Pilgrimage is back with a brand-new series returning to BBC Two and iPlayer this month, as seven well known personalities, of differing faiths and beliefs, tackle a modern-day pilgrimage, this time along the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way.
Across 3 x 60 minute episodes, Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales will follow the celebrities, as they take a personal journey along a route that celebrates Celtic early Christian saints. Their final destination is Bardsey Island, the fabled ‘Island of 20,000 saints’, just off the western tip of the Llyn Peninsula.
Immersing themselves on this spiritual journey are: wild life presenter Michaela Strachan who places her faith in the natural world; Spencer Matthews, a former Made in Chelsea reality star, who was christened Church of England but is still searching for answers to life’s big questions; Sonali Shah, a journalist and TV presenter who grew up in a Jain family; comedian Eshaan Akbar, a lapsed Muslim; Amanda Lovett, a practising Catholic, who catapulted into the public eye in the first series of Traitors; actor Tom Rosenthal of Friday Night Dinner fame, who is areligious; and TV personality and former model Christine McGuinness, who is spiritual but doesn’t practise one particular faith.
Travelling on foot and by bus, the pilgrims begin their adventure from the start of the 220km Pilgrim’s Way near St Winefride’s Well. In a journey taking two weeks, they will be faced with challenging paths and climbs as they traverse North Wales, tackling the foothills of spectacular mountain ranges. Carrying their own backpacks, they’ll sleep in basic accommodation from a caravan to a climbers’ hut, as well as experiencing an eco-retreat in an ancient oak forest and a Buddhist meditation centre.
Created in 2011, the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way is linked by ancient churches, dedicated to sixth and seventh century saints, but also takes pilgrims through places of outstanding natural beauty in the mountain ranges of Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, and the North Wales coast path.
Their final destination is Bardsey Island, or Ynys Enlli, which means ‘isle of currents’. It was a popular destination amongst early Celtic Christian monks and hermits who believed Bardsey was the end of the world, where the space between heaven and earth became ‘thin’, which made the island a place of guaranteed resurrection. But crossing the Bardsey Sound is notoriously dangerous, so will the celebrities manage to complete this challenging journey safely?
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Interview with Amanda Lovett
Did you find/feel/experience what you were hoping to find/feel/experience on this pilgrimage?
Absolutely, it was a real eye-opening experience I loved every minute of it.
Any revelations about yourself or your faith?
The pilgrimage has been totally different to what I expected it to be. I never thought for one minute I’d leave this pilgrimage ready to let my mother go. I’m ready now; after five years I’m going to take her ashes to Ireland and then her soul is free to walk with me or she can go and dance and Irish jig up there, thinking yes, she’s letting me go.
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? What did you do?
I tried to prepare by doing walks prior to embarking on the pilgrimage and I thought this would be enough practice but in hindsight, it definitely wasn’t! It was a lot harder once I started the journey.
What did you NOT do? In hindsight, was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
I did not prepare my physical fitness enough before the pilgrimage. In hindsight I would have prepared a lot more physically.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?
I think climbing Snowden was the biggest challenge during the pilgrimage. It was the biggest challenge, both mentally and physically.
What was your highlight?
I think that meeting the cast who joined me on the pilgrimage and having experienced the journey together was the biggest highlight of the experience. We all bonded in the time we had together whilst walking.
What about the actual physical route – how would you describe it?
I think the route was very difficult. They were extremely long days, which I did not prepare myself for. It was challenging but it was made a lot easier having the group around me and being able to focus on bonding and making new relationships with people and having deep and meaningful conversations.
Did you find the experience emotional/eye-opening/enlightening?
For me the whole pilgrimage was a really emotional experience.
Were you surprised by any of your fellow pilgrims’ reactions to any situations?
Yes, I think without knowing people on a personal level and what their faiths and beliefs are, you can draw a conclusion I suppose, as to how they would react to a scenario, but I was very surprised by some of the teams’ reactions - they were so unexpected.
Were you surprised by any of YOUR reactions?
Absolutely! I definitely found a deeper understanding of other religions/faiths and beliefs rather than a surface understanding, deeper than what I was taught in school.
Are you affiliated to any religion? If so, which? Do you practice?
I am a Catholic. My mother was Catholic, and I also attended Catholic school and was taught by nuns.
What helps you explain the world?
When thinking of how to answer this question, my grandfather came to mind firstly, with spirituality. He always had such a wonderful understanding of the world that he would explain effortlessly to me, so this thought on the pilgrimage stayed with me throughout.
Is your faith/religion something you have previously felt comfortable openly discussing with your peers, the public or within the press?
Yes, I have always felt comfortable talking about my faith and upbringing. My children are Catholic too and are non-practicing. My grandchildren are not Catholic, and my mother-in-law was Welsh Chapel. I just found it was really interesting to discuss my faith and my schooling with the other pilgrims.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
No. My faith has remained the same from when I decided to do the pilgrimage to the time I completed the pilgrimage. It was an enlightening experience though and I loved every second of it.
Has the experience changed/decreased/ reinforced your beliefs or non-beliefs?
I think that the experience of being on pilgrimage has increased my belief that all religions are beginning to adapt to the real world and put their faith/beliefs into practice in day to day life.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change?
I think one of the biggest changes I came across was when Sonali was explaining her Jainism faith. She explained that each living thing was a soul that had come back to earth. It made me think differently about insects as I used to hate spiders and now, I think of them as little souls, so now I will put them outside and not hoover them up!!
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith that you would never have previously considered?
No, these have stayed the same for me.
Did you learn anything new about your own faith/beliefs while you were away?
I think that I have finally accepted my faith for what it is. Without knowing, I refer to this in my day-to-day life and I think I will always need it as a guiding light.
Has the experience changed you in any way?
Yes, learning about Jainism changed my belief about, and feelings towards insects and animals. I also have always thought, that no matter what your religion, belief or faith, I think that we can all be part of the same journey together.
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
Yes!! I learnt that patience is a virtue! It is easy to make assumptions prior to learning about someone’s background and beliefs, but it is so important to learn about someone’s character.
Did it highlight any particular strengths/weaknesses?
I think I realised my physical weakness during the pilgrimage!
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
Not really. I don’t think that it is really spoken about in this day and age, so I was glad to have this opportunity to engage in these types of conversations.
