The Way of St. David (Ffordd Dewi Sant) follows the Pembrokeshire coast to St. Davids Cathedral, where Wales' patron saint founded his monastery in the 6th century. Pope Calixtus II granted such importance to this shrine that two pilgrimages here equaled one to Rome, and three equaled one to Jerusalem.
📜 History & Significance
St. David (Dewi Sant) founded his monastery at Glyn Rhosyn around 550 AD, establishing a center of learning and ascetic practice that would shape Celtic Christianity. Canonized by Pope Calixtus II in 1120, he became the patron saint of Wales, with his feast day (March 1) celebrated as the national day.
Medieval pilgrims traveled from across Europe to venerate St. David's relics and those of St. Caradog at the cathedral shrine. The pilgrimage was interrupted by the Reformation in 1538 when Bishop Barlow stripped the shrine, but the 20th century saw a remarkable revival of the ancient tradition.
🥾 Route Overview
The Southern Way of St. David covers 100 km in five days, following what Lonely Planet calls "the finest coast path in the world." From Llangwm, pilgrims walk approximately 20 km daily through fishing villages, clifftop paths, and sandy beaches to reach Britain's smallest city.
The route passes Celtic churches, ancient wells, and standing stones before arriving at St. Non's Chapel—the birthplace of St. David—and finally the cathedral nestled in its valley below the town.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
St. Davids Cathedral - The 12th-century cathedral built on the site of St. David's monastery, housing his shrine and medieval relics.
St. Non's Chapel and Well - The ruins mark the birthplace of St. David around 500 AD, with a holy well still flowing nearby.
St. Justinian's Chapel - Dedicated to St. David's confessor, overlooking the waters where Justinian was martyred.
The Holy Wells - Multiple sacred springs along the Pembrokeshire coast, part of the Celtic Christian landscape.
🕯️ March 1 - St. David's Day
The feast of St. David draws Welsh pilgrims to the cathedral for special services, continuing a tradition that predates the medieval pilgrimage routes.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the St. David's Way.
