The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way: a pilgrimage route created to be shared

‍The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way: A Pilgrimage Journey Created to Be Shared

Nestled in the heart of Herefordshire, The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a stunning 60.5-mile circular pilgrimage route that weaves through the breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Valley, the Black Mountains and the Wye Valley, all in the border country between England and Wales.

The route connects historic churches and sacred places, each with its own deep-rooted heritage, including Abbey Dore, Peterchurch, Ewyas Harold, Madley, Arthur’s Stone, Snodhill Castle, St Peter’s Well and Church Peterchurch, Longtown Castle, St Clydawgs Church and Holy Well, and Clodock Abbeydore.

Pilgrims experience diverse landscapes, from rolling farmland and wild moors to riverside paths along the River Dore, with breathtaking views of the Black Mountains. Along the way, pilgrims can dip into wild swimming spots, visit ancient wells and savour local refreshments. 

Specific places and more details can be found on the British Pilgrimage route page here and on the official website for the route here.

What makes this pilgrimage truly special is its blend of history, legend, and nature. Along the way, walkers encounter sites connected to Celtic Christianity, medieval monasticism, and the Norman Conquest, as well as ancient yew trees, holy wells, and local folklore. Designed to be both accessible and flexible, the route can be completed in sections or as a full circular pilgrimage, offering a contemplative journey of connection with the landscape, heritage, and the self.

Simon Lockett, pilgrimage route founder

This route was founded by Simon Lockett. Here is his website about the route.

Read an article from 2024 in The Guardian about the route.

At the British Pilgrimage Trust, we are honoured that the Simon leads a number of multi-day pilgrimages through the Golden Valley year-round for our pilgrims, guiding experienced and new pilgrims along the route, and staying in Sanctuaries along the way.  You can sign up for these pilgrimages on our Events page. 

In Feburary 2025, Simon received the "unsung hero" award at the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards for his work on this pilgrimage route — it's work that should definitely be sung about, so we share a conversation below with Simon.

What inspired you to create the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way, and how has your personal journey shaped the route?

Back in 2011, my wife Liz and I adopted three wonderful children. It was a deeply rewarding experience, but also challenging, and I found myself craving silence. I knew the Camino de Santiago was popular and busy, so instead, I followed a quieter route through Tuscany and Umbria, tracing the wanderings of St Francis of Assisi.

Spending a week walking in silence became something I returned to year after year—it became a deep well of renewal for me. The experience was life-changing. Along the way, I often stayed in monasteries and convents, where the simplicity and stillness added to the pilgrimage. When I returned home, I started thinking: why not create something like this in Britain? That’s how the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way was born.

As a guide, what moments stand out—have there been any encounters, reflections, or transformations that have stayed with you?

So many! There’s something magical about these journeys. I remember a pilgrim wandering off one evening to write a poem about their experience and then reading it to the group the next day. Or the time when two pilgrims — Janet and Anna — rolled down a hill giggling—pure joy!

Then there’s the spontaneous singing in churches, or the shared silence that somehow connects everyone on a deep level.

What stands out most is the extraordinary chemistry of a group coming together—helping each other, growing in trust, forming friendships that last well beyond the pilgrimage. Silence is rare in modern life, but on pilgrimage, it feels essential.

Who comes on your guided pilgrimages, and what do you think they are searching for?

People from all walks of life and all ages. Some come to honour a loved one or process grief. Others come to reconnect—with themselves, with nature, or with the Divine. Many just need a break from the noise of everyday life, a chance to step away from the constant pull of emails, notifications, and responsibilities.

As the poet R.S. Thomas put it:

The point of travelling is not to arrive, but to return home laden with pollen you shall work up into honey the mind feeds on.

Some people may love the idea of pilgrimage but feel unsure—whether it’s walking multiple days, sleeping in churches, or joining strangers. What would you say to someone who’s hesitant?

Honestly? Everyone feels a bit unsure at the start—even me as the guide! But by the end of Day One, all of that uncertainty disappears.

Pilgrimage isn’t about performance. It’s not about walking fast or being super fit. It’s about walking with intention, at your own pace, alongside others who are on their own journeys. There’s no pressure—just a shared experience of moving through beautiful landscapes together.

What can first-time pilgrims expect when sleeping in churches and walking alongside others?

One of the biggest surprises for first-time pilgrims is how much they love sleeping in churches. Waking up with the morning light streaming through an East window is something truly special.

Walking alongside others is a gift—you meet fascinating people, and the conversations along the way can be deep and memorable. But there’s always the option to step back, walk alone, and reflect in silence when you need to. It’s the perfect balance between companionship and solitude.

How can someone get the most out of this journey—whether spiritually, socially, or personally?

Prepare beforehand. Clear your diary, set an out-of-office, and let people know you’ll be minimally contactable—perhaps only in the evening.

Be clear about why you’re walking. It doesn’t need to be a grand purpose, but having some intention helps.

Afterwards, take time to reflect. Pilgrimage doesn’t end when you return home. Find a quiet moment in the weeks that follow to sit with what you’ve experienced. If you’re new to contemplative practice, try weaving the skills you’ve learned into your daily life.

Most importantly—pay attention. To the landscape, to your thoughts, to how this journey mirrors your life. That’s where the real magic happens.

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