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Caldey Island
Monday 30th June 2025
Iain Tweedale
We had a wonderful journey to Caldey Island in June. After assembling in the picture-postcard town of Tenby we travelled by boat for twenty minutes over to Caldey. It is one of Britain's Holy Islands and has been the home to monks since the sixth century. The current Cistercian Abbey has seven monks and we joined with them in some of their daily services.
The island is known for its peace and tranquility, along with empty beaches, peaceful woodland walks and spectacular cliffs teeming with sea birds above seals bobbing in the waves below.
The monks also oversee the production of chocolate and fudge on the island. Much was bought by members of the group as gifts for friends and family but it was so good most was eaten before it had got chance to be taken off the island at the end of the holiday!
We had gentle strolls around the island, following the new pilgrimage trail in three stages. Following our themes of love, light and creation we learned about the monastic principles of the Daily Office, Lectio Divina and silent prayer/meditation. We also took part in the monastic practice of Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work) through creative art projects or by helping the monks with gardening.
We also had plenty of free time to explore, visit the medieval churches and Old Priory, to stop by the gift shop and Tea Gardens and just to unwind and re-charge the spiritual batteries.
And the good news is that this journey proved to be so popular that we will be repeating it from 19th-23rd September and you can find out more and book your place here