Group leader: Wendy Mason-Smith

About the group:

(For latest updates and upcoming events, please scroll down!)

The Devon and Cornwall Regional Group came into being following a discussion at the Practical Pilgrim Day in Manchester, in early 2019. Flying high following her walk along the Camino Frances in May/June 2019, Wendy was keen to meet other camino enthusiasts, and to see what could be done to enhance the fellowship of CSJ members in Devon and Cornwall.

With support from the main office, news soon spread. We now have an active and sociable group, ranging in ages from the 20's to the 80's, from equally wide-ranging backgrounds, and as they say, 'of all faiths and none'.  

Each year sees us join up for several enjoyable and meaningful walks, across the region, and our Christmas lunches are  very jolly affairs!  In 2020, we managed walks to Truro and Exeter Cathedrals in between lockdowns.  2021 saw us explore the Exe Estuary from Exmouth to A La Ronde; Tarr Steps; St Michael's Way, and the ancient churches of central Exeter.  In 2022 we explored Patteson’s Way, St Michael’s Way, and the medieval highlights of Exeter, as well as celebrating St James’s Day with the community of St James’s Church, Ideleigh.  During the winter we enjoy a range of Zoom chats and presentations, which keep the Camino spirit alive in us all.

You are most welcome to join us, whether you live locally, or are visiting the region.  For more information, please click this link to email Wendy.

Latest update / upcoming events:

Devon and Cornwall RG:

July 2023

in June, members enjoyed a fascinating visit to the pilgrimage port of Fowey, where they were warmly welcomed into St Finbarrus Church.  Using Constance Storrs' excellent book 'Jacobean Pilgrims from England to St James of Compostella' as their main guide, members were able to recall days when up to 100 pilgrims at a time set off across the Bay Of Biscay to pay homage to St James. Hopefully this will be the first in an occasional series exploring the ancient pilgrimage ports of our two counties.  Our next event is a St James's Day picnic at Wendy's house on July 25th.  All welcome!  An email with further details will be sent out shortly.

June 2023

Saturday June 17th, at 10.00am: Section of the Celtic Way from Bassett's Cove to Gwithian, in association with The Cornish Celtic Way group.  Approx 6 miles.  There is a cafe at Hell’s Mouth and at Gwithian.  Cars will be organised to get drivers back to the start.

Friday 30^th June, at 11.00am: An exploration of the Pilgrim Port of Fowey.  Lunch in a pub, with the chance to walk a few miles on the Saints' Way if anyone fancies it, in the afternoon.  We will be examining links to St Catherine and St Fimbarrus, amongst others.

Tuesday 25^th July: St James's Day Tapas Picnic, 12.00 noon: at our home in Plymouth.  There is plenty of parking. Everyone is most welcome.

Wednesday 9^th August at 10.30am: Bolventor (Jamaica Inn) to Dozmary Pool.  A gentle walk of 2 miles each way, exploring the folklore of the area.  Lunch can be a picnic, or at Jamaica Inn, depending on the weather. 

St Michael's Way, during the first week or two of September, to be confirmed. 14 miles over hilly terrain, (opt-out options are regularly available) with five opportunities to collect stamps which count towards the Camino Ingles.