One-day pilgrimages: benefits and planning tips

One day on the way can be enough

We often think of these long, epic journeys for pilgrimage, but the modern practice has just as much variety as the ancient tradition. It's thought that around half of medieval pilgrims travelled less than fifty miles on their journeys from their home to the nearest major destination. In many places you can still find labyrinths, the twists and loops of which could be walked as a substitute for a longer pilgrimage route. These days, we benefit from hundreds of one-day routes, well crafted to offer a lot of pilgrim richness. Whether you’re seeking meaning, emotional healing, peace, reflection, or connection, here’s why a one-day pilgrimage might be exactly what you need.

Here is a link to all the one-day pilgrimages we currently have in our library of pilgrimage routes. Use route filter to focus on a geographical area you're interested in if you wish.

‍An easy introduction to pilgrimage

For those who have never gone on a pilgrimage before, and are put off by the logistical, cost and time pressures of an extended trip, a one-day pilgrimage is a gentle way to dip your toes. You can experiment with setting intentions, mindfulness, or reflection while traveling. You can even try out different types of route to help you identify the best long pilgrimages for you in the future.

Breaking free from habitual patterns

Life is busy, and we often get caught in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities—work, family, chores, and the constant barrage of information. A one-day pilgrimage gives you space from this and recentre your focus. Whether you’re meditating, praying or simply walking in silence, a pilgrimage adds purpose to a walk. Choose a less-travelled route to help you return to your daily life with renewed awareness.

Deepening spiritual connection

Even if you don’t consider yourself religious, a one-day pilgrimage can help you explore or connect with something bigger than yourself—whether that’s nature, a higher power, or your inner self. Visiting a sacred site, even for just a few moments, can provide healing, peace and beauty.

Journey of personal reflection

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to go through the motions without taking the time to reflect on where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. Choose a route with a serene hilltop, a significant story, or perhaps along a river to journey with intention of introspection. In this space, you can gain insight into your own heart and mind, or perhaps renew appreciation for things you often take for granted.

Connection with nature

Many single-day pilgrimages begin in natural settings—be they rolling grasslands, a forest or coastal path. Being in nature has numerous mental and physical health benefits. Nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting mood and promoting feelings of well-being. Take time to fully engage all your senses along the path. The connection with nature can feel deeply spiritual, reminding us of our size and the beauty and interconnectedness of life.

Cultivating community and connection

Pilgrimages are often undertaken in groups, and even a one-day pilgrimage can create a sense of community. Travelling with others who share a common purpose—friends, family, or strangers—can lead to deep bonds and shared experiences. There’s something profoundly connecting about journeying together with intention along a sacred path. If you go alone, choose a popular route to have conversations with people you meet on the path, or simply connect with the stories of others you find in churches and village histories along the way.

Planning your one-day pilgrimage

If you’re ready to embark on a one-day pilgrimage in Britain, we've made planning really easy. Choose from over ninety one-day routes on our Routes page by using the filter. You can even pick any other route that is not marked as '1-day' and just walk the final day (7 miles ish) to its destination.

Each individual one-day route page has a Google map showing you the public transport connection points for trains or buses for the start and finish, as well as some suggested pilgrim places along the route.

Simply download the GPX file for navigation with your favourite app, or save the google map to your phone, pack your day bag lightly, and allow yourself plenty of time. It's not how far you travel, but how deeply.