Classic cars take the pilgrim road through North Wales

From a tiny Fiat 500 to a 1957 Porsche, twenty cars will take to the roads of North Wales this October on a pilgrimage linking ancient churches, scenic drives and time for reflection.

The sixth REVS Pilgrim Tour takes place from 9 to 11 October. Inspired by Llwybr Cadfan, the pilgrimage trail from Tywyn to Aberdaron, it will take 39 participants on two driving routes from their base in Criccieth.

For Richard Rimmer and Judith Cottrell, this will be their sixth REVS pilgrimage. They completed the first three in a 1920s Model T Ford, tackling the steep hills of North Wales. They have since opted for the relative comfort and power of their 1957 Porsche 356.

The couple say the tour will “give them time away from our hectic schedules and the chance to enjoy the company of others.”

Their Porsche will join a line-up that includes 1970s MGs, a 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia, an original Fiat 500, Mercedes sports cars and more recent Morgans with traditional styling. Participants are travelling from across England, from Bury to Brighton and Southampton, with one crew from Talybont in Ceredigion.

The tour is organised by John Kiff, who is originally from the Llŷn Peninsula and now lives in Cardiff. Lay Chair of Garth Ministry Area in the Diocese of Llandaff, he has organised every tour since it began in 2021, drawing on his motorsport and route-planning experience.

The event is deliberately limited to 20 cars so it can reach places that would be difficult to visit with a larger group. It welcomes people of faith, no faith and everything in between.

Named after St Cadfan, Llwybr Cadfan pilgrimage trail links ancient churches and sacred places across Meirionnydd and the Llŷn Peninsula. The driving tour uses the trail as its inspiration, with church visits offering time for quiet reflection and opportunities to explore the history of Christianity in Wales.

Saturday’s route heads south to Tywyn, visiting churches at Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Tywyn, Llandanwg and Llandecwyn. At Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, participants will learn about Mary Jones and her walk to Bala to buy a Welsh Bible. Sunday’s route heads west to St Hywyn’s Church in Aberdaron before visiting Pistyll, a church familiar to participants from previous tours.

Local priest Fr Rhun ap Robert, who will be on hand to welcome the pilgrims, said, “You don’t have to arrive on foot to be a pilgrim. These churches have welcomed people with questions, worries and hopes for centuries. This weekend, some will arrive in classic cars.

“There’s something about stepping into an ancient church that invites you to slow down. You realise how many people have stood there before you, each with their own story, looking for peace, praying for someone they love or wondering what comes next. I hope the drivers enjoy the roads and the company, but also find something in these churches that stays with them after they’ve driven home.”

REVS Community is led by Revd Adam Gompertz. Through events and an online community, it offers motoring enthusiasts a place to share their stories, find support during difficult times and explore faith if they are curious.

Residents are welcome to see the cars and meet participants at the following scheduled stops. Parking is limited at some churches.

Friday 9 October

• 6pm: Caerwylan Hotel, Criccieth, LL52 0HW.

Saturday 10 October

• 8.30am: Caerwylan Hotel, Criccieth, LL52 0HW.
• 10.05am: Cymer Abbey, Dolgellau, LL40 2HE.
• 10.40am: Tyn y Cornel Hotel, Talyllyn, LL36 9AJ.
• 11.10am: Llanfihangel-y-Pennant Church, LL36 9TS. Parking restricted.
• 11.55am: Talyllyn Station, Tywyn, LL36 9EY.
• 1pm: St Cadfan’s Church, Tywyn, LL36 9BS. Parking restricted near the church.
• 4pm: Maes Café and Llandanwg Church, LL46 2SD.
• 5pm: Llandecwyn Church, LL47 6YT. Parking very restricted.

Sunday 11 October

• 10am: St Hywyn’s Church and National Trust car park, Aberdaron, LL53 8BE.