What do you hope Pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
That God doesn’t judge any relationship and shouldn’t, and faith can be found at any age! We can all embrace and respect each other’s beliefs.
Describe your feelings/emotions when you reached the last church in Aberdaron, where you had to collect stones from the beach…. Why do you think that was that so emotional for you and your fellow pilgrims? (Even before you knew you couldn’t cross to Bardsey Island the following day, it was feeling like an extraordinary end moment….)
By then everyone had opened up emotionally to each other and problems had been let go of. It really felt like a sense of release.
And how then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to…was it disappointing? Did it matter?
No, the journey was finished together and as a team, we all then said that this could be a future journey for us all!
Any other key moments or stories you want to share?
I just really loved that everyone opened up on this journey, which made it a lovely experience that I will cherish forever.
Would you do it again?
Yes, absolutely it was the most amazing experience.
Summarise your experience on this Pilgrimage
It was so enlightening and emotional. I loved that I shared the experience and did the journey with people I bonded with throughout the pilgrimage. I learned that no matter what the “higher power” is that we believe in, in our faiths and religions, everyone is turning towards the same wish that there is something more powerful than us, with hope!
Interview with Christine McGuinness
Did you find/feel/experience what you were hoping to find/feel/experience on this pilgrimage?
I was hoping to go on this pilgrimage to learn more about others, which I did, but the best thing was learning more about myself, and that was totally unexpected.
Any revelations about yourself or your faith?
I have never been religious, I’ve been more spiritual, but I left the pilgrimage with stronger feelings of believing in faith, as in having faith in others, having faith in the universe, and having faith in myself.
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? What did you do?
The only preparation I did before joining the pilgrimage was clearing out my diary for the weeks before I went away to make sure that I was at home spending as much time as possible with my children, because this was the longest time I’ve ever been away from them. I took my three children on holiday to Majorca with my mum, I switched off from work and embraced every single second before I left to go on the pilgrimage.
What did you NOT do? In hindsight, was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
No, I wouldn’t change any of the prep that I did before I went on the pilgrimage. I wanted to go in and learn along the way. I was already physically fit, so I loved the challenge of all the miles that we walked.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?
The biggest challenge was of course being away from my children. Luckily, I had my phone so I was able to speak to them every day. I found comfort being in Wales because I live in Cheshire, so knowing that I could get home quickly if I needed to, really helped. I found the most difficult parts of the pilgrimage were the big group conversations, not because I wasn’t interested, but because I find those kind of social situations can be difficult for me.
What was your highlight?
We got really lucky with the cast and the crew because we really did get along and we laughed so much. During the pilgrimage we went to Aber Falls and I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything so beautiful and incredible in the UK. It just blew my mind seeing this huge, stunning waterfall right there in front of my eyes.
What about the actual physical route – how would you describe it. Did you find the experience emotional/eye-opening/enlightening?
I loved the physical side of the route. Although there were some early starts and late nights, it was always worth it. It seemed like every hill, every mountain, we climbed, led us to something quite magnificent.
Do you have a religious faith?
No, I’m not religious, I respect each and every individual equally and really enjoyed getting to know others, but for me I’m quite happy just being as I am and understanding that I don’t need to belong anywhere other than just being myself.
What helps you explain the world?
I think we live in a very diverse world with so many diverse individuals and communities, and for me, that’s what makes it beautiful.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith? Or has the experience changed/decreased/ reinforced your beliefs or non-beliefs?
This experience has made me feel stronger in the beliefs that I had before I went on pilgrimage, and that is more spiritual than religious, but I definitely feel much stronger knowing that’s where I fit.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change for you?
For me, the biggest thing personally that has changed is being more confident and comfortable around others. I always felt like I didn’t fit in and always struggled in social situations but doing this pilgrimage has made me feel like I want to do that more. I want to spend time with people, I want to make friends, I want to talk more and actually I can do it and I am more able to do it than I thought I was.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith that you would never have previously considered?
I feel a lot lighter. I worry less and trust in the universe. I believe in manifestation stronger than I ever have done before.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you changed your behaviour or activities in any way?
I definitely walk more. I’ve always been active, and I love keeping fit and looking after myself but the pilgrimage has made me realise that being outdoors and walking is so good for me inside, mentally, emotionally and physically.
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
Yes, I’ve learned that I am not as bad at socialising as I thought I was. If I’m in the right company. I can thrive and be happy and I can learn a lot from others. I’m much more willing to say yes to new opportunities now, since listening to everybody else’s life experiences. I know that I want to live and enjoy life to the fullest and the best way to do that is by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Did it highlight any particular strengths/weaknesses?
I think one of my biggest strengths is knowing when to be quiet, and just listen.
What did you learn about other faiths that you didn’t know before?
I learnt that Jesus Christ was a real person. I’m not sure that I believe a lot of the fantasy type stories around him, but I didn’t know that those stories (fact or fiction) were actually based on a real person. I thought the whole thing was created to give people something to believe in, but apparently, he was a real person!
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
No, never.
What do you hope Pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
I hope viewers will see that walking and talking and spending time with others is so important, and to put your phone away at times and actually talk and listen in person. I think we live in a society now that is very much based on social media and technology and people don’t really get together as much as they should, and I think actually being around people and being outside is so much more beneficial.
Describe your feelings/emotions when you reached the last church in Aberdaron, where you had to collect stones from the beach…. Why do you think that was that so emotional for you and your fellow pilgrims?
Possibly my favourite part of the whole pilgrimage was collecting the stones, leaving them to be blessed and washed away by the sea, taken into the hands of the universe. This made me feel so light and happy and almost relieved. Like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. A lot of the pilgrims didn’t feel that way, and we all have our own personal feelings and reasons, but for me this was just a huge, big positive experience and I absolutely loved it.
And how then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland, which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to. Was it disappointing? Did it matter?
