It follows the probable route of early Christian pilgrims making their way from Ireland and Wales to Brittany or Santiago de Compostella in Galicia, Spain. The route starts at the picturesque harbour in Padstow and heads along Little Petherick Creek, over St Breock Downs and onto Lanivet. The second part of the walk visits the rocky Helman Tor before heading south following the edge of the Fowey River skirting the ancient town of Lostwithiel.  The river is finally reached at Golant before the last few miles to Fowey, where the pilgrims would set sail across the sea. 

An alternative route (covering the last 11 miles) passes through Tywardreath, site of a medieval monastic settlement.

Most people choose to do the walk in two days, stopping in the Bodmin area. For more information, Bodmin Tourist Information Centre.

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