Aylesford to Rochester, 10 miles, 1 Day 

Blend holy place with ancient sites on this one day pilgrimage along the Pilgrims Way. 

Walking with your pilgrim guide, Dawn Champion, we'll meet on Aylesford's iconic 14th Century bridge, one of the first to span the Medway on the site of crossing point used for millenia. From there we head to The Friars, a medieval priory still in use by the Carmelites who maintain a warm welcome to all pilgrims. Heading cross country, we'll pause by the neolithic sites of Little Kits Coty House, also known as the Countless Stones, and Kits Coty. These remarkable places have witnessed thousands of travellers pass by, testament to the age of the track we tread. 

Ascending the ridge, we'll take in spectacular views from Bluebell Hill, dwelling in Burham Down and Nashenden Down nature reserves. From there we join the riverside, tracing its tidal banks to the heart of medieval Rochester. Passing through the castle, we'll conclude our journey at Rochester Cathedral,  the second oldest bishopric in England and home to the former shrine of William of Perth, a sainted pilgrim. Pilgrims then have the option to wend their way home or stay on for Evensong, an opportunity for peace and quiet reflection at the end of the day, accompanied by beautiful choral music. 

This Pilgrimage will include:

- New ways of meeting holy and ancient places (bring your own beliefs!)

- Pilgrim songs, stories and folklore on the path

- Opportunities for silence or barefoot walking 

- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition

- Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads

What to Bring: Sensible footwear and waterproofs, packed lunch, waterbottle or thermos

Timings: Please note that timings throughout the day may vary depending on the pace of the group. The Cathedral closes to visitors at 4pm. The guided portion of the journey finishes at the Cathedral, pilgrims have the option to stay on for Evensong at 5.30pm if they wish.

Travel Arrangements:This is a linear route, with start and end points serviced by both bus and train services. Pilgrims  who prefer to travel by car may wish to lift share or catch the train to collect their vehicles at the end of the day. Aylesford station is a 15 minute walk from the start point. There is parking nearby at Bailey Bridge Aylesford (West) Car Park, or Rochester Multi-Storey Car Park.

FAQ’s

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

Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral journey which welcomes all and no-faiths equally. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.

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. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now.  There are some steep hills and a variety or surfaces, although most of this route is made of well formed track. We may be able to accommodate additional access needs for this route, contact us to discuss in detail.

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 is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission? After costs, 10% of funds raised from this limited space are donated to the places visited along the route. 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.

Photos: Kits Coty by Ethan Doyle White. View from Bluebell Hill by Robin Webster