgrimage walks, the voyage is often seen as a spiritual journey.
More about The Way of St. Francis here.
The Cotswold Way in England
The Cotswold Way is a long-distance walking trail in England, stretching approximately 102 miles (165 km) through the rolling hills of the Cotswold region. It passes through charming villages, ancient beech woods, and pastures dotted with sheep, offering breathtaking views of the countryside.
The trail starts in Chipping Campden and ends in Bath, passing through places like Broadway, Painswick, and Dursley along the way. The Cotswold Way is a popular walking route for those looking for a scenic and historic hike and can be completed in 8-12 days.
There are several accommodation options along the route, including bed and breakfasts, inns, and camping grounds. The Cotswold Way is considered a relatively easy hike, with well-marked trails and gentle terrain, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers, including older women.
Want to learn more about The Cotswold Way in England? Read this article on the UK National trails website.
The South West Coast Path in England
This pilgrimage is a long-distance walking trail in England, stretching approximately 630 miles (1014 km) along the coast of Devon and Cornwall. It passes through stunning landscapes of cliffs, beaches, and historic coastal towns and villages, offering breathtaking views of the sea and coastline. The trail starts in Minehead, Somerset, and ends in Poole, Dorset, passing through places like Lynton, Exmouth, and St. Ives along the way.
The South West Coast Path is a popular walking route for those looking for a scenic and historic hike and can be completed in 30-40 days. There are several accommodation options along the route, including bed and breakfasts, inns, and camping grounds.
The South West Coast Path is considered a challenging hike, with steep and rugged terrain in some areas, and can be more strenuous. It’s best to be in very good physical shape to undertake this pilgrimage journey. However, it is also considered one of the most beautiful walks in England and is well worth the effort for those seeking a scenic and rewarding experience.
Read more about the path here.
The California Mission Trail in the USA
The California Mission Trail is a historic route in California that connects the 21 Spanish missions built along the coast of California from San Diego to Sonoma. The trail covers approximately 800 miles (1287 km) and passes through scenic landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and coastal cliffs.
The California Mission Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and cultural heritage of California, including the role that the Spanish missions played in the development of the state. Many of the missions along the route have been preserved and are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the daily life of early Californians.
The trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and tourists and can be explored in sections or as a complete journey. Accommodation options along the route include hotels, inns, and camping grounds.
While the California Mission Trail can be a physically challenging journey for some, it is a rewarding experience for those interested in history and cultural heritage.
More information about the California Mission Trail here.
The Island Walk in Canada
The Island Walk is not linked to any religious beliefs but can be spiritual and healing. It is a long-distance walking trail in Prince Edward Island that stretches approximately 140 miles (225 km) around the perimeter of the island.
It passes through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, red sand beaches, and quaint fishing villages, offering stunning views of the coastline and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trail starts and ends in Charlottetown and passes through places like Cavendish, North Rustico, and Victoria along the way.
The Island Walk is a popular walking route for those looking for a scenic and peaceful hike, and can be completed in 10-15 days. There are several accommodation options along the route, including bed and breakfasts, inns, and camping grounds.
The Island Walk is considered a relatively easy hike, with well-marked trails and gentle terrain, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers. The walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly hospitality of Prince Edward Island.
Visit The Island Walk website for more information.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan
This pilgrimage route is a religious walking trail in Japan, stretching approximately 1,400 km (870 miles) around the island of Shikoku. It passes through 88 sacred temples and is one of the most famous pilgrimage trails in Japan. The pilgrimage has been walked for over 1,000 years and is considered one of the most challenging spiritual journeys in Japan.
The pilgrimage typically starts and ends at Temple 1, Ryozenji, in Tokushima and passes through places like Kochi, Matsuyama, and Takamatsu along the way. The pilgrimage is often performed by devotees wearing white robes and conical straw hats, and is considered a way to purify the mind and body and seek enlightenment.
There are several accommodation options along the route, including temples, shrines, and lodgings. The Shikoku Pilgrimage is considered a physically and mentally challenging journey but is a rewarding experience for those interested in Japanese spirituality and culture.
Find out more about The Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan here.
How to Prepare for a Pilgrimage Walk
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a pilgrimage walk.
Consult a Doctor
Before embarking on a long-distance walk, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure that you are physically fit enough to undertake the journey.
Plan Your Route
Research your chosen pilgrimage trail to determine the starting and ending points, the distance, and the estimated time to complete it. Map out the route and determine the locations of rest stops, accommodations, and food options.
Choose the Right Gear
Invest in comfortable, supportive footwear and clothing that is suitable for the weather and terrain.
Read BEST WALKING SHOES FOR SENIOR WOMEN.
Train and Condition
Start training a few months before your pilgrimage walk by increasing your daily physical activity. This will help you build up your stamina and get your body ready for the journey.
Read 10 TRICKS TO SQUEEZE EXERCISE INTO YOUR DAY IN YOUR 60S.
Research the Cultural and Religious Significance of the Pilgrimage
Understanding the history and cultural significance of the pilgrimage can add to the spiritual significance of the journey.
Set Realistic Expectations
Pilgrimage walks can be challenging, both physically and mentally, so it’s important to set realistic expectations and prepare yourself for the journey.
Get Travel and Medical Insurance
Ensure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance coverage for your pilgrimage walk.
Read HOW TO COMPARE SENIOR TRAVEL INSURANCE PROGRAMS.
By following these steps, you will be better prepared for your pilgrimage walk and can make the most of the journey.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you preparing for a pilgrimage walk? Which walk will you do? Which one on our list are you the most interested in? Have you already accomplished one of these pilgrimage walks? Have you accomplished a pilgrimage walk that is not on our list? Tell us about it in the comments below.
