Pilgrimage – The Road To The Scottish Isles | Interview with Will Bayley

Why did you decide to join the pilgrimage?

I thought it would be a good physical and mental challenge and would push me to my limits. I thought it would also be interesting to learn about different faiths.

Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage?

I didn’t have much time to prepare as I had just returned from the Tokyo Paralympics.

What did you NOT do?

I did everything I wanted to do. I accomplished everything I set out to.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?

I think the biggest challenge was a mental one, having to be around people in such an intense environment the whole time. When you’re tired, you end up disagreeing with people – I found that the hardest.

Tell me about your experience on the series.

I think it was a great experience. I learned a lot about myself, about all the different faiths, it was great!

What was your highlight?

This was probably the finish, getting to the end and realising I had achieved something incredible.

What was the hardest part?

The hardest part WAS getting on with people and making sure I was emotionally all right when I was so tired.

What was the most emotional part of pilgrimage for you?

Missing my family and my children was so hard, especially after being away from them for so long directly beforehand in Tokyo, and then coming home and having to be away from them all over again.

How did the weather affect your mood during the journey?

The weather wasn’t great, so it did affect my mood, but most of the time we were happy.

Did you see others behave differently during the harshest weather conditions?

Yes, it was rainy and wet and cold, which affected everyone. Plus, we were all so tired from the pilgrimage but it didn’t stop us from having a special experience.

Are you affiliated to any religion? If so, which? Do you practice?

I’m not affiliated to any religion.

If you don’t have any faith, are you atheist or agnostic? What helps you explain the world?

I don’t really have a faith, but I believe that if you do good things then good things will happen to you. I try to live by that mantra.

Has the experience changed you in any way?

I don’t think it has – I’ve always been determined and resilient and will continue to be so.

You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?

My strength is definitely not giving up. I tried to lead the group in terms of determination and tried to tell them to be positive. I like to be positive the whole time.

Based on your experience on the Pilgrimage, what might you do differently in the future?

I’m not sure I would do anything differently. I would just continue to treat others as I wish to be treated and carry on doing what I already do.

What fascinated you about their beliefs?

I just found it all generally interesting.

Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?

I never discuss faith or religion with anyone, not even my best friends.

How did you get on with the other pilgrims? Was it a bonding experience for you all?

We all got on well. I bonded with some more than others, but I think that happens generally in life.

Have you stayed in touch with the other pilgrims?

We have a WhatsApp group, so we all stay in touch to see what everyone is up to.

Describe your feelings when you reached the end of the Pilgrimage and arrived in Iona?

I felt relieved when I reached the end, I just wanted to go home and see my family! But I felt like I had achieved something.

Would you do it again?

Yes definitely, it was a good experience and a great challenge.