About The Saints and Stones Trails

Llanychaer stone

The first Saints and Stones trail was launched 21 years ago in August 1995 by Bishop Ivor Rees, with initial support from Menter Preseli as part of the Pembrokeshire County Council and the EU Leader Programme II. At the start of 2016, five trails are in place, with 52 churches participating in a Ministry of Welcome.

The guide leaflets have been researched and designed by members of the group.

In 1998, having won a Schroder Tourism award, the group launched ‘The Shadow of the Preselis’ route, followed by ‘The Bishop’s Road’ in 1999. Later, two further projects: ‘Haven Ways and Byeways’ and ‘The Riverside Route’ were successfully opened.

Although all these journeys focus on St Davids and the shrine of the saint as the destination, it is important for the pilgrim to experience the spiritual welcome offered by the hidden places of worship along the way. A new route, The Cemais Trail, is currently being developed.

In cities that
have outgrown their promise, people
are becoming pilgrims
again, if not to this place
then to the recreation of it
in their own spirit.

                                             R.S.Thomas