To be honest, I wasn’t too disappointed. I felt like I had gotten everything I wanted from the experience with the stones by the sea and being able to get close to Bardsley Island. To look at it from a distance the way we did it was so beautiful, but not actually going over there almost leaves the door open that maybe our journey isn’t over yet, maybe all of us pilgrims will meet again, and I love the idea that it didn’t end as planned because that’s what happens in life.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely, yes, I would love to do another pilgrimage. Maybe abroad next time. I still want to learn more about other religions. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Summarise your experience on this pilgrimage
I absolutely loved doing this pilgrimage. I had the best time with the cast and crew. I amazed myself with how quickly I settled in and how far I came on my own personal journey from day one to day fourteen. I was mixing well with the group, staying in different places, eating with people and contributing to conversations. It’s really given me some confidence, although sometimes I feel very different to others and I feel like I don’t fit in, but actually people are really kind and can be quite fun to be around and not as judgemental as I expected. I’ve learned to worry less about what people think of me and that I don’t need to try and be like anybody else. I can just be myself and that’s ok. All of these things, for me, were huge personal improvements.
Interview with Eshaan Akbar
Did you find/feel/experience what you were hoping to find/feel/experience on this pilgrimage?
I went in with no real expectations. I just wanted to throw myself into it. It ended up becoming one of the best experiences of my life!
Any revelations about yourself or your faith?
I was already quite steadfast in what I believed – the pilgrimage further confirmed that our souls/energies persist well beyond the minutiae and prescription of following an organised religion.
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? What did you do?
I had to buy a lot of walking equipment that is now gathering dust somewhere in my house.
What did you NOT do? In hindsight, was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
I should have walked up a massive hill at least once before!
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?
Emotionally, allowing myself to open up to other possibilities and not carry my frustration with “God” and the people who vehemently believe in Him (in all His guises).
Physically, keeping up with everyone and not falling over frequently – I managed 1 of 2 of these.
What was your highlight?
The friends I made along the way. Seriously – we’re all still in touch and that’s great.
I’ll definitely never forget the feeling at the ponder point – it was truly overwhelming and gave me solace that my mum was with me on the journey.
What about the actual physical route – how would you describe it?
The physical route was, on the whole, manageable. Coffin Path was ridiculous, and I was very upset when I got to the top of Snowdon to find that there was a train that would have taken us up there. Seemed like waste of a few hours for me to walk up there.
Did you find the experience emotional/eye-opening/enlightening?
I found it all those things at different points in the journey. I also discovered I’m more resilient than I had given myself credit for.
Were you surprised by any of your fellow pilgrims’ reactions to any situations?
As I got to know them through the course of the pilgrimage, so much of what they felt and how they behaved made sense. I was proud of every single one of them and proud to be associated with them all on this pilgrimage.
Were you surprised by any of YOUR reactions?
Most definitely. I didn’t realise I was carrying as much emotion as I was. I also didn’t realise that I had ignored myself for so long.
Are you affiliated to any religion?
I was raised a Muslim but don’t practise at all. I’d call myself a lapsed Muslim. I used to practise, I don’t anymore. Being from a Muslim background plays a big part in personal, professional, and social life, as well as society’s perception of me, so it’s entirely inescapable.
What helps you explain the world?
That most of us don’t extend grace to one another and that the things we think matter don’t matter at all.
Is your faith/religion something you have previously felt comfortable openly discussing with your peers, the public or within the press?
Yes.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
It’s re-affirmed my belief that organised religion just isn’t for me.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change?
Not particularly – no change per se, just a continuation of how I felt.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith that you would never have previously considered.
I’m trying to, at the very least, celebrate Eid for my dad – I know culturally and socially it’s important to him and it’s the least I can do – I haven’t since my mum passed away.
Has the experience changed you in any way?
It’s made me more open to new challenges. It’s given me the licence to value myself more. And to give myself a pat on the back!
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
I learned that I’m more comfortable with uncomfortable surroundings than I give myself credit for; that I’m a valued person in a group.
Did it highlight any particular strengths/weaknesses?
I didn’t know I was that good at bringing people together.
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
Yes, for sure – particularly my Muslim colleagues.
Did anything about this pilgrimage surprise you?
Just how valuable the idea of the soul is and how much solace it gives us all.
What do you hope Pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
That I’m a fun guy, with a deep connection to the goodness of people, who loves his family tremendously. Feeding people is my love language, and that it’s ok to be vulnerable.
Describe your feelings/emotions when you reached the last church in Aberdaron, where you had to collect stones from the beach…. Why do you think that was that so emotional for you and your fellow pilgrims?
It was tremendous to see how much a simple stone could mean – the symbolism and power it holds.
And how then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to… was it disappointing? Did it matter?
It was beautiful – it was almost better that we didn’t reach the intended final destination because that’s not how life – and indeed the afterlife works – what if you believe there is a heaven or hell, but it doesn’t exist when you get there. Is your whole life meaningless because of it? I don’t think so.
Any other key moments or stories you want to share?
I just hope viewers get to see how much fun we had too.
Would you do it again?
Yes
Summarise your experience on this pilgrimage.
It was one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I’d love to do it again – with these same Pilgrims.
Interview with Michaela Strachan
Did you experience what you were hoping to on this pilgrimage?
It was an amazing experience and it was an amazing time for me to do it. Last year was a very sad year, with a lot of heartache, so I needed to process grief and reconnect. Doing something like this gave me that opportunity. There was a lot of loss last year, my sister-in-law, my best friend, a best friend’s son, an old friend of my partner’s, lots of tragedy. My best friend lost her fight against breast cancer just before we started filming Pilgrimage, it hit me hard. When I agreed to take part in Pilgrimage, I thought the experience would be fun and fascinating. The timing for me meant that it turned into something very different. It became an opportunity for me to process loss. It gave me time to be with my thoughts, to immerse myself in beauty, to explore beliefs on life, death, emotions, the afterlife, the meaning of life. I met people with different beliefs, who had comforting words and who were spiritually connected, and we all had many meaningful conversations. It gave me time to grieve, and the timing turned out to be a real gift.
Any revelations about yourself or your faith?
We had many thought-provoking debates, most of which I really enjoyed. I wish I could say that I came away with a new belief in some sort of organised faith, but that wasn’t the outcome. I recently lost my 96yr old mother-in-law. I was with her in hospital when she passed. It would be so much easier to accept and process her passing if I did have a faith I could turn to. I tend to be quite scientific about life and death. My faith is in the natural world. I turn to nature to find my answers, my peace, my ‘faith’. Walking is where I get my spiritual engagement.
One thing I did learn about myself, is that a lot of things that really freak some people out, like a compost loo, don’t bother me in the slightest!!
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage?
