Silent Pilgrimage to Canterbury
Sat 16 Nov 2024 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
St Mary's Church, Chilham, CT4 8BY
Description
Join a Silent Pilgrimage lead by BPT's Dawn Champion, and take time out for contemplation in nature at this busy time of 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 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.
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.
Location
St Mary's Church, Chilham, CT4 8BY