Solstice Pilgrimage: Pimperne to Shaftesbury 2-Day

Walk the paths of Iron Age England and immerse yourself in the cathedral of nature over a 2 day pilgrimage from Pimperne in Dorset to Shaftesbury Abbey.

Includes Sanctuary accommodation, some meals, and baggage transfer.

On Day 1, our 9.5-mile route starts at the church of St Peter in Pimperne with its ancient preaching cross. Just outside the village, we visit one of Dorset’s largest long barrows, a 4,500-5,500 year-old structure aligned to the winter solstice sunrise and the summer solstice sunset¹, set in sweeping Dorset landscape serenaded by skylarks.  From there, our route passes in and out of woodland where we will pause at intervals to soak in the sounds, textures and smells of nature, listening out for birdsong with a Celtic blessing or poem or two along the way.  Our journey for the day will stop in Ashmore in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the highest village in Dorset set around a picturesque village pond. 

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On Day 2, a 9.5-mile route, we will visit the church of St Nicholas in Ashmore before moving on through a valley and woodland and out onto the sculptural hills of Fontmell Down. At the top of Melbury Hill, we will stop to gaze at 360^o views of countryside stretching to Glastonbury, Bath and towards the Dorset coast. From here, we get our first view of Shaftesbury, once home to an important abbey established by King Alfred the Great, perched on at the top of this hilltop town. Dropping back down, we visit the church of St Thomas’s in Melbury Abbas before weaving along small back lanes and joining St Edward the Martyr’s Way to Shaftesbury. Our final furlong takes us up the iconic Gold Hill to the site of Shaftesbury Abbey where we will visit the ruins of the Abbey.

The route will be led by founder of Positive Nature, Laura Downer and BPT Trustee and guide Abigail Rowe. 

Bring Your Own Beliefs

This Pilgrimage will include:

- New ways of meeting old pilgrim places

- ancient and holy places of all kinds

- a sensory exploration of place

- Stories and folklore

- Occasional stretches of silence

- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition

- Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads

- Sanctuary style accommodation and bedding

- Evening meal, simple breakfast and lunch for Day 2

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‍Accommodation

Accommodation is pilgrim-style in the Village Hall at Ashmore, which has showers, toilets and a kitchen. Sleeping bags, silk liners, air pillows and roll mats will be provided by the British Pilgrimage Trust, or you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Please let us know if you will be bringing your own bedroll at point of booking.

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Food

Please bring a picnic lunch for the first day and snacks for both days. Award winning, hand-made pre-prepared meals will be delivered to the hall for dinner. We will provide a simple breakfast, and items will be provided for you to make your own lunch Day 2. Please advise if you have any special dietary requirements when booking.

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Travel arrangements

Please meet in Bell Street Car Park, Shaftesbury SP7 8AP (what3words: bloodshot.squashes.shuts) at the top of the town in Shaftesbury where there are public loos. From there, we will travel by minibus or taxi to Pimperne. 

There are two free long stay car parks in Shaftesbury: Longmead Car Park, Wincombe Lane, Shaftesbury SP7 8PX (what3words: houseboat.agents.informed) or Barton Hill Car Park, Bleke Street, SP7 8QA  (what3words: builds.capers.morphing). Please note Barton Hill Car Park tends to fill up early.

The nearest train station is Gillingham, Dorset.

Baggage transfer is included.

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What to Bring

Please bring a day pack to carry your lunch and other day things, suitable robust walking footwear and wet weather gear and sun protection.  Please note there are no water refill opportunities on either day of the walk so you'll need to carry enough water for the day. An overnight bag which can be transported separately including your washbag, towel, nightwear and bedroll if you are bringing your own.

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FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? . This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.

Are there fitness or access limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense and there are some steep hills on this route. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. You should be able to cover 9.5 miles in a day with plenty of stops and at a pace to soak in the beauty of nature and landscape. The walk on Day 1 is mainly on footpaths with a small stretch along a minor road. The woods can be muddy if wet. Day 2 is more hilly with narrow natural paths along the downs and a steep climb up Melbury Hill for those who wish to admire the view. There are several stiles and a gate to climb (there is an alternative route to avoid the gate). The approach to Shaftesbury is along small country lanes. ual access requirements please get in touch. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how can best accommodate individual requirements.

Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

What does my money go? What's this all for? It's a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust, which has limited resources, but which largely spends its time creating materials for people to use for free, and facilitating the grass roots growth of pilgrimage in Britain by engaging with local communities. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

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We hope to see you on the path.