Join our Pilgrim walk which is part of the Kent Pilgrims’ Festival!
Discover the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and follow medieval pilgrims’ footsteps who walked to Canterbury to the Shrine of Thomas Becket. Our walk will lead through ancient woodland, rugged chalk lands and ragstone villages, we will visit ancient churches and learn about the area’s history, flora and fauna.
What is a pilgrimage? It’s a journey to discover yourself, others, nature, or a higher good, through the experience. It can lead to a personal transformation or can be an adventure.
People from all faith and beliefs are welcome to join! Small group History Hike! Max 25 people.
One or two day options are available!
DAY 1 : WYE TO CHILHAM
Our pilgrimage starts in Wye in the garden of England with a church and a farm visit . If you didn’t bring your own lunch you can buy some local produce. This section of the Pilgrims’ Way will lead us to a church where you can see evidence that this route was actually walked by medieval pilgrims. The little church at Boughton Aluph has a large fireplace in the south porch, where pilgrims would gather before venturing through the wood. There was safety in numbers, at a time when robbery was a real danger. Discover the stories of this historic woodland before we end our walk in Chilham.
If you are booking both day 1 and day 2 walks you can find accommodation at https://www.woolpackhotel.com/ or in Wye or Canterbury.
Distance 8 miles.
DAY 2: CHILHAM TO CANTERBURY
The walk starts in Chilham following the Pilgrims’ Way leading to Canterbury where once the shrine of Thomas Becket stood and attracted pilgrims from all over the world. We will be visiting the Church of St. Mary Chilham and will receive a Wayfarer’s dole as we start our day pilgrimage.
It is a fantastic day out and a lovely way to arrive in Canterbury. Along the way you will see hop farms and oast houses and discover the charming English countryside. We will follow the pilgrims’ footsteps and pause at St Dunstan’s Church and Eastridge Hospital. We will stop for lunch-Picnic at No Man’s Orchard. Please bring your packed lunch and water for the day.
Our last stop is Canterbury Cathedral where we have a private chapel booked for us for meditation and/ or prayer.
Please note the access to the private chapel doesn’t include the visit of the Cathedral. If you wish to visit the Cathedral I am happy to pre-arrange the tickets. Please choose the option with tickets to the Cathedral.
The price includes: guided hike and church visits leady by Ildi ,North Downs Way Ambassador and London Blue Badge Tourist Guide and wayfarer’s dole . Should you wish to donate to Churches we visit along the way please bring some cash with you.
Distance: 9 miles, elevation 271 m
What to bring: Hiking boots, snacks, water. Prepare for the weather with waterproof clothing or sunblock.
Group save train tickets from London are only available if you book both days .
Where are we meeting?
Day 1 from London at 07.45 at St. Pancras Station in front of Oliver Bonas shop near the escalator to Platform 12.
or Wye Station at 09.11
Day 2 . Chilham station at 09.06
Start Date
23/09/2022
End Date
24/09/2022
Start location
Address Line 1
Bridge St,
City
Wye, Ashford
Postcode
TN25 5EB
End location
Address Line 1
Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts
City
Canterbury
Postcode
CT1 2EH
Area
South West England
What To Bring
What to bring : packed lunch and water.
What to wear : walking shoes or boots, comfortable walking wear . Dress for the weather! If sunny bring a hat if rainy a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
North Downs Way Ambassador and London Blue Badge Tourist Guide
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Cookies that are not necessary for the website to function that help us analyse how this website can be improved and help more people discover pilgrimage in Britain.