When Irish Monks met Pictish Warriors.
Travelling in the Footsteps of Celtic and Pictish Monks
Duration: 3 / 4 days
Sun rising over the eastern coastlands of northern Scotland.
We’ve put together a unique route and yet one that was walked in ancient times by Celtic monks and Stuart Kings. This journey combines the curiosity to explore, not just physical ground and sites from our ancient Celtic and Pictish past, but to intentionally embark upon an inner journey. We will use the minibus and then walk to access many sites connecting with this past. The days will be punctuated with brief reflections through the sensory, poetic expression and gentle witness of a Celtic Christian spirituality, providing direction and discussion.
Martin’s trilogy, ‘Z-Rod’ features the early historical period when Christianity had a bumpy start in Northern Scotland.
A trail of great variety, passing through woodlands, over low hills, crossing farmland and along sections of coast.
We can travel out from Edinburgh and journey north through the grand scenery of the Cairngorms on a round trip lasting 4 days. Walk in Columba’s steps up to Craig Phadrig hillfort where he encountered Brude, overking of the Picts, and then travel North-East to see the enduring legacy of that meeting in a string of chapels and a cathedral along the length of the Black Isle and across the Fearn Peninsula. We will see the symbol stones of the Picts along the way, featuring pre-Christian symbols as well as biblical images, and visit ‘Iona of the East’ - the monastery at Portmahomack. The route is specifically chosen for the heritage encountered, providing a time journey stemming from as far back as Neolithic times, and incorporates the best walking in the region.
Gentle views of firths and hills in a pastoral setting
Appeal of this journey
· Re-live the final stage of a journey made by early Celtic and Pictish monks from Iona who established a recently discovered Celtic monastery founded over 14 centuries ago.
· Better understand the motivation of these pioneers that might enthuse our own faith aspirations.
· Envisage the military and pagan context these monks encountered to inspire fresh courage to face our own challenges.
· Enjoy exhilarating walks, largely along a beautiful coast, through woodlands, up gentle low-lying hills and across farmland. This region is well off the usual tourist routes, a hidden gem of quiet beauty and rich in historical sites.
The journey will include full guiding, brief reflections, accommodation booked on a bed and breakfast basis.
Varied terrain through woods, over farmlands and along coasts, including some elevated ground.
One of several firths encountered along the route..
A gentle coastline of a bay inlet.
In the Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie.
Old world charm of the Black Isle
Our friendly and well-behaved Roaming Scotland tour dog, is part of the pilgrimage.