The island of Iona in the Hebrides holds a special place in the story of Christianity in our isles, as does its founder St Columba. An important centre of faith for many years, Iona was the community from which monks came to 7th-century Northumbria to help establish and strengthen Christianity. The Celtic Christian heritage of these islands had a special home on Iona and people today find it a holy place in which to renew their faith.

In a joint venture with the West Hereford Team, the Revd Canon Chris Pullin and Dean Sarah are exploring the possibility of taking a group each to Iona in April and August of 2025 and very much hope some of you might join one of them for what promises to be a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and refreshment in that most beautiful and sacred ‘thin place’. Embracing the gentle rhythms of island life and the Iona Community we will have opportunities for fellowship, adventure, reflection, worship, and exploration of ancient historical sites via some easy and some more challenging walks which will both invigorate and exhaust, so you will need to be fairly physically fit! Each day will focus on a different aspect of island life e.g. history, spirituality, flora and fauna, with ample free time to spend as you’d like.

The dates are 4-11 April and 16-23 August 2025, and we will stay at Bishop’s House, very close to the Abbey, which we hope to have exclusive use of on a full board basis in 8 twin rooms and 7 single rooms (none ensuite). As the cost of the accommodation is based upon taking up all of the places, single rooms are only available for 7 pilgrims, and we may ask some single pilgrims to share so as to fill up the twin rooms.

The cost for our stay would total approximately £685 per person, excluding travel (pilgrims are asked to make their own way to Iona), but we are not able to secure the booking with Bishop’s House until we know we have sufficient interest and have paid a deposit (£100 per person).

To this end, if you might be interested being a part of either pilgrimage, please contact Joanne Gibson at the Cathedral Office ([email protected]) as soon as possible and she will provide further information. Places are expected to be taken up quite quickly on each pilgrimage, so please do not delay if you would like to come.