P is for Pilgrim Traditional Cache

Whithorn Priory



Whithorn Pilgrim Way

Whithorn has been a place of pilgrimage from as early as the 7th century and remained so until the time of the Reformation. Post the reformation only a very few pilgrims continued to come to Whithorn however in more recent times the story of Whithorn and its connection with St Ninian has seen a growing revival in pilgrim visitors to the area. The importance of Whithorn is related to St Ninian and his establishment of the "Candida Casa" in the later 4th century. The life of St Ninian is shrouded with uncertainty and it was not until the 8th century that there was any written records made about the life and times of St Ninian. What is know is that St Ninian's influence has spread across Scotland and there are churches named after this saint from Whithorn as far north as Shetland.

If you have been to letter F of this series then you will already have seen the landing place of many ancient Pilgrims who rested at St Finian's chapel before continuing their journey south to the Isle of Whithorn.

The Pend

To reach the cache you will have to pass through the Pend - the name given to the covered archway with suspended room above. This entrance to the Priory would have been the point at which pilgrims left the secular world behind and entered the sacred precincts of the monastery and shrine of St. Ninian.

The cache can be found by following the public footpath along the side of the Priory down to the stream. Please close the gate behind you.