Bishop Chris and Nigel Marns at the book launch.

Around 150 people attended Truro Cathedral yesterday (Sunday, February 4) for the launch of the new guidebook, A Cornish Celtic Way.

Author Revd Nigel Marns was joined by his family and the Bishop of St Germans, the Rt Revd Dr Chris Goldsmith, for the launch.

Nigel talked about his inspiration for the book, how he would like to see St Michael’s Mount restored as a well-known and established place of Christian pilgrimage. His hope is that the project will encourage others to reflect on their own spirituality, whether they have any faith or none.

The book talks about the pilgrimage route which Nigel devised, running from St Germans in the east of Cornwall, to St Michael’s mount in the west. The pilgrimage takes in the traditional Saints Way and St Michael’s Way, and joins them with a route that travels the length and depth of the county, linked together by the churches established by Cornwall’s Celtic saints.

Events

This year there will be monthly walks led by Nigel and a team of others, as well as a walking festival in May and a five-day organised pilgrimage along a section of the route in September. Special events, such as a foraging walk and art and spirituality days, will be advertised on the website, cornishcelticway.co.uk, and on its social media channels.

‘There is a genuine resurgence in interest in pilgrimage today, and the book is intended to help people to be inspired, question and explore their own spirituality.’

“I was delighted by the turnout, and the enthusiasm for the book and the project,” said Nigel. “There is a genuine resurgence in interest in pilgrimage today, and the book is intended to help people to be inspired, question and explore their own spirituality. Where could be better to do that than the heart of our Cornish coastline and countryside?” said Nigel.

Nigel with his wife, Penny, and their daughter Rosanna.

Cornish Celtic Way facilitator, Caroline Marwood, said: “I would like to encourage people to get involved with the project. You don’t need to be a Christian or religious to benefit from pilgrimage, and the many rewards it can bring.

“I’m also particularly keen to hear from individuals and businesses along the route, and to work with them to help them get involved. We’re interested in linking up with accommodation providers, whether traditional or more unconventional, who might like to host pilgrims along their way.  I’d also be delighted to hear from other community project that might link in in different ways.”

Caroline can be contacted at hello@cornishcelticway.co.uk.

Nigel is Rector of the Mounts Bay United Benefice.

To hear Nigel talking to BBC Radio Cornwall’s Donna Birrell about the project, click here.