A decade of dedication: my pilgrimage so far and the path ahead

by Dr Guy Hayward

On 15th September of this year, 2024, we celebrate ten years since the founding of The British Pilgrimage Trust. So this seems a perfect moment to reflect on the past decade, and the one ahead.

In a world filled with digital distraction, for a decade now, the ancient practice of pilgrimage has been my anchor, a powerful way to reconnect—with others, with nature, and with myself. Reflecting on ten years of leading pilgrimages, introducing those from individuals to company teams, I find my motivation growing stronger. It's a spiritual path that continues to guide my own life as much as it does those who join us.

Rediscovering pilgrimage in the modern world

Prior to making my first pilgrimage, I had been spending years behind a laptop researching and answering emails. As a lot of us do…and so I craved an extended period of unbroken time outdoors – to bathe in rivers and brooks, forage, sleep in woods, cook by the campfire, sing for my supper etc. I felt disconnected from my own nature and I needed to feel belonging in the world. My co-founder Will Parsons and I didn't call that first journey a pilgrimage, instead, a ‘song walk’. Nevertheless, I later realised it was a river song pilgrimage: a walk with a purpose of taking a song, ‘The Hartlake Bridge Tragedy’, back to where it came from; and also an attempt to find myself again, without traditional therapy or lots of spiritual workshops. Stepping out and walking with intention. 

On arriving at the monument that commemorates those who had drowned in the Medway on 20th Oct 1853, as the song also does, we found a couple who by chance were only there for a few minutes, commemorating three of their ancestors who had died in this Medway drowning tragedy, and did not know the song. We sang it for these descendants at the end of what I later named as my first pilgrimage. And so, the song was returned to its bloodline, not just its place of origin. This extraordinary synchronicity sparked the inspiration that led to founding the charity.

We were further inspired once we realised that Henry VIII had banned pilgrimage in 1538. It also gave us a blank slate to reframe the practice of pilgrimage for modern Britain. We wanted to make pilgrimage accessible to everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or background. We sought to create a space where people could "bring your own beliefs" and engage with the journey in their own way.

In the beginning people often asked us: ‘Do you really think you should call it ‘pilgrimage’? Isn’t pilgrimage too loaded a word?’. Our answer was that it is precisely because the word pilgrimage has such power built up over centuries and millennia that it just needed reclaiming for modern pilgrims, rather than discarding for another word. 

In general, it wasn’t obvious how we would make it work. Neither of us had undertaken the founding of a charity before. But I just felt in my heart that we were onto something big. 

We set up our project as a charity because it ticked so many of the boxes of what a charity does in the world – assisting both wellbeing and cultural heritage. I have been fortunate with all the eminent patrons I have met along the way who have given significant support to the establishment of the charity – they could feel what I felt too, and were willing to put their name to the movement. Of course, our guided pilgrims have also consistently reassured us that pilgrimage helps people, spurring us on to continue.

Our work has also since demonstrated that rather than being a relic of the past, pilgrimage is as relevant today as it ever has been: for example, a recent YouGov survey that we commissioned found that 9.2% of adults in Britain have already made a pilgrimage, with 5.5% having done so within Britain. Pilgrimage is particularly resonant among younger people and those from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, showing its broad appeal. Moreover, 19% of people surveyed have considered pilgrimage but haven’t yet taken the step. This represents a huge opportunity—nearly 8 million people in Britain aged 18-64 could potentially be converted from considering to experiencing pilgrimage. Our charity is here to help them make that first step.

Pilgrimage is a living, dynamic practice that offers reflection, healing, and growth. During the pandemic we saw a surge in interest in local pilgrimages as people sought solace and connection with nature. During that unstable time, the Trust responded by developing new routes and resources that allowed individuals to find peace in local landscapes.

Why British Pilgrimage Trust is unique

The British Pilgrimage Trust is committed to inclusivity, collaboration and therefore the expansion of the definition of pilgrimage. We don’t just promote set routes; we empower local communities to create their own paths and amplify their unique cultural and spiritual heritage. We see ourselves not as a competitor or a dogmatic authority but as a collaborator, working with local groups to foster a national network of pilgrimage that’s accessible and welcoming.

Our aim is to work helpfully with communities, amplifying the message that pilgrimage is for everyone. By building partnerships with local groups, we hope to expand our reach and support a diverse range of pilgrimage experiences across the country. This collaborative approach allows us to cater to different needs and interests, making pilgrimage a versatile tool for personal and community transformation.

Addressing mental and physical health through pilgrimage

One of the key impacts of our work has been in supporting mental and physical health. Walking is powerfully healing. It combines physical exercise with mindfulness, offering a holistic approach to managing stress, anxiety, and the challenges of modern life.

Walking St Cuthbert's Way with my father allowed us to journey through our relationship, discussing things we'd never spoken of before.
— Pilgrim Testimonial

The feedback we receive shows us that pilgrims often find a sense of peace and purpose through their journeys. Pilgrimage brings people back to the basics: walking, breathing, being in our body and being present in nature. Nature connection is essential for our overall health, not just a luxury benefit. I’ve seen firsthand how walking  as a pilgrim can inspire a reverent relationship with both the Earth and a reality beyond the material plane of existence which some might refer to as spiritual or divine.

You have enabled us to cherish even more deeply the things we loved about our daughter and to value her courage and authenticity.
— Bereavement Pilgrim

Looking ahead: the next ten years

As I look to the future, I see a Britain where the practice of pilgrimage is celebrated widely, and not just a niche activity. I hope to make it recognised by the NHS as a means of coping with life’s transitions, whether that’s starting a new chapter, bridging a transitional life moment, navigating a loss, or simply seeking a deeper connection with the world around us. I hope to see pilgrimage become a go-to practice for anyone looking to find balance, community and purpose.

Over the next decade we will engage more people who haven’t yet experienced pilgrimage. We aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background, feels welcomed on the pilgrim path. 

We also plan to deepen our focus on the therapeutic aspects of pilgrimage (perhaps in partnership with doctors’ surgeries), as a way of responding to loss, and show how powerful walking in community can be for processing grief and finding healing. I imagine expanding these kinds of tailored, supportive pilgrimages, offering spaces for people to navigate life’s biggest transitions with the support of nature and community.

A call to collaborate

Our vision for the future is not one we can achieve alone. We invite collaboration from community groups, local councils, and other organisations to help grow and support this national movement. By working together, we can amplify the impact of pilgrimage, helping it touch every corner of Britain.

A lifelong commitment

After a decade of guiding others onto the pilgrim path, my commitment remains unwavering. I believe in the transformative power of journeying with intention.

For me, the journey is far from over and I am excited by that. I imagine a world where pilgrimage revitalises lives, deepens communities and connects people with nature. My dedication grows stronger because I believe that pilgrimage is more relevant now than ever—a timeless practice that grounds us.