Friends of the North Highland Way 2018-05-04

We planned a pilgrimage to some of the churches in 2019 but never got round to writing them up. Churches and cathedrals visited were Kirkwall, Armagh, Lincoln and we even found one in Spain but not on the Caminos. I promise I will look it up and post here. We will be going to Lincoln in April, June and again in October, and no doubt will visit Lincoln again, if not walk some of the route.

British Pilgrims routes

Some years ago, we floated the idea of the "Camino of St. Brian" and St. Brian Arrowsmith. It is no doubt accurate that he was not a pilgrim as we know them, but he has been accepted here, so we are delighted.

Scotland and Spain are culturally linked, and those links get stronger with the forthcoming International Womens Day on 8th March 2024 Global Climate Change week from 14-18 October 2024. We continue our research on the route of the Spanish Armada, and have found links in Aberdeenshire and Fife. Of course, the route did go round Chichlana de la Frontera and we hope they will join us in our endeavours.

In February 2024, the North Highland Way achieved recognition from VisitScotland as a multi use route, so it is very high profile now. The Friends were delighted, and the developer is over the moon.

Friends of the North Highland Way have an environmental remit, as well as walking, cycling and horse riding, sustainable travel at its best. Competa in the Axarquia was the first village to receive green accreditation through the Malaga Hills Boutique B&B. This was a big step for the village, and long may it continue.

Chichlana de la Frontera is a a beautiful spot. Yours truly went there with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in 2019.

We now have the Gateway to the North Highland Way at Stromness courtesy of Northlink ferries which is good news indeed. We are also members of Friends of the Moray Firth Trail which is from John o Groats to Inverness. We are now researching the Spanish Armada on the Moray Firth Trail. The link from Stromness can take you to the other Orkney Islands and the Spanish links on the Islands, as well as the Pilgrims trail at Kirkwall.