Not really. I hike regularly so the walking side of it was something I was really looking forward to. I’ve never hiked with a rucksack packed with enough for two weeks, but I packed well and had a great rucksack and it was actually easier than I thought it would be.
I did do a bit of research on the correct gear to take, but I love an outdoor shop, so that was my idea of heaven!
I also bought a book on the Pilgrim’s Way to educate myself on the route. I’m someone who likes to be prepared!
What did you NOT do? In hindsight, was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
I’ve come across a few good books and podcasts about faith and after life in particular that I wish I’d read before I did the pilgrimage. One was God Is An Octopus: Loss, Love and a Calling to Nature. By Ben Goldsmith. It discussed a lot of topics that we talked about on pilgrimage. I’ve just been recommended ‘Journey Of The Souls’ Case studies of Life between Lives by Michael Newton. It was one of the debates we had, and I think if I had read these 2 books beforehand, I would’ve been able to debate better!
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?
The emotional journey. The physical journey was easy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the emotional journey was tough. I’m not great at being vulnerable in front of people I don’t know and I found that challenging. When you’re grieving, you want to be with people who know you, who care about you and knew the person you’ve lost. So being with people I didn’t know, was sometimes difficult. I was looking forward to being with people I’d never met before, exploring ideas with people who didn’t necessarily have the same beliefs as me. It can be really rewarding spending time with people who aren’t usually in your circle. We tend to surround ourselves with people who have the same interests, cultures and beliefs so to have very deep conversations with people who have different points of view and challenge yours, is something I usually enjoy. In some ways I wish I’d been a bit more robust for the whole experience. I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed sparring and got more involved than perhaps I did.
What was your highlight?
Walking up Snowdon aka Yr Wyddfa. Mountains are my soul food; I find them healing and peaceful. I find walking cathartic, connecting with nature, putting one foot in front of the other, it’s my form of meditation. There’s a simplicity to just walking. Walking, thinking, taking time to connect with nature, breathing deeply. I guess that's my form of spiritual engagement.
I also loved going to the Buddhist centre, the Hermitage of the Awakened Heart. I enjoyed listening to Lama Shenpen, I found her words healing. You could really feel her connection to spirituality. She had an interesting story and I enjoy hearing stories. We did a bit of meditation there. I’ve never been good at seated meditating before, my mind is not good at being still, but I found a stillness which I felt helpful.
What about the actual physical route – how would you describe it?
Beautiful and inspirational. We were incredibly fortunate with the weather. We were in shorts for the first week of September which made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable than if it had been chucking it down with rain for two weeks.
Snowdon was the highlight, but Aber Falls was a close second. The falls and the scenery around it were spectacular. The power of water is something I find awe inspiring.
I also loved the coffin path that led up to Llangelynin Old Church. The church was rugged and simple and I like that. For me a place of worship should be simple. It shouldn’t need to be ornate and imposing.
The Coastal Path was also stunning. A lot of people don’t realise just how beautiful some of our coastline is. Farmland, moorland, mountain, shoreline, cliffs, it’s pretty spectacular.
Did you find the experience emotional?
There were a lot of emotional moments for me. I was very emotional on the day before the end of the pilgrimage. We went to St Hywyn’s church in Aberdaron. The vicar was lovely; he asked us to collect a pebble from the beach and write on it something we were trying to let go of or someone we were saying goodbye to. Obviously, that is very triggering if you’ve gone through a year of loss. I started to sob; it was what I call ugly crying. It’s not something I felt completely comfortable doing in public and especially not on camera!
Were you surprised by any of your fellow pilgrims’ reactions to any situations?
A few of us had triggering moments. Eshaan was very surprised by his. Again, there was something that triggered a memory. But that’s what a pilgrimage is all about really. To connect with your feelings and explore your emotions and beliefs and take the time to express them.
Were you surprised by any of YOUR reactions?
I am usually a very outgoing person. Because of my slightly fragile emotional state, I was more reserved than I would normally be. It didn’t really surprise me, but it was unusual for me. I found I needed to be on my own much more than normal.
Are you affiliated to any religion?
I don’t align with any organised religion. I have faith in nature, a mountain is my church and being in nature is my practice. That’s what works for me.
If you don’t have any faith, are you atheist/agnostic? Or what would you call yourself?
I think it depends on how you define faith? I don’t believe in God; I believe in Mother Nature. I don’t feel the need to categorise that.
What helps you explain the world?
Now that’s a good question! I would like to say science, but then science is often based on theory which over time becomes so accepted that it becomes fact. Until someone comes up with a new theory which questions the scientific fact. My fundamental belief is in evolution.
Is your faith/religion something you have previously felt comfortable openly discussing with your peers, the public or within the press?
I’ve never had to discuss my faith or religion. Being a wildlife presenter, it’s not something I’m usually asked about.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
Not really. I find religion fascinating and totally understand why people follow a certain religion. Life is complicated and confusing, to have guidelines through religion can make choices easier and make living through life less chaotic. I think I have made my own guidelines up to muddle my way through life!
I found it interesting how Christianity in this country seems to be becoming less popular, and yet other religions seem to be growing with people becoming even more passionate about their particular beliefs.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change?
The Buddhist retreat made me want to explore some parts of the Buddhist practice more. I don’t want to be a Buddhist, but I really like some of the thinking. I find it a kind, empathetic, gentle religion that is accepting of all other beliefs. Working towards a mental state of peace and happiness sounds like a good philosophy to me. Buddhism teaches kindness, humour and compassion towards other people. There’s a respect for nature, an aim to reduce anger, work on peace of mind, compassion, karma. What a better world we’d all enjoy if we all practiced the Buddhist way of life.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith that you would never have previously considered?
I’ve definitely been more intrigued about what happens after we die. It’s a question I’ll never know the answer to. I’d love to think that we meet up with loved ones who had passed, but I’m not sure I really believe we do. I think it just makes us feel better to think that could be a possibility. Having witnessed someone dying recently, I can understand that the physical body is just a shell that the soul is in. But what happens to that soul once we die? Surely it must go somewhere? When we debated that with the Lama in the Buddhist retreat, she asked me what I thought instinctually. I said I think it goes somewhere but I have no conviction further than that.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you changed your behaviour or activities in any way re your faith or beliefs?
