Mountain Cathedrals - Lake District 3-Day

Be guided on a life-changing journey, taking you to some of the most remarkable places on earth to experience the transcendent power of nature. Through carefully curated practices and conversation, we explore what lies ‘beyond the view’ to find new purpose and vigour.

This is our most physically challenging pilgrimage, and a special opportunity to journey inwards and outwards in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Through the pilgrimage you will reap multiple benefits including:

• Intimate experience of a world-renowned beauty site in the company of an expert guide.

• Chance to reflect and refocus

• Spiritual renewal and invigoration

• Uplifting mountain walking

• A supportive community of common purpose

• Plentiful, high-quality and wholesome food

This journey will include:

Mountain Walking - you will visit a ‘mountain cathedral’ – one of the magnificent natural cathedrals of the Lake District. The walk is suitable for a wide cross section of people, but you should be prepared to walk for up to 5 hours on uneven and, at times, steep ground. A fully qualified mountain leader will be in attendance. Expect rough mountain paths, sometimes requiring the use of hands on rock, steep ascents and descents.

Reflection & Contemplation - through guided practices and meaningful discussions, you’ll begin to see nature in a whole new light, gaining fresh insights into the character of God and the world around you.

Simple Comfort – you will stay in a simple, but well-equipped hut, with hot showers and beds in shared dormitories. Meals are an occasion for celebration, so we provide freshly prepared, high-quality meals including breakfast, lunch (not day of arrival), afternoon tea, dinner and hot drinks.

Community & Friendship – you will form a community of fellow pilgrims, making new friendships and deepening any existing bonds. We extend a warm welcome to all regardless of beliefs, backgrounds or abilities.

Expert local knowledge – through our intimate exploration of the region, we can take you to locations known only be a select number of people, drawing on a deep knowledge of the area to enhance the richness of your experience.

Spiritual insight – we have spent many years reflecting on the spiritual dimension of the mountain experience, drawing on a wide variety of wisdom from elsewhere, and allowing us to pass on this accumulated wisdom.

Safe adventure – a qualified mountain leader will look after you on all walks, alongside other experienced leaders.

Home in the hills – you will stay in the heart of the mountains in a mountain hut not normally accessible to individuals.

Pre and post event online call – to ensure that you derive the maximum benefit we provide a preparatory get-together and a follow-up event to help you embed the experience in your ongoing journey.

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Duration - the retreat starts mid-afternoon on day 1 and finishes after lunch on day 3.

What’s included - all food, accommodation and guidance

What’s not included - travel to and from the retreat, personal equipment and snacks.

What to bring – sleeping bag, large rucksack, walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, change of clothes, walking clothing, gloves, hat, sunglasses, towel, toiletries. A kit list will be issued before the pilgrimage.
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Your Guide

John Fleetwood is the founder of Beyond The View. Based in the Lake District, John is a pioneer of long-distance hill running routes in Scotland and the Lakes, and the author of two scrambling guides to the Lake District. He has an intimate knowledge of hidden corners of the Lake District and is a keen photographer and environmentalist. Please note, that this is a WALKING not a running pilgrimage!

Who can come? Anyone over 18, bearing in mind the challenging physical requirements of the terrain. 

Is this religious?  Your guide is Christian and you should expect some faith-based practice, but this pilgrimage is open to everyone of any or no faith. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all 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, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. 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 or access limitations? This route involves stiles, rough mountain paths, sometimes requiring the use of hands on rock, steep ascents and descents. This is our most physically challenging pilgrimage; if you find walking all day a challenge, this type of pilgrimage is unsuitable activity for you right now. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheeled access due to the terrain. If you have other access needs such as sensory impairment please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements. 

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.

Do you offer concessions? Unfortunately our low-income discount is not available for this pilgrimage

What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing the journey, including research and route surveys and mountain leader support. Any remaining funds are shared between your guide and the British Pilgrimage Trust, supporting our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy

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