Glastonbury Grounded Pilgrimage (Vivobarefoot x British Pilgrimage Trust)

Glastonbury is one of Britain's oldest and greatest pilgrimage destinations.

This beautiful day route, 5 miles long around Glastonbury centres around two things: healing water and the rich overlay of traditions and stories. Led by the British Pilgrimage Trust's (BPT's) Guy Hayward, there will be lots of dialogue between folklore and religion – think Arthur, Guinevere & Morgan Le Fay, the man who buried Jesus, the Holy Grail, the goddesses of Ceridwen, Bride & Brigid.

You will meet St Margaret’s Chapel, Wearyall Holy Thorn, Goddess Temple (from outside), the old oaks of Gog Magog, the Tor (and for daring pilgrims, its Egg Stone), the White Spring and Chalice Red Spring. (Access to all these places included in price of your ticket, worth £10).

This is a 'Bring Your Own Beliefs' pilgrimage. For a more detailed description of the whole experience look here.

‍Qualities of the Day

‍Telling many folkloric tales that mesh ancient Pagan and Christian stories - New ways of meeting holy places - Pilgrim songs on the path - Opportunities for silence - Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition - Natural beauty - Elemental power.

‍Grounding the Day‍

We are proud to announce a partnership with Vivobarefoot to launch the first fully-conductive Grounded Vivobarefoot shoe, “The Pilgrim”. With your ticket you will automatically register for the chance to be gifted a pair of these new shoes to walk in. The Vivobarefoot Pilgrim shoe, as well as being a Wide, Thin & Flexible barefoot design bringing you closer to the earth and natural movement, will provide a further grounding by conducting your body's electrons straight into the ground. Several health benefits are associated with grounding, such as stress reduction, anti-inflammatory, sleep improvement and gut health.

Including this event, a series of pilgrimages will be held to celebrate the launch of this exciting next step for Vivobarefoot, starting with an exclusive event in Broughton Sanctuary in the Yorkshire Dales (Fri 3rd-Tue 7th May), with London on 14th May and Avebury on June 2nd.
‍

What to bring ‍

Packed lunch; appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.
‍
Travel car probably easiest parking in town centre, but for train to Castle Cary plus taxi (if you contact us we could organise sharing). Buses also from Bristol and Bath.

‍Accommodation & Food The Covenstead is a very 'Glastonbury' place to stay or, for a peaceful retreat, Little St Michael's Retreat House. The George & Pilgrims Hotel was once a medieval resting place for pilgrims. Middlewick/Paddington Farm & Camping is a bit of a walk out but lovely countryside. Otherwise there's AirBnB. Gourmet food at the Queen of Cups, or its sister place, Fara.‍

FAQ’s

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

Is this religious? All and no-faiths are equally welcome. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims tolerate one another, whatever their beliefs.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.

Are there fitness limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and 5 miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people, although it is not nothing. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access.

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.

What does my money go towards? The British Pilgrimage Trust is a charity, and profits raised from this limited space event will enable our team to make it possible for everyone, of all means, to make pilgrimage themselves. We will also distribute some of the ticket price to local organisations from whom we have benefitted along the path. 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.

We hope to see you on the path.

To hear about our other guided pilgrimage events in the future, please sign up to our e-newsletter.