Not really, other than continuing to find peace in walking and being in nature, knowing that it is so good for my mental health and making sure it’s something I keep doing regularly.
Did you learn anything new about your own faith/beliefs while you were away?
Not really, other than if I absolutely had to align to a faith, I would choose Buddhism.
Has the experience changed you in any way?
It helped me process grief. I definitely felt better after the pilgrimage.
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
After two weeks walking with people, I know that I don’t like to be the one at the back! I like to lead generally, but I kind of knew that already! I don’t like faffing; I like to be on the move and active. Being the oldest person on the journey, I learned a lot about the effect of social media and podcasting from the 30yr olds! I learned all about Traitors and am now addicted!
Did it highlight any particular strengths/weaknesses?
I think my strength is my ability to get on with things without making too much of a fuss. My weakness is letting go of control!
What did you learn about other faiths that you didn’t know before?
I learned a lot about Jainism from Sonali. I’d heard of Jainism but knew very little about it. I didn’t know that Jainism is one of the world's oldest religions, originating in India at least 2,500 years ago. Jainism teaches that the path to enlightenment is through non-violence and reducing harm to all living things. As you can imagine that ethos definitely appeals to me.
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
Of course. It’s something I discussed much more when I was younger. I was fascinated with the Shirley MacLain books in my 20s: Out on a Limb, Dancing in the Light, and It's All in the Playing, where she explores her spiritual journey. I used to be fascinated with reincarnation.
I loved going to church when I was a teenager and chose to be confirmed.
I was in love with a Jewish guy and considered converting to Judaism so we could stay together.
I live in a family that thrives on meaningful debate. These days it tends to focus on the environment and climate change rather than religion.
Did anything about this pilgrimage surprise you?
I was surprised how emotional I was but then again it was an experience that triggered any emotional experiences, and my sadness was raw.
What do you hope Pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
That it’s ok to be vulnerable. I’m still trying to learn that myself.
How then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to… was it disappointing? Did it matter?
I was really looking forward to going to Bardsey, for the wildlife more than anything. But the whole pilgrimage was about the journey, not the destination and it means I have a reason to go back!
Any other key moments or stories you want to share?
I loved going to see the yew tree at Llangernyw. It’s thought to be about 4,000 years old, which makes it one of the oldest living things in Wales. That tree has seen so much history. It would have been planted in the prehistoric Bronze Age! Amazing resilience and survival! I found that far more interesting than an old church and definitely something to worship. For me, thinking about life under an old tree works better than thinking about life in an old church.
Would you do it again?
Definitely. I would love to do it again with more joy than sadness in my heart.
Summarise your experience on this pilgrimage
I think everyone would benefit from doing a pilgrimage. We live busy, chaotic lives with huge amounts of stress. Taking time to walk, think, contemplate, connect with nature, have debates with strangers, with no other agenda than getting from the start of the journey to the end, is so unbelievably beneficial for mental health. A pilgrimage doesn’t have to be a religious journey, it can be a journey for any reason. A journey to explore yourself, the world, your mind. It can be a journey of personal growth and exploration. All of the above summarises my pilgrimage.
Interview with Sonali Shah
Did you experience what you were hoping for on this pilgrimage?
Yes, absolutely. I was hoping that this much time away from the family would be well worth it and it 100% was.
Any revelations about yourself or your faith?
I realised that the way I live my life has more influences from Jainism than I had consciously thought about before the pilgrimage – things like kindness, compassion, vegetarianism and fasting.
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? What did you do?
I had some nerves about going on the show so I spoke to members of my family and knowledgeable friends to seek some reassurance.
What did you NOT do? In hindsight, was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
On a very superficial level, I would have packed more make up so I didn’t look such a mess on camera. I also wish I’d packed more summer walking gear.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?
Being away from home. The kids are used to me being away for work but this was the longest stretch, by far. Of course, in the end, the children were absolutely fine and full of questions. After I told them about seeing kids tackling the Llanberis path on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), they've now made me promise to take them to Eryri too.
What was your highlight?
I felt a real sense of achievement after climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) with my fellow pilgrims. I’m so pleased we decided to come off the North Wales Pilgrims Way to try the climb.
During the pilgrimage, we all ended up walking with each other at different paces and times and I loved those one-on-one individual chats with each of the pilgrims. They fed so much of my curiousity.
What about the actual physical route – how would you describe it?
I hope I don’t annoy some of my fellow pilgrims by saying I found it therapeutic. I’ve always loved walking with people or a podcast.
Did you find the experience emotional/eye-opening/enlightening?
Enlightening is the perfect word for my experience on this pilgrimage. I’ve grown up around people talking about or aiming to go on a pilgrimage and had always heard of the benefits. However, I wasn’t really seeking any answers, so I wasn’t quite sure how I’d experience it. I enjoyed the walking, the talking and everything in between.
Were you surprised by any of your fellow pilgrims’ reactions to any situations?
I was surprised when Spencer Matthews and Tom Rosenthal wanted to fast with me during the pilgrimage. I was only talking about how our time together had fallen at an important time in the Jain calendar and wasn’t planning on fasting myself, but they then suggested we should try together. I loved the solidarity.
Were you surprised by any of YOUR reactions?
Not hugely – I knew I had some knowledge of world religions going into this process and would be curious about how my fellow pilgrims lived and what their world view is.
Which religion are you affiliated to and do you practice?
I was born into a Jain family. Before this pilgrimage, I used to say I wasn’t a practicing Jain – I thought it was just a box I ticked on the census.
If you don’t have any faith, are you atheist/agnostic? Or what would you call yourself?
I have described myself as agnostic in the past – I’m not sure if that was ever the right word to describe me. I have always felt culturally Jain. But when you come from an Indian background, the lines between culture and religion can be blurred. My family is very relaxed and we’ve never been what I’ve thought of as religious – but I think my definition of ‘religious’ has tended to focus too much on rituals. Perhaps the fact that Jainism, like Buddhism, doesn’t believe in a creator God has muddied the waters too because most people associate religion with believing in God rather than a way of life.
What helps you explain the world?
Guidance from family and watching how others around me live. I think I learn a lot from watching and listening even though most people would probably say I never shut up!
Is your faith/religion something you have previously felt comfortable openly discussing with your peers, the public or within the press?
