It’s time to keep that promise to yourself to see more of our beautiful countryside before the weather turns. What better way to do that than by walking? Happily, this weekend sees the start of the Cornish Celtic Way Walking Festival so pull out those boots (or trainers, the walk isn’t that hard) and join Bishop Chris, Rev Nigel Marns and others on the first walk from Crantock to St Piran’s Oratory.

Beginning at 10.00am on Saturday, August 26th, from St Carantoc’s Church in Crantock, the first walk ends with a special service of thanksgiving at St Piran’s Oratory in the sand dunes of Perranporth.

The Cornish Celtic Way Walking Festival is more than just a bracing walk. Following in the footsteps of pilgrims ancient and new – Bishop Chris walked the whole route earlier this year – it’s an opportunity to discover more than you think you knew about our countryside, history and heritage. It offers a chance to connect with nature, each other and, hopefully, with God.

As Rev Nigel says, “Having faith isn’t about just going to a place of worship – it’s about getting out and experiencing it in everyday life as well, and taking it into your own hands. We hope that the Cornish Celtic Way will develop spiritual growth and personal reflection through stories of the Celtic saints, Cornwall’s rich history, incredible landscape and the people and communities that will be encountered along the way.”

St PIran's OratoryThe first walk ends at St Piran’s Oratory, a special place that refuses to be lost, despite the best attempts of the sand, the sea and the onslaught of time. Dating back to at least 1540, the church has endured centuries of excavation and encasement, being referred to at various times as the lost church of Perranporth. Yet it remains. Steeped in all those years of prayer, it is a wonderful place to pause after the first day of walking on the Cornish Celtic Way Festival.

The service starts at 3.30pm and will be led by Bishop Chris and everyone is welcome – even those of you haven’t walked.

Full details of this walk and all the walks within the two week festival can be found on the Cornish Celtic Way website. Details of the service at St Piran’s Oratory can be found here