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Golden Valley Pilgrim Way: 7 Day
Flower meadows and foothills in the Golden Valley loop.
A 7-day Pilgrimage, looping around the Golden Valley, starting and ending at Hereford Cathedral
This is a stunning 6/7 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.
Approximately 60 miles long you will come across apple orchards, sacred sites, ruined castles, holy wells, and Arthurian legends as well as hidden farms that produce local ciders and ice cream. 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 eight medieval churches (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. Your guide, Simon Lockett, 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.
Itinerary
8th June - Begin at the Cathedral
9th June - Tyberton
10th June - Dorstone
11th June - Michaelchurch
12th June - Clodock
13th June - Ewyas Harold
14th June - Kingstone
15th June - Cathedral
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:
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
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.
FAQs
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
Date and time
About this event
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Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG
More events
This was my first pilgrimage walk but won't be the last. Dawn was an inspiring guide in so many ways - teaching us, entertaining us and caring for us. It was wonderful to get to know new people as we trod in the footsteps of so many unknown walkers who had gone before us. I had a sense of awe at so many points - for the coastal scenery, the birdlife, the ancient trees and for the buildings that had witnessed so much history. And it was such a lovely surprise to be welcomed with tea in Apuldram Church - so very kind. I am very grateful that I could be part of this day.
Heather
Pilgrim
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
Sally
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
Pilgrim
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
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
I signed up on a whim without really knowing what I had signed up to, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary, magical day - starting with Guy's singing in the Chapel and culminating at those fabulous springs. The information, songs, chat and group experience were all wonderful. I can't recommend this pilgrimage highly enough - and I also hugely appreciate all the references in the follow up email. Brilliant. Thank you Guy!!
Amanda
Pilgrim
I loved the whole pilgrimage. A day of great connection with people, nature, sacred places, past and present. Also particularly enjoyed Guy's singing which added something special and his commentary. Also the friendliness of fellow pilgrims in the group which was partly enabled by having a buddy and introductory exercise.
Jonathan
Pilgrim
Very grateful for the work that’s being done by all who are mapping the routes and sharing their knowledge. All this while I’m still mobile and can join in with day walks ... I asked for the book for my birthday and it has much in it. The Green King though was more my thing, lower key with lots in nature. I am very keen on sacred water sites (following the work of Veda Austin) so would enjoy more of those if possible. One day walks are really fab. Thank you everyone.
Catherine
Pilgrim
A fabulous enlightening day. The people, places and fascinating insights - I felt very privileged and grateful.
David
Pilgrim
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What our pilgrims say
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