I have always been open about my family background. Jainism is such a small religion that many people have never heard of it. I’ve always been happy to answer questions or correct people if they’ve assumed I belong to another faith.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
I think it has changed my perception of my place within my faith. I now feel comfortable with openly saying you don’t need to come across as pious to belong to a faith.
I always felt like faith can have a spectrum of followers or believers and through our discussions while walking, this pilgrimage reinforced that.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change?
Before visiting the Buddhist retreat, I hadn’t realised how similar the two religions actually were. I knew Mahavir and Buddha were accepted as contemporaries but have since learnt how much the two faiths have in common.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith that you would never have previously considered?
I feel pretty comfortable about the way we live, and I think my kids already feel connected to a community. I’d like to make sure my children understand more about where they come from and that will happen over time as their curiosity grows. I like the way my parents never rammed anything down my throat and only really answered questions that I asked. I’m trying to do the same for my kids.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you changed your behaviour or activities in any way regarding your faith or beliefs?
I am reading a bit more about what Jainsim means in a modern world. For example, some Jains are now trying to be more plant-based to try to live a more non-violent life. My children have always asked questions about where their food comes from.
I feel like I’m owning being Jain a bit more – but having said that, that’s more of a feeling rather than a practical step.
Did you learn anything new about your own faith/beliefs while you were away?
I’ve always noticed how many people in the West turn to faiths from the East for guidance on how to live life – whether that’s related to their own health or the environment. I noticed that interest from my fellow pilgrims too – from yoga, to fasting to believing in a soul.
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
You can never tell which way things will land but I had such a great time with this group of people (both crew and cast). What was telling was when we had opportunities to go off and take an evening out, most of us just chose to spend the evenings together too.
What did you learn about other faiths that you didn’t know before?
There’s always so much to learn about different faiths, and more importantly, people’s interpretation of a faith and what they choose to take from it. No judgement is the key.
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
All the time. Discussing faith, culture and politics and how they intertwine is definitely not banned from the dinner table.
What do you hope Pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
I hope they see that you don’t have to be extremely religious to have questions and opinions about faith and how it can fit into society. I also hope it inspires people to take time out to do something like this. Not everyone may be able to go on a full-on pilgrimage, but even a regular walk with someone else can help sort through life’s questions.
Describe your feelings/emotions when you reached the last church in Aberdaron, where you had to collect stones from the beach…. Why do you think that was that so emotional for you and your fellow pilgrims?
That day was emotional for me after I realised how I didn’t have closure on the death of my paternal grandmother (my last surviving grandparent) during lockdown. I wasn’t able to travel to Tanzania and still find it difficult that I didn’t get to see her before she passed. I also had a feeling other pilgrims would get emotional that day. By this time, we’d spent nearly two weeks together, so we had got to know each other quickly. It’s never easy seeing a friend feeling pain.
And how then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to… was it disappointing? Did it matter?
As soon as I we knew we weren’t able to travel to Bardsey Island, I knew it wasn’t mean to be. It was soon clear we had all got what we wanted and needed out of the pilgrimage by then.
Any other key moments or stories you want to share?
There was a day when a question about Jesus being a real person was asked. I was shocked for a moment before I quickly realised what a great conversation it had sparked. It led to discussing Abrahamic religions and war in the Middle East. We may or may not have also analysed episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm too!
Would you do it again?
Absolutely.
Summarise your experience on this pilgrimage
I’m so relieved I got over my doubts about taking part and took the plunge. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do something like this.
Interview with Spencer Matthews
Did you find/feel/experience what you were hoping to find/feel/experience on this pilgrimage?
Absolutely, I felt like I learned a lot, and I was there to broaden my knowledge and experience of religion and spirituality in whatever form, basically. I'm not a practising Christian but I would consider myself spiritual and I think we were very lucky with the group and the crew that we had. I really gained a lot from it and some of what I learned, I still practice today.
And was that unexpected, that you felt all of that? Did it surprise you?
Not really, I went in with a completely open mind, eager to learn and to take on information and experiences, regardless of how stereotypically different they may feel to me and my lifestyle. So, I knew I would come out more rounded. I wasn't expecting it to be as impactful as it was.
So, what were the revelations about yourself or your faith?
I was surprised by the similarity that is shared across faith in general - through Muslim faith, Catholic faith, Christian faith, it appears that the core pillars of religions remain similar in that they're all based around moral value, which I think is important to have and explore, in general.
Most of the messaging that I picked up along the way, was if you are a good person and you treat people well and with respect and kindness, you will be granted a place in nirvana or heaven or the afterlife; it's all quite similar stuff. and it just makes you realise, when you actually spend time focusing on it, how little one needs to do in order to feel better.
I’ve always been fascinated by religion and how it can bind so many millions of people together. I was particularly interested in the Muslim faith, and how deeply religion runs through their society and culture. In terms of pilgrimage, for me it was a learning curve. I did pick up a lot of information about stuff that I knew nothing about before, and I enjoyed that. I enjoy learning about anything that I'm unfamiliar with.
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? If so, what did you do?
No, not at all. The entire point of it for me was to go in unprepared so that everything felt new and authentic. Obviously, the distance covered and the walking was never a concern of mine in particular, but I was interested in the different cultures and traditions shared between faiths and other things that I know nothing about.
And what did you not do? In hindsight was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
As someone who runs quite a lot and does endurance runs too, I wasn't concerned about the walking. I think that when you know very little about a subject, it's very difficult to prepare for it, so just going in with an open mind is about the best thing that one could have done going into this.
What was your highlight?
The highlight was meeting new people. I learned a lot about the Muslim faith from Eshaan Akbar, who I loved. We developed a real friendship.
I really enjoyed spending time with Tom Rosenthal as well, and I picked up some new friends along the way. I felt very lucky with the group. I love people, I love stories and storytelling and picking up experiences with other people.
I particularly enjoyed walking Snowdon, that was a real high point of the journey for me. It was beautiful. North Wales is such a beautiful part of the world: getting fresh air together, walking, which I believe to be incredibly important, and getting to know each other.
I have some lasting friendships from doing the show. I learned about fasting through Sonali Shah. I did a 24-hour fast whilst filming, to show solidarity for Jainism, which is an ancient religion.
I began to learn a lot about fasting and that led me to read books about fasting and breathing and that got me on to Wim Hof and James Nestor and I've suddenly found myself reading books about spirituality.
