Penrhys Pilgrimage

Did you know Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to one of the holiest sites in Europe?

Follow the beautiful 21-mile Penrhys Pilgrimage from Cardiff to a site that has attracted the faithful and those seeking healing since pre-Christian days.

Visit the stunning statue of Mary holding an infant Jesus that has marked the site for over 70 years, guarding the ancient St Mary’s Well and looking over the magnificent Rhondda scenery.

Along the way, you will pass through some of the most historic sites in Rhondda Cynon Taf, following in the footsteps of pilgrims who have travelled the path for centuries, since before pre-Christian days.

The Penrhys Pilgrimage is fully marked and has a comprehensive website with maps, routes, tips to plan your journey and information on place to stop for food, drink or an overnight stay, during your walk.

It also contains the history of the sites you will pass through, as you travel from Llandaff Cathedral to the Rhondda Valley.

These include Llantrisant, the historic town on top of a hill which has a castle (Edward II was held there following his capture) and myths and legends. It was also home to the pioneer and eccentric Dr William Price. You can explore the town via audio and walking trails and enjoy its range of shops, pubs and places to eat.

In Penrhys, the statue of Our Lady has become a local landmark. It’s a stone replica of the wooden statue of Mary, holding an infant Jesus, that is said to have mysteriously appeared in bushes at the site, attracting the faithful to Penrhys.

The statue, close to the holy St Mary’s Well, remained in place until 1538 when it was removed and destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII.