The original pilgrims were not just trying to get from A to B. The trials and tribulations of the journey were part of the experience, as was calling at recognised holy sites along the way. Modern pilgrims want to feel that they are following in the footsteps of these previous generations. So re-creating a pilgrimage route is not as simple as looking at a map and working out the shortest way from one place to another.

The Northern Pilgrims' Way is what is known in the trade as a braided route. In other words, it offers the pilgrim alternative tracks between the start and end points. While some routes have more history attached to them than others, all are genuine pilgrimage ways through the North of Scotland. 

When deciding on these braids, the key factors to consider were the historical evidence and modern conditions. Chapels, graveyards and holy wells give clues to where people lived and the tracks that they used. It is clear from these remains that rivers were important navigational aids for those travelling through the county. Another important set of clues is place names and ancient chapel sites with their associated graveyards and holy wells.

Of course, the simplest route to navigate is just to follow the coast from Tain to John O' Groats and no doubt many travellers did so. However this route was more weather-dependent than inland ones and includes various river crossings that would be impassable in wet weather – there were no bridges in the area until the mid-18th century.

For stages and mileages, see below. More details for each stage can be found in our guidebook. For Braid 3, go to the John O’Groats Trail guidebook. To hear a description of the route, go to our YouTube channel by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRD8vggPg7sTKAC1gRYaiqg