Pilgrimage — The Way to St James Cygnet

Journey through the beautiful Huon Valley or for those who can’t join us in person you will be able to walk with us wherever you are in the world by joining our Global Way to St James Pilgrimage, via our Facebook page.

Inspired by and modelled on the famous El Camino de Santiago, this two-day pilgrim walk will take you through the scenic and peaceful Huon Valley, finishing with a celebration at the Spanish-style Church of St James, nestled in the heart of Cygnet, Tasmania.

Every person, of any religious denomination or none, is welcome to join us to walk in company with other pilgrims. Through fellowship, reflection, rejoicing and ritual you will find an opportunity to reconnect with the spiritual dimensions of your life.

By registering for the Way to St James, you are agreeing to uphold the spirit of the pilgrimage. As we walk as pilgrims in a meditative way, we reflect on our personal journeys, the shared experiences, and the profound lessons that the pilgrimage offers. In registering as a pilgrim, you commit to participate in the spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and contemplation. This commitment involves respecting the experiences and context of your fellow pilgrims and contributing to the positive and reflective atmosphere of the pilgrimage.

The Way to St James Cygnet (Tasmania) is officially integrated into the register of Jacobean associations.

Pilgrimage Details

The pilgrimage commences on Saturday 10th January 2026 at 9.00am from the Mountain River Community Hall and finishes on Sunday 11th January 2026 at approx. 4.30pm St James Church, Cygnet.

The route covers rural roads and private property with various terrain in southern Tasmania and is best described as needing a medium level of fitness. Pilgrims must be a minimum age of 10.

Day one: We walk from Mountain River to Ranelagh Showgrounds on dirt roads and some rough terrain, and is around 18km.

Day two: With a short bus trip from Ranelagh Showgrounds to Cradoc to avoid narrow sections of the Channel Highway, we then walk along the Cygnet Coast Road next to the Huon River, then over Wattle Grove Road (the Big Hill) through to Cygnet, and is about 15.4km.

For the Global Camino 2026 we welcome you walking approximately the same distance over the two days. We hope you will choose a somewhat challenging route that you can walk solo, or in a group safely distanced. It would be good if it were through natural surroundings and undertaken in a meditative way.

ACCOMMODATION

There are various options for accommodation included in the registration fee. Pilgrims are welcome to pitch a tent in the level Ranelagh Showgrounds. Some free undercover/indoor accommodation is also available. For the covered accommodation options pilgrims will need their own bedroll for sleeping on the floor (very basic sleeping on uncarpeted floor – a mat is necessary, and can be provided).

Please let us know whether you will be tenting or seeking free covered accommodation when you register.

Pilgrims may choose to seek alternative paid accommodation options nearby. The Huon Valley Caravan Park is situated very close to the showgrounds, and there are excellent B&B's in the Huon Valley.

Accommodation is always at a premium during the Cygnet Folk Festival and our Pilgrimage so you are urged to book as soon as possible. If you choose to leave the Pilgrimage group for accommodation, please note that transfers to/from the showgrounds will be your own responsibility. Day 2 requires bus transport to the starting point, and this may not be held if you do not return to the showgrounds by the advised departure time.

Please let us know your accommodation preference when you register.

MEALS

A barbecue dinner is provided on Saturday evening: sausages, hamburgers, veggie burgers, salmon patties, onions, salads, bread.

Sunday Breakfast (cold): cereal, milk, fruit, croissant (cold), bread, butter, jam, vegemite.

Tea and coffee will be available at both mealtimes.

These meals are covered by your registration fee.

You may purchase an optional lunch pack (vegetarian) for Saturday and Sunday. These are provided locally by Summer Kitchen Bakery at a cost of $15 per lunch. Add-on Lunches can be ordered with your Pilgrim tickets.

Any special dietary requirements are the responsibility of pilgrims, as we are unable to provide the conditions required to segregate food types thoroughly.

TRANSPORT

Buses are provided for transport from Hobart to Mountain River on Saturday 11th January departing at 8.15am sharp from alongside the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Campbell St You must register for this service on the website with a payment of $18.

At the conclusion of the pilgrimage on Sunday 11th January transport will leave Cygnet from behind the Town Hall at 5pm.

You may register for the bus service from Cygnet returning to Hobart for $18 per head, or from Cygnet returning to Ranelagh Showground for $10 per head. You can register for add-on bus services with your Pilgrim Tickets.

CONDITIONS

• Pilgrims must be physically fit enough to undertake the walk
• Minimum age of walker is 10 years
• No drugs or alcohol can be taken on the pilgrimage.
• Any health issues, allergies or special dietary requirements are the responsibility of individuals to manage, and should be advised to our supporting ambulance staff.
• Pilgrims are reminded that the ethos of the pilgrimage promotes quiet reflection and we encourage peaceful and harmonious interactions with fellow pilgrims and local residents.