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Green King Pilgrimage to St George's, Windsor Chapel
This beautiful day route, 6 miles long from Ankerwycke & Runnymede to St George's Chapel, Windsor, centres around St George as the Green Man, the Magna Carta and our King
The cover photo of this event above is taken from the Coronation Invitation of 6th May, the international day of St George.
Led by the British Pilgrimage Trust's (BPT's) Guy Hayward, there will be dialogue between folklore and religion – think Green Man and the Dragon, St George, King John, our late Queen's burial place and our King's potential, and a discussion of how you can be sovereign over yourself.
You will meet the 2500 yr-old Ankerwycke Yew, St Mary's Priory, Runnymede, site of the signing of the Magna Carta, Windsor Great Park, Copper Horse Status, the Long Walk and St George's Chapel, where you will hear choral evensong sung by the royal choir.
We hope to engage the green force within you.
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.
This is a 'Bring Your Own Beliefs' pilgrimage.
What to bring Packed lunch; appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.
Travel
Getting there in the morning:
For those who want to meet at the yew tree, please make your way to Ankerwycke Yew National Trust Car Park (free, but only 3-4 spaces) or the car park at St Andrew's Church, Wraysbury (a 10-min walk away via public footpath), to arrive at the yew tree from 10am (searchable on Google Maps). We will start a ceremony at 10.30am, and we will then drive from there to Runnymede NT Car Park for just before midday. (Those arriving not by car, we will maybe have to share cars together with people who are prepared to give you a lift. Ubers do work in the area if all else fails.) For those who'd like a later start, please arrive for 11.45am at Runnymede NT Car Park (£1.50/hr and free for NT members).Egham train station is near(ish) Runnymede Car Park. Wraysbury near(ish) Ankerwycke Yew Car Park.
Getting back from Windsor to Runnymede Car Park:
Runnymede NT Riverside Car Park closes at 7pm. Taxis: There are of course taxis near the Castle as an alternative, and sharing will be possible to reduce cost on this 12-min taxi, 3.5 mile journey. Public Bus: There is a No 8 bus which leaves from the Parish Church (Stop J) near Windsor Castle at 6.18pm and gets to the Bells of Ouzeley stop at 6.32pm, 12 minutes' walk from the car park where you started at the beginning of the 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 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 6 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.
We hope to see you on the path.
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If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
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Date and time
About this event
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Windsor Rd, Englefield Green, Staines SL4 2JN
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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
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What our pilgrims say
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