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Ancient Watchers of Kingley Vale to Chichester
Connect with nature on the ancient paths of Kingley Vale
We will meet at St Mary’s Stoughton, before ascending the wildflower-strewn path to the top of Kingley Vale with its Bronze Age tumuli. From the breathtaking views of the South Downs and the English Channel, we wander down through the yew grove called the ‘Ancient Watchers’ and onto West Stoke Church. From here we will walk on to explore Brandy Hole Copse and then follow the Centurion Way. We will arrive at Chichester Cathedral for Evensong a counterpoint to the birdsong experienced throughout the day.
The first part of the day will be on footpaths and bridleways in the heart of the South Downs. From West Stoke there will be some walking on roads before joining paths into Chichester.
A wild and sensory approach to the ancient practice of pilgrimage. Read more about the experience when writer Oliver Smith joined Dawn on this journey
This Pilgrimage will include:
- New ways of meeting old pilgrim places
- ancient and holy places of all kinds
- a sensory exploration of place
- Songs, stories and folklore
- Occasional stretches of silence
- Occasional barefoot walking
- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads
What to bring
Appropriate clothes and footwear; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Picnic Lunch, Waterbottle or thermos flask.
FAQ’s
Travel arrangements - Nearest train stations are Rowland's Castle or Chichester. There is limited on-road parking in the village of Stoughton; the best value car park in Chichester is the Avenue de Chartres car park near Waitrose. We will co-ordinate lift/taxi shares via WhatsApp group for those that need to transfer to Stoughton at the beginning or end of the day.
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 limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense and there are some steep hills. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and 8 miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access due to the terrain.
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.
If you would like to make a donation towards a ticket for someone on low income, click here.
This is a British Pilgrimage Trust event that follows a 1-day stage of the Old Way to Canterbury, and we make pilgrimages that encounter Britain in new (and very old) ways.
We hope to see you on the path.
Date and time
About this event
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St Mary's Church Church Path, Stoughton, Chichester PO18 9JL
More events
The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally Kermond
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart B
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra Rochester Pilgrim
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo - Oxford Pilgrim
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What our pilgrims say
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