River Dart Salmon & Saltmarsh (stage 4)

Join our friend Rev Sam Wernham for the fourth stage of a partially silent pilgrimage along the River Dart.

The final of four journeys (this year) along the River Dart Way, a sea to source route. It is inspired by and follows the journey that the Dart Atlantic salmon swim, to return from the open ocean to their source pools, for spawning, on Dartmoor.

We start at St David’s Church, Ashprington, with a warm welcome and an introduction to our time together, including some reflections on pilgrimage and a short guided meditation to help us settle into our bodies, connect to nature and enter into silence. There will be the option for each pilgrim to light a candle in the church and set an intention for their pilgrimage today.

The walk then heads uphill, through the community orchard and along a footpath to a beautiful viewpoint over the river above the Sharpham Trust Estate. Crossing their drive, we continue through woods and meadows, with views over the saltmarsh. We pause for reflection by a historic waterside quarry and then continue past the reed beds and along the shore until a second pause by the water on the edge of Totnes.

The final part of the pilgrimage follows the water into and through the town and along back lanes to reach the ancient church of St Mary’s at the heart of the town. Here we come out of silence and share reflections together before we close.

You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk and, to stay within our timings, we will walk at a relaxed and yet steady pace. For most of the pilgrimage, we will be in silence. The walk includes being in a village and small town. So at times we will need to include being alongside others in our silence.

There is the option to join the congregation of St David’s for their regular Sunday service at 11.15am and/or to participate in Vespers (with chanting, candles and incense) at St Mary’s at 5pm.

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About the guide

Rev Sam Wernham is the creator of River Dart Way and founder of River Dart Wild Church, which has been walking the River Dart and its tributaries for the last ten years. Our Wild Church is an independent and inter-spiritual collective, which works with and welcomes guides and pilgrims of diverse secular or sacred orientations.

What to bring

Conditions along the Dart Estuary can be very changeable. So please come prepared with sturdy and waterproof footwear, lots of layers, including a waterproof/windproof top layer and a hat.

Please bring plenty of water and snacks. There will be pauses for quiet reflection along the way and you may like to have a notebook, journal or sketchbook and writing/drawing equipment with you. Hand lenses and binoculars can also help your engagement with encountering the wild.

Timings: We begin promptly at 1.30pm, and timings during the day will vary depending on the pace of the group. We'll aim to finish by 5pm but this may vary.

Travel arrangements: Start point: St David’s Church, Ashprington

The nearest train station and bus stop is in Totnes - you will need to take a taxi to the start point so please allow plenty of time if you are choosing this option.

Parking is available on lanes around the village and near the community orchard.– please give yourself plenty of time to find a space & park, as you may need to then walk to the start point.

This is a one way pilgrimage. Pilgrims can then choose for themselves if they want to linger or walk back (self guided). There may also be the option of lifts back, especially if some pilgrims with cars can volunteer to help with this.

End point: St Mary’s Totnes

There are many fee paying car parks in Totnes. More details about travel to and from Totnes, including parking are available on the Visit Totnes website.

If you need to stay overnight, we recommend accommodation at Sharpham Trust (Ashprington), Durant Arms (Ashprington) Waterman's Arms (Bow Bridge near Tuckenhay) or Malsters Arms (Tuckenhay). For other options please see Visit Totnes.

Safety: The walk includes steps, stiles, narrow paths, uneven surfaces, long hills, water, the possibility of livestock such as sheep and cows, crossing a country lane (with no verges or pavements and light traffic may be encountered) and town walking with traffic etc

FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? This journey welcomes all and no-faiths equally. Wild Church is an independent and inter-spiritual collective, which works with and welcomes guides and pilgrims of diverse secular or sacred orientations.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? This is a mainly silent pilgrimage with a time of optional shared reflections at the end. It's not compulsory to share your feelings with the group.

‍Do you offer concessions? There are a limited number of free or discounted places available on this pilgrimage for those on income-related benefits such as Universal Credit. Please contact us for eligibility information and a discount code.

Are there fitness or access limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk and, to stay within our timings, we will walk at a relaxed and yet steady pace. There are some steep steps, hills and a variety of surfaces. Many parts are not currently accessible to those with mobility impairments. Expect lanes with potential traffic & no pavement or verge, some steep steps, long hills, narrow paths, slippery and uneven surfaces, water etc

Can I bring my dog? This is a (mostly) silent and mindful walk for adults only, so please leave your canine friends at home. Then it will be easier to give your full attention to wild beings we meet along the way. If you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

What is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission? After costs, 50% of funds raised from this limited space event are donated to River Dart Wild Church. The remainder funds the team at British Pilgrimage Trust (a registered charity) to spend more time making it possible for thousands of pilgrims to make pilgrimage themselves by engaging with our ever-increasing range of free resources. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

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