I really feel like I broadened my mind an awful lot on that pilgrimage, and I still fast. I have been fasting ever since the last week of the pilgrimage on a daily basis. So, I've taken that with me.
Have you ever climbed/walked in Snowdonia before?
No, I've not but I was delighted to have done it, actually. Mount Snowdon was a really, really beautiful mountain, I really enjoyed it. I was very proud of some of my new friends who are slightly more foreign to hiking who were also able to get to the summit of Snowdon. It was a really great day.
Were you surprised by any of your fellow pilgrims’ reactions to any situations?
I was actually. The pilgrimage brought a few of my new friends to tears on a number of occasions. Quite a few of us actually felt incredibly moved by the last church that we arrived at. We sat in silence and received a sermon from a Welsh priest there and more than half the group were moved to quite full-on tears. I was not one of them. Although, that was one of the moments where I felt jealous of people with more access to emotion than me.
I also discovered thin space. A thin place is said to be the area between kind of earth and heaven. It's that feeling you feel when you see a beautiful sunrise or sunset or a shooting star, or even a gust of wind if you're running and you feel kind of aided by something else, or something external.
It could be a thought that you have just when you're on your own. It's whatever you want it to be really, but I think the most common use of the word is when you see something incredibly spellbinding, that doesn't feel human or doesn't feel natural. And we experienced some thin spaces on a number of occasions, but particularly when we finished the pilgrimage, and were staring at Bardsey Island, which is this absolutely beautiful small island, just off the Welsh coast.
We felt bonded by the experience that we had had, and it felt very thin, the space that we were in. It was a very special journey.
Is that because it was emotional or eye-opening, or it just made you think more, what was that?
It just made me think more. I don't think it's normal to spend two weeks talking about spirituality and religion and history and the roots of where faith comes from, and all of the incredible people and events that have led us to still be sharing stories thousands of years after they took place.
It was just quite a powerful and interesting journey for me. Coming from a zero base, my mind was in kind of overdrive for a lot of it and it was just interesting to really understand and try to process some of the journeys and experiences and stories of some of these 6th century saints, as an example. And the stories surrounding them and just how incredible they were. It was basically like being back at school for two weeks but learning about something with a more mature ear than perhaps I had then.
Are you affiliated with any religion?
Not really, I'm a spiritual person, but I’m not particularly tied to any kind of religion. I probably felt drawn most to Buddhism on that trip. I have always enjoyed the Buddhist way of thinking, which is a kind of belief in the soul. And that the soul, or energy of some kind, lives on, whether it be through consciousness or externally from one's physical body when one dies. I have felt that way inclined, since I was a kid, really. I've never believed that when you die, you just die. That's just not been in my thought process, ever. So, as such, I've never really feared death. And it was just nice to spend time with Buddhists who also believe that this life just happens to be where we are at the moment.
Were you brought up as a Christian?
Nobody in my family has ever practised religion. We never pray at dinner; we don't pray before bed. We had chapel at school that we had to attend three times a week, and at the weekend we would sing hymns, so I was brought up Church of England, but not in a practising manner. Since this pilgrimage, I've read a lot of books about the science behind death including ‘Many Lives, Many Masters’ by Dr. Weiss, which is very interesting.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
I must have read, six or eight books, some are more science-based and then some are more, fictional. My horizons have been broadened and I'm far more interested in faith in general.
Is your faith or religion something you've previously felt comfortable about openly discussing with your peers, the public or within the press?
Yes, I'm happy to talk about anything.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change?
I'd go back to the fast, that has changed the way I eat since filming.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith you had never previously considered? Is there anything else?
The whole experience made me feel even happier to be alive, if you know what I mean. I'm very conscious of health and wellness now - although I kind of have been for a while - but I'm particularly conscious of certain things.
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
We were very fortunate with the group that we had, and I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. Amanda was wonderful, just such a great character. I loved everyone, to be honest. Sonali was excellent, Christine McGuinness was super, so was Tom, so was Eshaan. Basically, everyone was completely great.
What do you hope pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
That religion and spirituality don’t have to be super serious taboo topics. Most people, if they lift the lid slightly, will find stuff that they love about it. Also, we've made a really fun show, the show is entertaining and funny. If you're thinking that the show is going to be stuck up and boring, and a stereotypical show about religion, it's not - expect it to be very entertaining.
Describe your feelings and emotions when you reached the last church in Aberdaron, where you had to collect stones from the beach. Why do you think that was so emotional for you and your fellow pilgrims? Even before you knew you couldn't cross to Bardsey Island the following day, it was feeling like an extraordinary end moment…
So, we had to pick up stones or a stone from the beach and label it with somebody's name that has departed, or with difficult issues we were holding onto. And then we left it on a pile, just outside the church.
Essentially, it's like a passing moment for you to wish well to that person, or is a communication with that person. You stand and can communicate with that person. So obviously, I found a beautiful rock and I wrote Michael on it and shared a moment with my brother, outside that church, which was a really special moment.
It was just a really beautiful part of the world that felt like a very fitting end to a long journey that we'd all gone on together, and seeing everybody else be so emotional, in that moment as well, it felt like we were sharing a poignant moment together, and it brought us closer together.
How then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland, which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to. Was it disappointing? Did it matter?
For me, it didn't really matter by that stage. We’d covered the ground, and we learned so much and we had spent such a good time together, the end point made no difference to me.
Also, we were able to hike up a nearby hill and catch Bardsey in its full splendour, which was incredibly beautiful. The sea was very rough, so it was all crashing off Bardsey, and it was an amazing and beautiful thing to see. Had we actually been on Bardsey, we wouldn't have been able to appreciate Bardsey in the way that we did, from the viewpoint that we attained. So, as far as I'm concerned, it was almost a better finish to the journey.
Would you do it again?
I would do it again, yeah. Absolutely.
Summarise in one sentence your experience on this pilgrimage.
It was an enlightening journey, through a beautiful part of the world, with special people.
Interview with Tom Rosenthal
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? What did you do?
I bought everything in Millets.
What did you NOT do? In hindsight, was there anything you should have done to prepare yourself?
I bought all the stuff I was supposed to and was loaded up like I was crossing Antarctica, then I turned up and saw that Spencer only had a backpack. The thing I should’ve done to prepare myself was to prepare myself less.
