Flat Holm

Prayer, pilgrimage and worship in the tradition of the Celtic saints

We offer a series of unique pilgrimages to the island of Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel.  Embedded in the Christian Celtic tradition of our land, our pilgrimages will have a special care for the natural world, and explore how we can discover God’s presence and serve him in the familiar and every day, as we rejoice in the saints of our land.

“It is a steep climb from the water’s edge to the flat land above, like Jacob’s dreamlike ladder. We look for angels, and a gateway to heaven.”

From ‘A Liturgy of Arrival, ‘Here in this Place’ Pilgrimage Manual

FLAT HOLM | YNYS ECHNI

Flat Holm sits alongside its sister island, Steep Holm, in the Bristol Channel  It lies within the ancient parish of Cardiff St Mary the Virgin and is the southernmost point of Wales. It is rich in wildlife, steeped in history and religious significance.

Years before the small town of Cardiff became a city, the island was visited by Celtic Saints as an Island retreat, and was a favoured place of seclusion for St Cadoc (b. 497) whilst Steep Holm was a home to his friend and disciple, St Gildas.

ST CADOC

Whilst we know much about St Cadoc, many of the stories of his life were written five hundred years after his death, and so it is impossible to separate legend from historical fact.

Amongst many things, we know that he was born at the end of the 5th century, established a community of great learning at Llancarfan in the Vale of Glamorgan, was a teacher of St Illtud, and spent time on the Island of Flat Holm as a place of retreat and solitude.  Indeed, the story goes that his two companions, St Baruc and St Gwalches, died whilst returning to the island to fetch a prayer book that had been left behind.  Baruc’s body was washed up and buried in the place now known as Barry Island, whilst Gwalches was buried on Flat Holm.

Like the saints before us, we too are able to take an Island retreat as we make pilgrimage to Flat Holm.  We  walk where Cadoc walked, pray where he prayed and, perhaps, gain a fresh perspective on our life with God, as we seek to have our faith strengthened and renewed.

May Saints Cadoc, Baruc, Gwalches and Gildas and all the saints of Wales pray for us and strengthen us for our journey with Christ.

A CELTIC ISLAND RETREAT

Join us on a journey across the Bristol Channel to the island of Flat Holm.

Our pilgrimages to Flat Holm stand in the tradition of the Celtic saints who have gone before us. Those who have prayed where we pray, witnessed where we live, proclaimed the Kingdom of God and handed on a rich heritage to each generation.  Like them, we  also have a special care and love of the natural world.

The time we spend on the island is determined by the times of the tide and so the timetable and content of each pilgrimage will be different. However, we will usually begin the pilgrimage at St Mary’s Church, Butetown with a welcome and overview of the pilgrimage experience, a celebration of Mass and Blessing of Pilgrims. The boat crossing sets out from Penarth.

The total cost is £55 (for adults) which includes return crossing, landing charge, parking, a Pilgrimage Manual with over 80 pages of prayers and reflections, and other pilgrimage costs. If the weather makes it impossible to reach the island a full refund will be given, and an onshore pilgrimage offered at St Mary’s Church.

ONSHORE PILGRIMAGE

As well as offering an onshore pilgrimage when the scheduled crossing is impossible, we provide onshore pilgrimages throughout the year.

This particular pilgrimage is FREE although you are encouraged to purchase a Pilgrimage Manual (£5) to participate fully. The pilgrimage offers an experience of Celtic Christian spirituality, and an insight into the Island of Flat Holm which may be particularly useful for those who are unable to visit the island.

THE JOURNEY

The crossing is provided by Cardiff Cruises sailing from Penarth, and takes place between March and October.  Times vary due to the changing tide and high winds.  There are steps leading from the jetty up onto Flat Holm Island, along with some rugged terrain, so this trip is not suitable for those who have walking difficulties.

Total numbers, at present, are limited to 12 (which includes the pilgrimage leader). However, it is hoped that more seats will be available in the future. There is also a speedier boat available with Bay Island Voyages which may be attractive to the more adventurous! (This boat also accommodates up to 12 people)

HERE IN THIS PLACE

‘Here in this place’ is a book specially written by Fr Dean Atkins as a ‘Pilgrimage Prayer Book and Spiritual Notebook’ for use not only when on pilgrimage to Flat Holm but in our everyday lives, and when on pilgrimage to other places in Wales.

Copies are available for those taking part in our Offshore pilgrimage (Cost is included in the total price) and to others at a cost of £5 (including those taking part in our Onshore Pilgrimages)

2023 SCHEDULED PILGRIMAGE

Taking place during Easter Week, this pilgrimage celebrates the Resurrection of Christ as the beginning of a new creation and, in the midst of the beauty of Flat Holm, we seek to receive a new appreciation of God’s world, and our place within it. (Cost: £55)

9.30am Mass at St Mary’s Church, Bute Street, Cardiff | 10.15am Blessing of Pilgrims and departure to Penarth South Barrage | 10.45am: set sail, arriving at 12 noon | 2.30pm – set sail for home, arriving at 3.25pm

---

Saturday August 26 – The Fabric of Prayer

God is not and never separate from his Creation, and so the sights and sounds and seasons of Flat Holm can stir us to prayer. This pilgrimage seeks to deepen our prayer life, as we look at the world around us as both a revelation of God and and a means through which we grow closer to him. (Cost: £55)

9.30am Pilgrimage Mass at St Mary’s, Bute Street, Cardiff | 10.15am Blessing of Pilgrims and departure to Penarth South Barrage | 10.45am: set sail, arriving at 12 noon | 2.30pm – set sail for home, arriving at 3.25pm

---

Saturday 23 September – Celebrating St Cadoc

Just a few days after the Feast of St Cadoc, we give thanks to God for his life and witness. As he took refuge in the island of Flat Holm, we walk in his steps, and pray to experience something of his joy in God’s Creation. (Cost: £55)

8.15 am Prayers and Blessing of Pilgrims at St Mary’s Church, Bute Street, Cardiff, and departure to Penarth South Barrage | 8.45 am: set sail, arriving at 10am | 10.30am Pilgrimage Mass | 12.30pm – set sail for home, arriving at 1.25pm

---

Pilgrimage 2024

The Flat Holm (offshore) Pilgrimage season for 2023 is now over. Thanks to all who journeyed with us. Watch this space for news of scheduled pilgrimages in 2024 or get in touch to arrange a bespoke pilgrimage in the spirit of St Cadoc and the Celtic saints for your own church or group.

We are also pleased to be working with Rev’d Dyfrig Lloyd of Egwlys Dewi Sant so that we can provide pilgrimages and resources either bilingually or in the Welsh language.

BOOKING FORM

Please complete and return the form (by email, post or in person) along with full payment (the form also contains BACS details for payment). Contact details below.

GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch to find out more, make a booking, or to arrange a bespoke pilgrimage for your church.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A copy of this booklet is included in the cost of the pilgrimage, and will be available on the day of the pilgrimage. They are also available to be purchased separately.

FLAT HOLM – A WALK THROUGH TIME

You can find out more about the ecology, history and heritage of the island at the A Walk through Time website here. Meanwhile, check out their video trailer which gives more insight into the significance of Flat Holm

Thanks to Stacey Richards, Community Engagement Officer – Flat Holm – “A Walk Through Time” for her help and support in this project.