Discovering St Ninian.
Walk the Whithorn Way takes you through a historical journey from Glasgow to Whithorn, where you will explore the stunning scenery of woodlands, beaches, hills and an amazing array of flora and fauna.
Around 1600 years ago, while Britain was still in control of the latter stages of the Roman Empire, a man by the name of Ninian came to Southern Scotland in around 397AD. Little is known of the life of Ninian, (St Ninian.) It is, however, acknowledged that he was a Briton who studied in Rome and that he converted the Celts and Picts to Christianity.
Ninian was the first Bishop of Galloway and erected a small stone church known as the "Candida Casa", or White House, which was Scotland's first Christian building. During and after St Ninian’s life, many miracles were attributed to him. He was buried in a stone coffin near the altar of the church that he had built in Whithorn.
Pilgrims flocked to his relics and his shrine, including the most notable King James IV, who gifted the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland sculpture over the Pend in Whithorn.
The Protestant Reformation of 1560 led to the gradual decline of Whithorn. Even so, Pilgrimages continued sometime after the Reformation. However, an act of parliament, passed in 1581, rendered Pilgrimages illegal.
Pilgrims from the Dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church still visit Whithorn and celebrate the Feast of St Ninian, (16th September) where Mass is held on the beach at St Ninian’s Cave on the last Sunday in August by the Diocese of Galloway. All welcome. www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk
In 2012, Paisley Abbey www.paisleyabbey.org.uk marked their 850th Anniversary of the establishment of Paisley Abbey by organising an Ecumenical Pilgrimage from the Barochan Cross at Paisley Abbey to St Ninian’s Priory in Whithorn.
This proved to be such a success that the Whithorn Way was formed by like minded people in August 2014 at a meeting in Whithorn.
This 146 mile Pilgrimage route takes you from the vibrant and historical City of Glasgow to the Royal Burgh town of Whithorn, passing through stunning views, amazing scenery, beautiful sandy beaches, and a plethora of history with magnificent buildings.
Why walk on a Pilgrimage?
Some say to walk to a Holy place or Shrine. Others say, to cross the fields, to touch the Sacred, and to learn the Mystery.
The Whithorn Way is a journey of people with faith or none. Enjoy the history, the countryside, meet the community, have a wonderful journey, and create your very own long lasting memories.
Your first steps on your journey from Glasgow Cathedral.
Walk the Whithorn Way takes you through a wonderful historical journey to Whithorn. Where you walk from Glasgow and see the stunning scenery of woodlands, beaches, hills with an amazing array of flora and fauna.
The Walk the Whithorn Way is divided into 13 sections.
- Glasgow to Paisley
- Paisley to Lochwinnoch.
- Lochwinnoch to Kilwinning.
- Kilwinning to Troon.
- Troon to Ayr.
- Ayr to Maybole.
- Maybole to Girvan.
- Girvan to Colmonell.
- Colmonell to Barrhill.
- Barrhill to New Luce.
- New Luce to Mochrum.
- Mochrum to Whithorn.
- Whithorn to the Isle of Whithorn.