What is the British Pilgrimage Trust?

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

We: communicate the way pilgrimage answers modern needs;
– provide free access to: a pilgrim route network that currently has over 250 routes across Britain with maps, photos and info; a Britain-wide Sanctuary low-cost pilgrim hostel accommodation network of churches, church halls, village halls, farm barns, hostels and bothies.
– provide additional inspiration and tools to make your own pilgrimage, such as our book Britain’s Pilgrim Places (600 places and 100 routes), and promote other books such as Magical Britain, and individual route guidebooks.
– form an online community of pilgrims, and also work with local communities on the ground.

What is pilgrimage in Britain?

Pilgrimage in Britain has been manifest since hunter-gatherers followed well-worn tracks, which became processional pagan pathways, which in turn became ritualised journeys in Celtic, medieval and Early Modern Christianity. Since the Reformation, pilgrimage has been paused in Britain. Until now.

Public Rights of Way in England and Wales and the Right to Roam Act in Scotland – freedoms particular to Britain – give us a unique opportunity to explore a vast network of green footpaths.

The remaining natural landmarks such as wells, springs, trees, caves, islands and hilltops, and pagan sites such as stone circles and barrows, as well as ancient churches and cathedrals reveal a diverse and still unfurling cultural landscape, open to all who wish to connect to it.