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Silent Pilgrimage to Canterbury
Join a Silent Pilgrimage lead by British Pilgrimage Trust's Dawn Champion, and take time out for contemplation in nature at the start of the year
"[My favourite practices were] lying down for the sky and ground meditations on the top of the hill, silence, and setting an intention at the start of the walk which we came back to at the end by releasing our tokens into the river - really special, and had a bigger impact on me than I was expecting." Helen
We will start in Chilham, at an ancient church to set our own private intention. We will light a candle, which we will with us to light at each holy place on our journey. Carry it away or leave it behind at a significant point in your day, whatever feels right to you. We then follow the Pilgrims Way through orchards, open fields and quiet woods up on to the ridge for Bigbury Camp hillfort and wildlife reserve, where we will immerse ourselves in the wild sounds of nature.
From here we will head on to the churches of Harbledown and St Thomas's Well, restored by the Black Prince, before passing through St Dunstan's, where Thomas More’s head is buried, and from where Henry II made pilgrimage in penance.
Entering the Roman city through the Westgate, we'll pass through the hustle and bustle past Eastbridge Pilgrims Hospital, and the historic River Stour.
Our journey will conclude with the peace and stillness of Canterbury Cathedral, where pilgrims may choose to break their silence with the musical voices of Evensong.
A deeply contemplative approach to the ancient art of pilgrimage.
Timings
Please note that we will arrive at Canterbury Cathedral in good time for Evensong at 5.30pm where the guided portion of the day ends, pilgrims then have the choice to stay on for Evensong which usually lasts around 40 minutes, or they may depart at that point if they prefer. Timings throughout the day may vary depending on the pace of the group - sometimes we arrive earlier, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Open to All (Bring your own Beliefs)
This Pilgrimage will include:
- New ways of meeting old pilgrim places (bring your own beliefs...)
- Ancient and holy places of all kinds
- A sensory exploration of place
- A complimentary candle to light at holy places along the route.
What to bring
Appropriate clothes and footwear; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Picnic Lunch, Water bottle or thermos flask. If conditions are due to be damp, something to sit/lay on for resting outside.
FAQ’s
Please note there is some brief road walking on quiet country lanes at the start of this pilgrimage.
Travel arrangements - nearest train station to Chilham, a 15 minute walk away. There is parking at the bottom of the hill in Taylors Hill car park, or at the station for rail customers.
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with a supervising adult, 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.
Are there fitness limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense, the path is rough in places and conditions can be muddy in places in winter. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. 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? 10% of the funds raised are donated to places visited along the route. The reamining funds support the work of registered charity the British Pilgrimage Trust, which has limited resources, and offers lots of materials for pilgrims to use for free, and facilitates the grass roots growth of pilgrimage in Britain by engaging with local communities. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
We hope to see you on the path.
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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Date and time
About this event
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St Mary's Church, The Square, Chilham, Canterbury CT4 8BY
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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