Churches along the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way are anticipating a surge of interest due to the highly anticipated return of BBC’s Pilgrimage series. Set amidst the stunning landscapes of North Wales, the sixth instalment, Pilgrimage: The Road to Wild Wales, is scheduled to premiere on Good Friday on BBC2 and iPlayer.

Viewers can expect to see familiar places and faces, as the seven renowned personalities, representing diverse beliefs, journey from Flint Castle to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), along the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way. The pilgrimage route, established in 2011, offers a blend of ancient churches and holy wells dedicated to early saints, with Bardsey Island – known as the ‘Island of 20,000 saints’ – as its final destination.

Revd Eryl Parry, Pioneer Priest based in the Conwy Valley and Chaplain on Bardsey met the pilgrims as they travelled to the remote hilltop church of St Celynnin, above Conwy, one of the oldest churches in Wales. “Llangelynnin is often described as a thin place where heaven touches earth,” explained Eryl.

Dating back to the 12th century, Llangelynnin is situated next to a 6th century holy well and is a popular stopping-off place for pilgrims on the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way. It is at this holy place that Eryl organises monthly Celtic Praise services between April and October. This year each service explores the theme of pilgrimage.

Eryl continued: “We hope that this BBC Pilgrimage series will help people discover afresh the deep spirituality embedded in our Welsh landscape.

“I felt privileged to spend time with those God brought to Llangelynnin for the programme, right through from the pilgrims to production team. They had the chance to explore Llangelynnin for themselves before I led them on a contemplative walk to a viewing point.

“Often on pilgrimage, we can have the experience of God speaking through our conversations with one another, but I find times of stillness in stopping places can become really significant. They are what we call ‘Ponder Spots’ – when God can guide our minds and touch our hearts as we reflect on what we have seen and heard. That is when the inner journey can truly begin.”

The pilgrimage began at Flint Castle, on the banks of the Dee Estuary. One of the consultants to the programme was the former Archdeacon of St Asaph and Dean of St Asaph Cathedral, the Venerable Chris Potter. He and his wife, Jenny, inspired the creation of the North Wales Pilgrims Way following their own pilgrimage on the Camino in Spain and France.

“The volunteer team behind the Pilgrim’s Way are very excited indeed and to have the route appearing nationally and internationally on television is very exciting.”

Among the notable personalities undertaking this spiritual odyssey are wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, entrepreneur Spencer Matthews, journalist Sonali Shah, comedian Eshaan Akbar, actor Tom Rosenthal, and TV personality Christine McGuinness. Each participant brings their own perspective and journey of faith to the expedition, adding layers of depth and introspection to the narrative.

Visit Taith Pererin Gogledd Cymru ~ North Wales Pilgrim’s Way (pilgrims-way-north-wales.org) for information about the route.

You can watch the programme via BBC iPlayer at https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09w7lc0/pilgrimage