Scotland is a land rich in religious history, and the Way of St Andrews is perhaps its most eloquent testimony. Consisting of a network of six walks and four variants (depending on where you start) it passes through Edinburgh (St Margaret’s Way), Aberdeen (St Duthac’s Way), Hexham (St Wilfrid’s Way), Iona (St Columba’s Way), Motherwell (Ladywell’s Way) and Carlisle (St Ninian’s Way).
The St Margaret’s Way links the Shrine of St Andrew in Edinburgh with the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, taking pilgrims through some 100 kilometers of countryside rich in natural beauty and ancient history.
The route starts at the Shrine of St Andrew in Edinburgh, inside St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. This shrine was opened in 2012 to house a relic of the saint: a small bone of St Andrew given by the Archbishop of Amalfi (Italy), which ‘returned’ the apostle to Scotland after several centuries of absence.
The presence of this relic has revived Edinburgh’s link with its patron saint, attracting visitors and devotees alike. From this shrine begins a journey that embodies both religious devotion and recognition of St Andrew’s historic impact on Scotland.
It follows a diverse route that combines country lanes, ancient paths and byways, allowing pilgrims to discover the very spirit of the country. Walkers set off from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh and, as they progress, leave the pace of the city behind for the quietude of the Scottish countryside.
The first part of the walk traverses the green fields and hills of East Lothian. This first section allows pilgrims to enjoy nature and contemplate the tranquil surroundings.
As the route progresses, walkers reach the Fife region and cross the iconic Firth of Forth over one of the bridges that link the two banks. Fife is known as the ‘Kingdom of Fife’, an ancient county that played a pivotal role in Scotland’s medieval history. It is an area rich in legend and tradition, and every step you take reveals more about the region’s cultural heritage.
The ancient Benedictine Abbey on Inchcolm Island and St Brigid’s Church are iconic examples of the medieval Christian heritage of the region. Another point of great interest is Earlsferry Beach –the place where pilgrims used to disembark to walk the last part of their journey.
The final destination on this route is the historic town of St Andrews. It has been one of Scotland’s most important spiritual centers for centuries. The town is (quite obviously) named after St Andrew, whose relics were brought here in the 8th century, making it an important pilgrimage destination.
Arriving at the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral is surely a meaningful moment for pilgrims traversing Scotland. Founded in 1158 and consecrated in 1318, the cathedral was the largest church in the country during the Middle Ages. As such, it was a center of great spiritual, economic, cultural, and political power and influence. Although today its impressive ruins are all that remain of its former glory, the Cathedral is still a symbol of Scotland’s religious history and a place of spiritual significance.
For pilgrims, arriving at these ruins after a four to five day walk brings about a sense of communion with those who have walked the same path for centuries. The ruins of the cathedral and nearby St Andrews Castle give an idea of the splendor of the city in its medieval heyday, when it welcomed thousands of pilgrims who came to venerate the relics of St Andrew.
The Way of St Andrews Pilgrimage, promoter of these routes, has the support of the Catholic Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh and other religious leaders, who hope that especially young people will participate in this revitalization of the pilgrimage to St Andrews. The partnership seeks to make the experience accessible and inclusive, open to people of all faiths. For more information, maps and details, pilgrims can visit their website and follow the association on social media to share their experiences and keep in touch.
