Journeying is a rare gem in the travel world. This non-profit group has been organizing small group pilgrimage tours in Ireland and the UK since the 1980s. They provide single and multi-day walking tours with a Christian/nature-centered focus that is welcoming to all religions. Pre-scheduled tours are limited and fill up quickly but they can also design custom trips for private groups. This is a ministry, not a business, so consider yourself blessed if you get the chance to walk with this group. Journeying is meant to be a life-changing experience.
Review of Journeying Website
The Journeying site is well-designed and accurately conveys the heart of this organization. They do an excellent job introducing walk leaders, answering FAQs and providing a clear walk grading system. Every walk is detailed with terrain, distance and difficulty level. While they don’t provide links, they do list accommodations by name (unless it’s a house rental). All of the lodging appears to be chosen for comfort, quality and location and varies from seaside guesthouses to dormitory religious communities in rural settings. Something we really love is that Journeying has a strong Facebook following of active users, providing a way for people to connect long after the trip is over.
Journeying receives special praise for including “non-binary” gender in their booking form — showing us they live what they preach when they talk about love and acceptance for all.
Things to like about Journeying
- Led by a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about pilgrimages and nature and come from a diverse background of experiences
- Tours are open to people of all faiths and conducted in a way that allows for individual spiritual expression
- Tours are small, typically 4-11 participants
- Meals are all-inclusive and can accommodate vegetarian and special diets
- Offers some trips where meal prep is shared, providing a more communal experience
- You book and work directly with your tour leader; personal and informal planning experience
- Trusted organization with 35+ years experience
- LGBTQ+ friendly
For all these reasons and more, Journeying earns our LOCAL CHOICE for small group pilgrimages in Ireland and the UK.
Route types
- Center-based
- Inn to inn hiking
Destinations
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
Great choice for
- Those seeking pilgrimage walks that aren’t as physically demanding as the long-distance routes in Europe
- Anyone seeking a retreat-like walking holiday designed to build strong relationships within the group or provide a spiritual experience
- Anyone who loves walking and meeting fascinating, thought-provoking people
Established in 1988
Journeying is listed as a recommended tour operator in our Camino Walks of Ireland guide.
