Pilgrim Paths 

Glen Lyon & Saint Adamnan

This is a historical hiking day where we will visit places in Glen Lyon that are named on the Ordnance Survey maps and which have a link to the life and events of Saint Adamnan. It's a fantastic day out in wonderful scenery, where we take life at a slower pace than busy lives usually allow for. 

From the 5th Century C.E.to the 8th, travellers came to Scotland from Ireland bringing with them a new faith, Christianity. They were pioneers, whose goal was to spread the news of Christ’s birth, life and death. Some were known to each other having studied in the same seminaries, or were related, some were women. This was the heyday of the Celtic Saints whose version of the faith lead them to work the land, living within small communities of monks, offering healing and spiritual leadership in uncertain times.

 

Glen Lyon was described by Sir Walter Scott as one of Scotland's most beautiful glens. It's tucked away, running approximately parallel to Loch Tay but behind the mountains that lie to the north. The glen is accessible only at either end by a winding, narrow road that adds to the sense of anticipation on getting there. It's well worth the effort.

It holds a lot of history, some of which relates to Saint Adamnan who was once a resident. There are still reminders of his time here if you care to look closely. It is also said to have been home to Finglaian warriors and a branch of the powerful clan Campbell. Even Rob Roy's mum was born here.

Adamnan was distantly related to Saint Columba, whose hagiography he wrote. Born in Donegal, Ireland, around C.E.624, he became Abbot of Iona in 679 and died in 704. His feast day is September 23rd.

 

Start/finish: War Memorial car park, by Innerwick, Glen Lyon. NN 586 475 (Toilets available)

Distance: 14.5km/8miles

Map: OS 51 or OL 48

Terrain: field, track, road

 

A car is needed to access Glen Lyon. Car sharing is encouraged between households who know each other.

 

Cost £60 p/p per day 

Minimum group size for each day is 2, maximum group size for the day is 14    

 

I hope you can join me for what should be a fascinating day of leisurely hiking in the dramatic southern Highlands

To book, visit:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pilgrim-hike-glen-lyon-tickets-161951351853