NEXT WEEKEND 13th - 14th September 2025

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Walk the Cross – Wales

13–14 September 2025
On the Feasts of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross & Our Lady of Sorrows

Catherine will help with any questions: cjenks@btopenworld.com

Overview

Join our two-day pilgrimage in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We walk between the Vincentian Divine Retreat Centre, Pantasaph and the National Shrine of St Winefride, Holywell — a return journey of just over 6 miles / 10 km. You’re welcome to walk all or part of the route. Non-walkers are warmly invited to unite with us in prayer and meet us at the prayer services.

Register: walkthecross33@gmail.com

Schedule (both days)

Meet: 9:30am at Monastery Road, Pantasaph, Holywell, CH8 8PE (outside the Vincentian Divine Retreat Centre)
Set off: 10:00am walk of witness
Distance: ~3+ miles each way (mostly quiet lanes)
Sunday special: We return to Pantasaph to process up Calvary Hill at 4:00pm, with Stations of the Cross and a Eucharistic Procession (approx. 1 mile), followed by Mass around 5:00pm.
Note: St David’s Church, Pantasaph, lists regular weekend Mass (Sat 4pm, Sun 10am) on the diocesan site; check close to the date for any changes.

Key Locations & Addresses

  • Start/Finish (both days):
    Vincentian Divine Retreat Centre / St David’s Church (Pantasaph Friary)
    Monastery Road/Monastery Avenue, Pantasaph, Holywell CH8 8PE
    +44 (0)1352 711053

  • National Shrine of St Winefride (Holywell):
    Greenfield Street, Holywell CH8 7PN
    (Visitor information lists Flint rail station 4 miles/6.4 km away.) Cadw

Getting Here

By Train

  • Nearest station: Flint (FLN) – served by Transport for Wales & Avanti on the North Wales Coast line (Chester ↔ Holyhead). From Flint, continue by local bus or taxi to Pantasaph/Holywell.

By Bus (local)

  • Arriva service 11 / 11A / 11M connects Chester ↔ Flint ↔ Holywell roughly every 20–30 minutes most days. Timetables show stops at Holywell Bus Station (Stand 3) and Flint McDonald’s, with current PDF schedules available from Arriva.

Taxis (use licensed operators)

  • Holywell Cars – 01352 716716 (listed by Flintshire Council as a licensed operator).

  • Catcha Car (Holywell) – 07549 709609 (airport transfers & local).

  • Cresta Cars (Flint) – local office opposite Tesco, Chester Street.
    Always book ahead for early/late runs.

By Air

  • Liverpool (LPL) and Manchester (MAN) are the closest major airports. Travel by train to Chester or Flint, then bus/taxi to Holywell.

Driving

  • From the A55, follow signs for Holywell/Pantasaph. The Friary website’s “Reach Us” page gives simple final directions: turn into Monastery Road at the brown “Friary” sign; the Friary is ~0.4 miles on the left. pantasaph.org

Parking

  • Pantasaph (Friary/St David’s): On-site and nearby parking is available (the church listing notes on-street parking and parking within 250m; recent visitors also report free parking on the grounds). Please follow stewards’ directions on the day.

  • Holywell (Shrine): Use town car parks near Greenfield Street for the Shrine. Check local signage on the day. (Shrine address & access info via Cadw/VisitWales pages.)

Where to Stay (handy bases)

Closest to the route

  • Springfield Hotel & Health Club (Pentre Halkyn) – just off the A55; free on-site parking and EV charge points.

  • Glan Yr Afon Inn (Dolphin, Holywell) – traditional country inn with rooms; free parking.

Nearby options (short drive)

  • Beaufort Park Hotel (Mold) – independent 3★ with large car park (incl. coach and EV). beaufortparkhotel.co.uk

  • Additional accommodation around Holywell / Halkyn / Mold is listed on major travel sites (Tripadvisor/Hotels.com/Booking). Check for availability across the pilgrimage weekend. Tripadvisorhotels

Tip: Book early — there may be local events on the same weekend.

About the Holy Places

  • St Winefride’s Shrine & Well (Holywell): Britain’s oldest continually visited pilgrimage site (over 13 centuries). Visitor page lists address and access details; the Shrine’s official site has opening information.

  • Pantasaph Friary & St David’s Church: Historic Franciscan site with Way of the Cross, Lourdes-style Grotto, and Calvary Hill behind the church.

What to Bring

  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes (quiet lanes, some gentle inclines).

  • Weather gear: Lightweight waterproof, hat, sunscreen.

  • Water & snacks: We’ll have pauses, but bring your own supply.

  • Rosary/Prayer book for the devotions.

  • Hi-vis or bright outer layer (for visibility on lanes).

  • Children welcome: Buggies are fine for the lane sections; the hill path to Calvary is steeper/uneven.

Accessibility

  • The lane walk between Pantasaph and Holywell is on public roads/pavements with modest gradients.

  • Calvary Hill path is steeper with uneven surfaces; those with limited mobility may wish to join prayers at the base or meet the group at church afterwards.

  • Toilets: Available at the Friary/church; check local facilities near the Shrine and in Holywell town. (Church listing notes accessible toilets nearby.)

Safety & Stewarding

  • Walk marshals will guide the group, set the pace, and manage road crossings.

  • Please keep to the left on lanes, walk no more than two abreast, and follow marshal instructions.

  • If you need to withdraw at any point, inform a marshal so we can account for you.

FAQs

Do I have to do the whole walk?
No — join for as much or as little as you are able. You can also participate only in the Sunday 4pm Calvary Hill procession and Mass.

Is there public transport from Chester?
Yes: Arriva 11/11A/11M runs between Chester ↔ Flint ↔ Holywell; it’s the simplest bus for the weekend.

What’s the nearest train station?
Flint (FLN) — about 4 miles from Holywell; continue by bus/taxi. Cadw

What time is Sunday Mass at Pantasaph?
Mass around 5pm after the procession for our event; regular parish times are Sat 4pm / Sun 10am (check the parish/diocese pages before you travel).

Is there parking at the Friary?
Yes — on-site/nearby parking at Pantasaph; please arrive early and follow stewards.

Contacts & Registration

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“Walk the Cross – Wales, 13–14 Sept 2025. A prayerful 10 km return pilgrimage between Pantasaph Friary and the National Shrine of St Winefride, Holywell. Join for all or part. Sun 4pm: Stations of the Cross & Eucharistic Procession to Calvary Hill; Mass ~5pm. Meet 9:30am at Monastery Road, Pantasaph (CH8 8PE); set off 10am both days. Register: walkthecross33@gmail.com.

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