The Whidbey Way
The Whidbey Way welcomes pilgrims from all faith traditions to walk 73 miles from Mukilteo to Anacortes via Whidbey Island along back roads, forest trails and beaches.
What is a pilgrimage and the Whidbey Way?
A pilgrimage is a devotional practice usually done by walking a long distance over many days toward a specific destination. Pilgrimages have been a part of all world religions for thousands of years, often with the purpose of withdrawing from one’s life. This ‘time out’ blends the physical (hours of walking) with the spiritual by allowing for a time of reflection and contemplation.
The Whidbey Way originated by the desire of some Whidbey Island residents that have experienced the graces received by walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Camino de Saint Francis in Italy or other European based Caminos, to create a pilgrimage route right here on Whidbey Island.
The Whidbey Way hopes to welcome pilgrims from all faith traditions to walk 70 miles from Mukilteo to Anacortes via Whidbey Island along back roads, forest trails and beaches.
Pilgrims Credential
Each pilgrim carries a credential that identifies them as pilgrims on the Whidbey Way. This credential is important for a few reasons; it is your permission to cross some privately owned property along the way (in order to obtain it you must indemnify all owners of private property against any liability whilst crossing their land). You will also collect stamps along the way from merchants and places of lodging and at some sacred sites. Some merchants may also offer you discounts when presenting your credential.