North Wales Pilgrim’s Way

Date: Tuesday 9th – Friday 12 June 2026

Strava says: 74 miles

Elevation: 12,036 ft / 3,669 m

Weather: mixed

Start: Basingwerk

Finish: Llanfairfechan

Route type: multi day

Conditions: easy underfoot

Website link: North Wales Pilgrim’s Way

Describe the route in three words: improved each day!

North Wales Pilgrim’s Way

Tuesday 9th June 2026 | Basingwerk to Holywell | 4.09 miles | 515 ft

From the Airbnb on Old Chester Road, I walked to the start point of the North Pilgrim’s Way, Basingwerk Abbey. I then retraced my steps, passing St Winefride’s Well (one of the Welsh Seven Wonders). I took a detour to pop into Tesco to buy my dinner for the evening.

Logistics

I parked my car at Llanfairfechan train station and caught the train to Flint. I had pre-booked Corbett Cars 01352 710300 to collect me from the train station and take me to my Airbnb which was on Old Chester Road, Holywell.

Wednesday 10th June | Holywell to St Asaph | 24.39 miles | 3,018 ft

Today was A LOT of fun! Feels like too long since I went on an adventure. I’m enjoying collecting the ‘passport stamps’ from the churches along the route. I saw a buzzard watching me from a fence post, then put my hand in what potentially was his poo when I climbed the style…. Baby cows and baby sheepies, views of the sea, a large Neolithic mound (only Silbury is bigger), dogs from a rescue centre on their morning walk, metal detector gathering, wet grass that was so long it was hard to pass through (could have done with a bit less of this!) and I mustn’t forget the Bermuda Triangle forest which I got horribly lost in and was considering that might be it for me… never finding my way out (doesn’t bode well if I get into Barkley) and the cherry on top of the day…. to find out my hotel bathroom has a bath.

Logistics

The same driver from Corbett Cars who had dropped me off the day before collected my luggage from me at 9:30am and delivered it to my accommodation (£27), Talardy by Marston’s Inns. A great value hotel, fantastic customer service and an extensive food menu, they do breakfast too.

Thursday 11th June 2026 | St Asaph to Gwytherin | 18.72 miles | 3,615 ft

It chucked it down with rain all day. Another fabulous day out, this time there were a few less super long wet grassy fields and a few more runnable sections. I hadn’t realised until after I came out of a field that the cows were chasing me, I turned a few moments after crossing the stile to the sound of thundering feet and mooing, all the cows were running into the corner where I had just been!

Only found one stamp today. Saw a pair of kestrels and some llamas, plus a lamb which I’m sure has abnormally large ears?

My tiny house Airbnb is absolutely lush, I have to be careful not to bang my head on the ceiling when in the bedroom or coming down the stairs. Had to put all the heaters on to try to dry out my kit in time for tomorrow.

Logistics

My lovely taxi driver from Corbett Cars came at 9:30am to collect my luggage and deliver it (£33) to Y Blew Bach, a tiny house that I had booked on Airbnb, next door to the Lion Inn, Gwytherin. The Lion Inn is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The INCREDIBLE host Sarah, very kindly prepared a delicious veggie pie and mash for me which we had arranged during the booking process. There is a shed just a couple of minutes walk from Y Blew Bach which has an honesty box, you can purchase milk, bread, cakes, soft drinks, eggs, meat and more. (Turn left out of the accommodation, stay on the road up the hill, the shed is on the left)

Friday 12th June 2026 | Gwytherin to Llanfairfechan | 26.81 miles | 4,888 ft

Talk about save the best until last! I left the farmland and meadows behind and headed towards the hills. Rowan to Llanfairfechan was particularly stunning, made even better by the quick Coke and cake stop in Rowen cafe before my climb up! Seeing the two stone circles was magical. I spent some time here imagining what life was like all those years ago.

I didn’t use my watch so much today and decided to use the route directions which was fun although more stop-start. I had to take a massive detour around some curious cows in a large field… they were being a bit too inquisitive for my liking and coming towards me with quite a purposeful walk.

There was a particularly magical woodland section, I felt I was in the land of wizards and fairies and then came across a wooden sculpture pointing the way.

The weather and the views all day was stunning, seeing the mountains and the sea getting closer and closer felt really exciting.

I stopped to watch a farmer with Bob the border collie herding some sheep in preparation for a sheep dog trial tomorrow.

I loved the wind and the ponies as I neared the sea, running into the wind was fun, the ponies tails and my pony tale flying!

The whole day was just THE BEST!

Logistics

The lovely Sam, son of Col from Col’s Taxi’s came to Y Blew Bach at 9:30am to collect my luggage, we’d spoken ahead and it was agreed that he would take care of my bags for the day (£60), I would collect them from his house which was very close to the Llanfairfechan train station when I finished my run. I had left my car parked (for free) at the Llanfairfechan train station. I gave Sam a call when I finished and he kindly brought the luggage to me.

I initially had an Airbnb booked in Llanfairfechan but due to various logistical changes (I was supposed to be with a friend and a third person was to join us for the final night) I stayed at the stunning Caer Rhun Hall Hotel which was around a 25 minute drive.

Strava Links

• Basingwerk to Holywell
• Holywell to St Asaph
• St Asaph to Gwytherin
• Gwytherin to Llanfairfechan

The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way book is a very useful resource with lots of information including the route description, sketch maps, history and so much more, plus space to put your stamps.