Golden Valley Pilgrim Way: 4 Days

Beautiful and ancient paths of the Golden Valley

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This is a stunning 4 day circular pilgrimage route along beautiful and ancient paths that begins and ends at Hereford Cathedral with about a dozen companion pilgrims.

The Way links the Wye Valley with the Golden Valley and the flower meadows and foothills of the Black Mountains. Once you leave the city and its cathedral behind, this is a rich and silent land, good for the body as well as the soul. You may even (pending confirmation) stay the night before on 8th May in the cathedral cloisters (to our knowledge, this may be the first time that pilgrims have been able to stay in Anglican cathedral precincts since Medieval times).

Approximately 35 miles long you will come across apple orchards, sacred springs, ruined castles, holy wells, and Arthurian legends as well as hidden farms that produce local ciders. There is a contrast between gentle wooded river valleys and stunning views of mountain landscapes with one or two spots for wild swimming.

Uniquely, along the way, you can camp along the way with roll mat and sleeping bag overnight in one of three medieval churches in Tyberton, Dorstone and Madley (Sanctuaries). A beautifully illustrated pilgrim credential or passport can be stamped in each church. All but one of these churches is situated in villages with fine country pubs where we will eat local produce at the end of a day of walking.

Hereford can be accessed by public transport from anywhere in the country making this an environmentally sensitive pilgrimage option. With the route being circular if you do arrive by car you don’t have the hassle of having to find a way back to where you left the car.

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Your guide

Simon Lockett is a sometime farmworker, countryside ranger, environmental activitist. Now a Dad, priest, theologian, poet and pilgrimage leader, he is deeply embedded in this landscape and is liked by all the locals – join him for an experience of old where people wave, smile and say hello. See Simon in action on BBC's Escape to the Country:

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This pilgrimage is a 'Bring your own beliefs' practice, and will include:

- New ways of meeting old pilgrim places

- Ancient churches and holy places of all kinds

- Wild water swimming or drinking

- Songs, stories and folklore

- Occasional stretches of silence

- Occasional barefoot walking

- Poems, Blessings and Readings

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What to bring

See our full recommended kit list. Expect to bring a sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Appropriate footwear, waterproofs, sun protection and insect repellant. Change of clothes including warmer options, wash bag, towel. Lunchbox, waterbottle or thermos flask. Anything required for wild loo stops. A staff or walking stick are not essential but are a recognised symbol of the pilgrim. General rule is to pack as lightly and small bulk as you can.

FAQ’s

Travel arrangements - Hereford Train Station with a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral

Is food and accommodation included? Sleep will be in the Night Sanctuaries along the route, and breakfast will be provided. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.

Will I have to carry my bags? We will have luggage transfer available to transport your luggage to the next night's accommodation venue at the beginning of each day.

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 respect 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 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 9 miles a day is a manageable distance for the majority of people. 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? 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 guided by a specially trained guide. We make pilgrimages that encounter Britain in new (and very old) ways.

We hope to see you on the path.

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