Salvado Trail (The Pilgrim Trail) Salvado Trail (The Pilgrim Trail)

The Salvado Trail (also known as the Pilgrim Trail and the Camino Salvado) was inspired by the memory of Dom Rosendo Salvado, the Benedictine monk who founded the town of New Norcia in 1847. This is a multi day hike (or bike ride) covering 174km of urban and bush trails, starting in Subiaco and finishing at the Benedictine Monastery in New Norcia.

The trail takes eight days (on average) to complete, and requires some planning around accomodation, supplies, water and transport. Accommodation is limited and should be booked in advance, as the only alternative is self sufficient camping. After leaving the city, water and food must be carried for the remainder of the walk. This will require a support vehicle or prior drop offs. 

The trail is reasonably flat with some steep inclines and but does require physical and mental endurance, and must not be attempted in the hot summer months between November and February (unless fully supported). 

This trail is colloquially known as the Camino Salvado recognising the "path" or "way" that the Benedictines took from Subiaco to New Norcia.

The following is a suggested intinerary for walkers: 

Day 1 - 21.7km - Subiaco to Guildford

Starting at Subiaco, the trail follows along the bottom of Kings Park, through Hay Street and along the riverside walkways and wetlands. Take a moment to look at St Georges Cathedral, the WA Governors Residence and St Mary's Cathedral. Follow the river all the way along Bassendean Parade and across the bridge at James Street, ending at the St Charles Seminary in the heritage town of Guildford. Accomodation is available at the Rose and Crown Hotel, or speak to the Swan Valley Visitor Centre.

Day 2 - 25km - Guildford to Walyunga NP

The trail leaves Guildford along West Swan Road through the picturesque Swan Valley. There are many food and beverage places to visit in the area, including a highly recommended little stop at the chocolate factory! Continue north before heading up into the Walyunga National Park. Camping is available with a short diversion from the route, at the Walyunga Campsite - bookings are essential through the Explore Parks website.

Day 3 - 20.3km - Walyunga NP to Lower Chittering

Pilgrim shell markers become visible from Walyunga NP onwards. Follow the trail markers along a section of the Echidna Trail through national park into the Chittering Valley, a pretty area with rolling hills and farmland. Please remember to close all gates behind you! Have fun working out how the “Cocky Lock” farm gate works! The day’s end is in the Avon National Park where you can free camp or divert off Wilson Road to Peace be Still for over night accommodation.  

Day 4 - 25.2km - Lower Chittering to Julimar Forest

This section will take you through beautiful Wandoo forest and peaceful surroundings, up into the valley of the Avon National Park. This offers some great views and wonderful flora too. There is a secluded lay by at the end of Plunkett Road/Julimar Road corner where it is possible to camp.

Day 5 - 19.9km - Julimar Forest to Dewars Pool Road

A magnificent stroll along Wandoo and Jarrah forest paths, and then through wide open farmland. This area is full of bird life and orchids from August to September. Along Munyerring Spring Road, there’s an option to free camp here for the night. Otherwise continue on to Dewars Pool Road where another free camp can be found. 

Day 6 - 23.7km - Dewars Pool Road to Pither Road/Bulligan Road

Following fencelines along agricultural areas, this section passes through sections of state forest and open pastures. Pay attention to any farming practices such as lambing and spraying, and be respectful to those working the land.  At the corner of Bulligan Road there may be the opportunity to stop at the Clarke family farm. They allow pilgrims to use their water and allow camping.  Please see the Salvado Foundation website for the number to contact Barry Clarke.  Another option is to camp in the nature reserve on the corner of Pither Road and Old Plains Road.

Day 7 - 14.2km - Bulligan Road to Calingiri/ Old Plains Road 

This section of the trail has gentle undulating countryside with wonderful wildflowers in spring. Follow the gravel road that is relatively quiet during the winter season. Keep a lookout for Pilgrim Trail signs on rocks, logs and trees. There is a large parking area opposite the Rica Erikson Reserve that is good for camping.

Day 8 - 24km - Old Plains Road to New Norcia 

The section from Old Plains Road to the Great Northern Highway is similar to the day before, with a wide, graded, gravel road through farmland.  From the Great Northern Highway to New Norcia, GREAT CAUTION is advised - please wear hi-vis when on the highway (a local farmer has allowed walkers to walk along the fire break in the paddock, to allow space from the traffic. Note, this section is currently under construction to realign the road, allowing for safer passage in the future). After crossing the road bridge following the path past the New Norcia roadhouse, veer to the right as you come to the red brick museum.  This will take you on to a gravel path which follows in the footsteps of Salvado. Finish at the church at the tomb of Dom Rosendo Salvado. You can visit the museum between 9.30am and 4.30pm daily for a postcard that acknowledges the trail.