Pilgrimage: Walking holidays and caminos inspired by new BBC travel series this April

Pilgrimage: Walking holidays and caminos inspired by new BBC travel series this April 

Walking enthusiasts and adventure seekers will be captivated by the BBC’s latest series, Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps, which follows seven celebrities as they embark on a spiritual and cultural journey through the stunning landscapes of the Austrian and Swiss Alps. The series will see them travel along ancient pilgrimage routes, exploring themes of faith, resilience, and personal discovery along the way.

The diverse cast includes actor Brian Cox, singer-songwriter Heather Small, former politician Edwina Currie, comedian Shazia Mirza, and other well-known figures. Their journey will take them across breathtaking mountain scenery and historic religious sites, offering a blend of adventure and introspection. Throughout the series, the celebrities will experience the physical and emotional challenges of pilgrimage, immersing themselves in the traditions and customs of the people they meet.

As Pilgrimage shines a light on these historic routes, it’s the perfect inspiration for those looking to embark on their own meaningful walking journey. Responsible walking holiday experts The Natural Adventure offer a range of self-guided pilgrimage tours that allow modern travellers to explore some of the world’s most scenic and historic paths.

Pilgrimage-Inspired Walking Holidays from The Natural Adventure

For those inspired by Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps, The Natural Adventure offers several self-guided walking tours along famous pilgrimage routes:

Walking the Way of St. James in Switzerland: Interlaken to Romont

• This 7-day Via Jacobi tour from Interlaken to Romont offers a scenic and spiritual journey through Swiss valleys, featuring historic rock-hewn passages near Fribourg, breathtaking alpine landscapes, and Swiss hospitality.
• Following the Swiss section of the Camino de Santiago, this tour combines a beautiful hike with a spiritual journey.
• Prices from £1,115
• More details here

Hærvejen – Denmark’s Camino: From Viborg to Jelling

• The 9-day tour explores the Hærvejen trail from Viborg to Jelling, offering a historic and scenic journey along Denmark’s ancient Camino route.
• The trail passes medieval streets, Viborg’s famous cathedral, and Jelling’s 10th-century rune stones marking Denmark’s conversion to Christianity.
• Prices from £995
• More details here

Camino Portugués Coastal Way

• The 15-day Camino Portugues Coastal Way offers a scenic and tranquil pilgrimage from Porto to Santiago, following rugged Atlantic shores, sandy beaches, and forest paths before merging with the Central Way in Spain.
• This is a scenic alternative to the traditional Camino, following Portugal’s stunning coastal pasths.
• Prices from £1,125
• More details here

Camino Francés Last 100 km: Sarria to Santiago in 7 Days

• This 7-day tour covers the most famous section of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago, offering a cultural and social pilgrimage through Galicia with comfortable, dog-friendly accommodations
• With the tour including the final 100km of the Camino de Santiago Frances route, this means that travellers (and their canine companions!) have the chance to earn a Compostela Certificate.
• Prices from £475
• More details here

Shikoku Pilgrim Trail, Japan

• The 8-day tour of the Shikoku Pilgrim Trail showcases the best sections of Japan’s historic 88-temple pilgrimage, combining stunning natural landscapes with traditional pilgrim lodgings and fine inns in cities like Tokushima and Dogo Onsen.
• Shikoku is Japan’s fourth-largest island, home to some of the country’s most spectacular and undeveloped scenery, with the island’s full ancient walking trail covering more than a thousand kilometres.
• Prices from £1,890
• More details here

With the BBC’s Pilgrimage offering a fresh look at the joys and challenges of these historic routes, now is the perfect time to embark on your own adventure with The Natural Adventure. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, a cultural experience, or a physical challenge, these pilgrimage trails offer the opportunity to connect with history, nature, and yourself.