Ancestors Pilgrimage to Aldous Huxley's Grave

Join us on the 29th October for a unique and moving pilgrimage to the grave of Aldous Huxley, one of the 20th century’s most visionary thinkers, during this special season of the ancestors.

Starting at the ancient and atmospheric hilltop St. Martha’s Church, we will embark on a guided pilgrimage along the beautiful North Downs Way, via the ruins of St Catherine's Chapel, to Huxley’s final resting place at the arts and crafts Watts Chapel with magical sacred imagery. Along the way, you’ll delve into Huxley’s fascinating life, story and thinking helped by two guides, his descendant Phoebe Tickell and British Pilgrimage Trust’s Guy Hayward.

Phoebe Tickell will offer ways of connecting with Aldous Huxley, share carefully curated extracts she has found from his writings, as well as stories, insights, and exercises that facilitate connecting with ancestors through imagination, offering a deep connection to this remarkable journey.

Guy Hayward, director of the British Pilgrimage Trust, will ground us in the spiritual and historical significance of our route, which is a section of the North Downs Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury, and will sing relevant songs.

Aldous Huxley made profound contributions to human knowledge across multiple fields, including literature, philosophy, and psychology. A prolific author, Huxley wrote essays, novels, and philosophical works that delved into subjects like spirituality, human potential, and society’s future. He is best known for his dystopian novel Brave New World (1932), which was far ahead of its time, critically examining the impact of technological progress, consumerism, and social engineering on individual freedom and human dignity. He spoke early about the ethical consequences of unchecked scientific advancement.

About Aldous Huxley‍

Huxley can be described as an intellectual mystic because his work bridged the realms of rational thought and spiritual inquiry. Though trained in the intellectual tradition of Western literature and philosophy, Huxley was interested in mysticism, consciousness, and the metaphysical aspects of human experience. His writings reflect a unique synthesis of scientific knowledge, psychological insight, and spiritual exploration. In works like The Perennial Philosophy (1945), he explored universal spiritual truths found across different religious traditions, advocating for a direct, mystical experience of the divine. His intellectual mysticism was rooted in a quest for truth that transcended the material world, aiming for deeper understanding of existence, the soul, and the nature of reality.

He was also a pioneer in exploring human consciousness and the potential of the mind, most notably through his exploration of psychedelics in The Doors of Perception, which influenced the study of altered states of consciousness and countercultural movements in the 1960s. Huxley’s deep engagement with spirituality and Eastern philosophy, combined with his intellectual critique of Western materialism, opened new dialogues on the nature of reality, perception, and human potential. His interdisciplinary approach to science, religion, and ethics continues to resonate in discussions about the future of humanity and the challenges posed by modernity.

This is a chance to explore Huxley’s world and reflect on our shared visionary heritage. Book now for this intimate, soulful journey through history, nature, and the legacy of an extraordinary mind.

Qualities of the Day

• ‍‍Engaging with choice
• Aldous Huxley writings
• Arts and Crafts beauty
• 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; Water bottle.
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Travel
We will meet at St Martha's Church, which is unmissable on the hill. You can park at either of the two car parks that serve the church - Guildford Lane or Halfpenny Lane. The car park is a 10-min walk from the church, and it'll be easy to find as the paths are good. We will start the ceremonial proceedings at 9.30am.
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At the Watts Chapel finish by 4pm (roughly), you'll need to get a 20-min (6-mile) taxi back to the car park (we will arrange this at lunch for those who want to share). Or, if you have come by train, Guildford Train Station is a 7-min taxi from Watts Chapel, or the 46 bus goes there from either Watts Gallery (£13 admission charge if you'd like to go there at end of day) or Compton Village Hall (next to Norman church of St Nicholas, Compton, where you can also finish your day).

‍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.

We hope to see you on the path.
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Please support our work

If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here. ‍

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