The British Pilgrimage Trust

We: – provide free access to a pilgrim route network that currently has over 250 routes across Britain with maps, photos and info;
and a Britain-wide Sanctuary low-cost pilgrim hostel accommodation network;
– provide online guides to introduce concepts, logistics and practices to help you make your own pilgrimage (see ‘How To’ section);
– publish our book Britain’s Pilgrim Places (600 places and 100 routes), and promote other books such as Magical Britain, and individual route guidebooks;
communicate the way pilgrimage answers modern needs;
– form an online community of pilgrims and BPT Friends, and also work with local communities on the ground.

Pilgrimage is a ‘Bring Your Own Beliefs‘ practice – we exist to ‘advance British pilgrimage as a form of cultural heritage that promotes holistic wellbeing, for the public benefit.’

The nature of pilgrimage

Pilgrimage (n.): A journey with purpose on foot to holy/wholesome/special places. We can walk an outer path in order to connect with our inner path. In a world of increasing distractions and noise many more are seeking to realign our internal compass so that we feel clarity, and connect with the land and our ancestors.

Today’s pilgrims have often come to a crossroads in their life, and want the slowing, socially-levelling and revitalising benefits that pilgrimage brings. Others want to connect with themselves, others, their ancestors, spirituality or nature. Pilgrimage is, at its essence, the story of discovery and quest – of Odysseus, Aeneas and Frodo. If you are someone who, with open mind and heart, wants to embrace with curiosity the ancient church, pub, spring and tree, come and explore Britain’s public footpath network. Let the journey renew your unique sense of purpose and love for being alive.

Featured Great Routes

Four kinds of pilgrim

1. You might be wanting the next big adventure, are particularly interested in the spiritual and heritage aspects of pilgrimage, and will be familiar with digital or paper map navigation and walking long-distance.

2. Or you might be looking for inner change or mood boost, a way to mark a change in your lives, or a way to ‘get away from it all’. You may be less familiar with walking long-distance, and planning to make pilgrimage as a one-off thing, and have other priorities and pursuits.

3. Or you want something different from the usual insta-travel blogs and standard travel experiences; i.e. a meaningful ‘conscious quest’, perhaps with more social connection, and to align with slow-, eco- and sustainable travel.

4. Or you want to create a route, or promote a route you have created, or offer your community building or church as a Sanctuary venue, or to volunteer for us.

Recent Blog Posts