St Michael's Way: The UK Camino

[onwayhome]

Even after hearing about this footpath it was still a surprise to see a sign with the familiar Camino scallop shell design and 'Pilgrim route to Santiago' in a Cornish seaside village. St Michael's Way is the only UK footpath to be designated a European Cultural Route in recognition of its re-discovered history as a route for traders, missionaries and pilgrims. The 20km path runs from Lelant to Marazion, linking the sandy beaches of the north and south coast via ancient churches, a hill fort, and holy well. Although it's way marked in both directions,walking from North to South gives increasing glimpses of St Michaels Mount rising above the bay and is heading in the direction of Santiago. I found the signs a bit patchy in a couple of areas and would say a good map is essential, OS Explorer 102 has the route marked. The welcoming White Hart at Ludgvan serves lunch until 3pm but two very busy road crossings follow soon after (if the direct route is taken to Marazion) so a clear head is needed!

There's public transport to either end. If travelling by train get off at the Lelant request stop rather than the usual Lelant Saltings station. The route has an active support group: http://www.stmichaelsway.net/ which has been hosting a series of public events this year.

Buen Camino! (does anyone know how that might translate into Cornish?)

 

[MinaKamina]

"viaj da" but you better check with the locals

 

[Devon Mike]

I loved walking St Michael's Way in Cornwall, southwest England yesterday. I started in Levant and walked to Marazion on the longer option via Gulvan village, then walked back to Levant on the slightly shorter option via the Marazion Marshes. It is amazing to know that I can walk an official Camino de Santiago route which is less than 2 hours drive from my home.

 

[Devon Mike]

I have now uploaded a set of photos on flickr of my walk on St Michael's Way. Here is the link:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskUrCPGb

 

[barbgarvey]

Devon Mike, or whomever else would like to answer. I'm interested in walking St. Michael's way this summer. But I was wondering, did you combine your St. Michael's km. with your Camino Ingles km for a compostela? Do you get a credencial specifically for the St. Michael's way, or can you put your sellos on a Camino credencial? Does that make any sense. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jan_D]

Devon Mike, or whomever else would like to answer. I'm interested in walking St. Michael's way this summer. But I was wondering, did you combine your St. Michael's km. with your Camino Ingles km for a compostela? Do you get a credencial specifically for the St. Michael's way, or can you put your sellos on a Camino credencial? Does that make any sense. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Seems there's quite a lot of information about this on their website!

 

[onwayhome]

Devon Mike, or whomever else would like to answer. I'm interested in walking St. Michael's way this summer. But I was wondering, did you combine your St. Michael's km. with your Camino Ingles km for a compostela? Do you get a credencial specifically for the St. Michael's way, or can you put your sellos on a Camino credencial? Does that make any sense. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Looks like St Michael's Way is now formally recognised as part of the Camino Ingles, complete with its own credential, although I'm wondering if there are any places to get it stamped? When I walked this path there was one church open but unattended and the bar staff at the pub, while providing a good lunch, had no idea it was on a pilgrimage route. It's a lovely walk, buen Camino!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I had never heard of this walk. How does a person combine it with the Ingles...flight from where?...ferry?, or swim? ☺

 

[onwayhome]

I had never heard of this walk. How does a person combine it with the Ingles...flight from where?...ferry?, or swim? ☺

I don't think there's any way to carry on directly to the Ingles... unless you find an adventurous boat owner in Newlyn harbour .
The Finchale Priory route in County Durham is also recognised as part of the Camino Ingles.
I've often wondered how long a gap is possible between the two walks if they are being accumulated for a Compostela?

 

[Former member 49149]

To the best of my knowledge, and recently an answer was given to a similar question for the irish Camino plus Ingles: no time limit. Maybe 20 years is a bit much though. I have walked the required distance in Ireland and got my credencial stamped wherever I could, including a church, library and a pub, and then got my Compostela certificate in St James’s church in town. It will add to the distance I walk when I do the Ingles camino. I do not plan to swim. Ryanair or Aerlingus will help me out when the time comes.

 

[Tincatinker]

I had never heard of this walk. How does a person combine it with the Ingles...flight from where?...ferry?, or swim? ☺

Well, you could try ferry from Plymouth to Santander; FEVE to Ferrol & start walking. I've a feeling that would be a trip worthy of Bryson, Theroux or even the late lamented Eric Newby. The logistics would be more of a challenge than the walk but it is do-able From memory it is possible to get from Santander to Ferrol in two days on the FEVE but you may need to sprint for a couple of connections. Otherwise plan on three.

 

[Leibniz]

I came across this lovely article yesterday: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/feb/18/cornwall-celtic-walk-coast-path-trail-hike

 

[hecate105]

I have now uploaded a set of photos on flickr of my walk on St Michael's Way. Here is the link:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskUrCPGb

Lovely photos Mike - we will have to walk this one as well. We cycled the Saint's Way - as a precursor to our first 'Camino' which was beautiful, eventful and really should not have been done on a bike - not with a dog in a trailer too...!
We are setting off next week on a cycle of the Michael Mary Pilgrims Way - I think you would love that too - if you haven't already...?! (the walking route)