Did you find the experience emotional/eye-opening/enlightening?
I enjoyed pilgrimage very much. It was an absolute privilege. We were very vulnerable with each other. We had fascinating conversations. I’ve learned a lot about other people and in doing so, a lot about myself in relation to other people. We are all strengthened by each other, and you can learn off every single person. And we had a lot of fun!
If you don’t have any faith, are you atheist/agnostic? Or what would you call yourself?
Areligious.
What helps you explain the world?
I went into this pilgrimage with a very open mind hoping to learn. And I came home with a much broader perspective, even though it was largely informed by things that I had learned and read before doing the pilgrimage, if that makes sense. It's been the other people on this pilgrimage who have allowed me to polish my worldview into something that is more understandable both to me and to them.
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
Yes.
Is your faith/religion something you have previously felt comfortable openly discussing with your peers, the public or within the press?
Nope.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
I understand Pilgrimages now and would consider going on one again. I thought it was class.
I still have an infinite amount of questions about what's going on. I wouldn't say that I have found any hard and fast answers but, I’ve certainly now got a keener sense of a methodology within which I would actually find answers.
The idea of going on a pilgrimage before this sounded to me like something that I would never do and never even consider. But in the same way that you go to a yoga retreat for a week to focus on yoga and yoga alone, there is obvious benefit in taking a trip out that's just for a spiritual purpose; just so you can try and refine what it is that you feel you are, and what it is that you feel you believe in. So yeah, I still don't have any answers, but I think the one answer I might have, and the one thing I might take away from this pilgrimage is that it’s the best way that I have found so far to spend a lot of time thinking about the big questions that I love to think about anyway.
Has the experience changed/decreased/ reinforced your beliefs or non-beliefs?
It has reinforced them. Pilgrimages are a special time where you prioritise your spirituality - which in my opinion we’ve somewhat lost in our culture. On a pilgrimage you spend a lot of time focusing on what is an incredibly important thing to me, working out your relation with the universe, your relation with the divine, your relation with yourself. Worth trying I’d say.
Were there any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change?
It was just a really cool two weeks delving into deep questions that I love to reflect upon and trying to see if there's something of a religious practice that I can bring into my day to day to bring me closer to God, to bring me closer to the spiritual existence that I hope to live.
Since returning home from the pilgrimage, have you felt different or engaged in activities around your faith that you would never have previously considered?
I have a deeper understanding of spirituality and feel more connected to my heart. I am trying to develop my soul. I am trying to refine my consciousness. I'm trying to uplevel my ability to be compassionate, empathetic and open. And yeah, I guess that's what I've learned. Pilgrimage is seemingly quite an excellent way to do that. And pilgrimage with random people as well.
Did you learn anything new about your own faith/beliefs while you were away?
When Eryl, the vicar from the church at the top of Coffin Path, introduced me to the concept of a thin place, or a thin space, that really stuck with me, and I know that it's going stick with me for the rest of my life. It's a really cool idea that you go to a physical place that's kind of like a bridge between heaven and earth, where the physical and the spiritual kind of get a bit blurry. And I'm going be looking for those places wherever I go.
Has the experience changed you in any way?
No, but I definitely felt as close to God on this pilgrimage as I've ever felt.
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
I didn't know any of these people and because they bought into it so much and they were so vulnerable and they've shared so much with me - their own perspective, their own intuitions - my pilgrimage was elevated to something so stimulating and so enriching. I also learnt that I’d pilfered a lot of my beliefs from Jainism!
Did it highlight any particular strengths/weaknesses?
It certainly highlighted the weakness in my right knee.
Did anything about this pilgrimage surprise you?
I was surprised at the power of it to unlock my emotions considering it was just a long walk with Amanda from Traitors. But because I was with Amanda who took this so like, seriously and had a very sacred place in her heart for all the like Catholic ritual, it was my connection to her on this pilgrimage and her connection to that entire faith that gave it more power and gave me more power and more confidence, and that again, is the power of pilgrimage. It's like us as a group, as a united energy, were benefiting each other. So yes, it all did all make a lot more sense to me than when I started with just the idea of “a pilgrimage”.
What do you hope Pilgrimage viewers will take away from watching you take part in this series?
I don’t know which bits they edited out, but I hope the audience remember me as the guy who saw God in the clouds and jumped off a cliff to be carried over to Bardsey Island by a host of angels.
I guess I've tried to be an active listener to other people when they have been vulnerable themselves and that in itself can be a bit of a challenge. But I feel like my heart was very open to this group of people and I felt trusted by them, and I felt like they trusted me. I was super glad to wake up every day and go hiking with such a friendly, varied, and knowledgeable bunch. A lot of them have their camera personalities, but I hope it comes across that they also have their real personalities. And we were showing each other who we really are.
And how then did you feel when you got to that point on the mainland which is the nearest point to Bardsey Island that you got to... was it disappointing? Did it matter?
It felt windy and cold. But no, it didn’t really matter, and I'm definitely going stay in touch with some of these people because they meant a lot to me.
Any other key moments or stories you want to share?
We played Traitors against Amanda a few times which was pretty cool. Kind of like looking at an animal with Michaela or chatting up a posh girl alongside Spencer*.
*We did not do this Vogue. Would not have been Pilgrimage vibes at all.
Would you do it again?
Yes. I feel like I have got a deeper understanding of religious practice, especially pilgrimage, and I've not only done that on an intellectual level, but on an emotional level. I felt things, I was very moved and my connection to nature had never felt stronger than on this pilgrimage. I feel like the stuff that we were doing and the repeated access to the spiritual dimension that we were doing every day, was just like exercise. If you're constantly coming back to it - trying to connect with your heart, trying to connect with the divine every single day - you just get there quicker. You get stronger and better.
Summarise your experience on this Pilgrimage.
Five religious revelations out of five.
It's completely informed my world in a way that when I first learned about this stuff, it just didn't mean anything to me or make any sense. For instance, hearing stories of people over hundreds of years coming to a well, to feel healed.
The bishop explained that sometimes it's not necessarily a physical healing, but it's a mindset shift of how you feel about your pain or how you feel about your illness. I very much believe that the mind has the capacity to change the world, and we have the power to recreate our entire reality and this pilgrimage has just informed that further.