Pilgrimage — The Way to St James Cygnet

Journey through the beautiful Huon Valley or for those who can’t join us in person you will be able to walk with us wherever you are in the world by joining our Global Way to St James Pilgrimage, via our Facebook page.

We are proud to inform you all that the Way to St James Cygnet (Tasmania) is now officially integrated into the register of Jacobean associations.

Inspired by and modelled on the famous El Camino de Santiago, this two-day pilgrim walk will take you through the scenic and peaceful Huon Valley, finishing with a celebration at the Spanish-style Church of St James, nestled in the heart of Cygnet, Tasmania.

Every person, of any religious denomination or none, is welcome to join us to walk in company with other pilgrims. Through fellowship, reflection, rejoicing and ritual you will find an opportunity to reconnect with the spiritual dimensions of your life.

By registering for the Way to St James, you are agreeing to uphold the spirit of the pilgrimage. As we walk as pilgrims in a meditative way, we reflect on our personal journeys, the shared experiences, and the profound lessons that the pilgrimage offers. In registering as a pilgrim, you commit to participate in the spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and contemplation. This commitment involves respecting the experiences and context of your fellow pilgrims and contributing to the positive and reflective atmosphere of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage Details

The pilgrimage commences on Saturday 11th January 2025 at 9.00am from the Mountain River Community Hall and finishes on Sunday 12th January 2025 at approx. 4.30pm St James Church, Cygnet.

The route covers rural roads in southern Tasmania and is best described as needing a medium level of fitness. Pilgrims must be a minimum age of 10.

Day one is from Mountain River to Ranelagh and is around 18km.

Day two will take us from Ranelagh Church, with a bus trip to Cradoc to avoid narrow sections of the Channel Highway and then along the Cradoc Coast Road next to the Huon River and over the Silver Hill Road and Missing Link Road to Cygnet and is about 15km.

For the Global Camino 2025 we welcome you walking approximately the same distance over the two days. We hope you will choose a somewhat challenging route that you can walk solo, or in a group safely distanced. It would be good if it were through natural surroundings and undertaken in a meditative way.

ACCOMMODATION

There are various options for accommodation included in the registration fee. Pilgrims are welcome to pitch a tent in the level grounds surrounding St Mary of the Cross in Ranelagh. Free indoor accommodation is available in the Ranelagh Soldiers Memorial Hall (very basic sleeping on uncarpeted floor – a mat is necessary), St James Anglican Church Hall quite close to St Mary’s, and Mission 21 in Huonville. Shuttles will be available to Soldiers Memorial Hall and Mission 21. For these covered accommodation options pilgrims will need their own bedroll for sleeping on the floor. Please let us know whether you will be tenting or seeking free covered accommodation when you register.

Pilgrims may choose to seek alternative paid accommodation options nearby. The Huon Valley Caravan Park is situated very close to the church property, and there are excellent B&B's in the Huon Valley. Accommodation is always at a premium during the Cygnet Folk Festival and our Pilgrimage so you are urged to book as soon as possible.

Please let us know your accommodation preference when you register.

MEALS

We will be providing a barbecue dinner on Saturday evening: sausages, hamburgers, veggie burgers, salmon patties, onions, salads, bread.

Sunday Breakfast (cold): cereal, milk, fruit, croissant (cold), bread, butter, jam, vegemite.

Tea and coffee will be available at St Mary’s at both mealtimes

These meals are covered by your registration fee.

You may purchase an optional lunch pack (vegetarian) for Saturday and Sunday. These are provided locally by Summer Kitchen Bakery at a cost of $14 per lunch. Lunches must be pre-ordered and paid when you register.

Any special dietary requirements are the responsibility of pilgrims.

TRANSPORT

Buses are provided for transport from Hobart to Mountain River on Saturday 11th January departing at 8.30am from alongside the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Campbell St You must register for this service on the website with a payment of $18.

At the conclusion of the pilgrimage on Sunday 12th January transport will leave Cygnet behind the Town Hall via Ranelagh at 4.30pm. You must register for this service on the website with a payment of $18. This bus will also be able to drop pilgrims to their cars at Ranelagh for a $10 fee.

CONDITIONS

• Pilgrims must be physically fit enough to undertake the walk
• Minimum age of walker is 10 years
• No drugs or alcohol can be taken on the pilgrimage
• Any health issues, allergies or special dietary requirements are the responsibility of individuals to manage
• Pilgrims are reminded that the ethos of the pilgrimage promotes quiet reflection and we encourage peaceful and harmonious interactions with fellow pilgrims and local residents