Join visionary priest Peter Owen Jones on a journey across the hills. 

We all at times will suffer and suffering takes many forms. When we have lost someone, when we have been betrayed or falsly accused, when a relationship breaks down, these experiences are all part of a human journey. They are also in many ways pivotal, the legacy they leave, is this to be one of bitterness, of forgiveness, of love? Healing from these experiences has its milestones and it very common to get stuck, we get so far but no further. This little two day pilgrimage is about going further, so that we are not held hostage by the pain we have experienced, it does not become the frame through which we know ourselves. Peter think's it's important that this is quite a small group so places will be limited.

For those seeking to reset themselves after a significant life event. Perhaps you have experienced the end of a relationship, a bereavement, or another kind of trauma. Reconnect with yourself and find your true path on a pilgrimage offering deep, personal healing. 

Your Guide:

Revd Peter Owen Jones – Vicar of Firle, Sussex, Peter is well known as BBC1’s ‘Extreme Pilgrim’, as well as for his highly acclaimed books. With his extensive global pilgrimage experience, Peter has explored the world’s vast pantheon of religious and spiritual ideas and distilled essential wisdom for contemporary life. Born and raised in the UK, Peter left school and went to work as a jackaroo in Australia, before working in London’s advertising industry. Disenchanted with the material rat race and eager to follow a life imbued with service and meaning, he joined the clergy in the 1990's. Peter is a patron of the British Pilgrimage Trust and a champion of our drive for churches to serve as pilgrim Sanctuary accommodation.

The Journey: 

We will meet at Lewes station on Saturday Morning and walk from their to Firle were accomodation is in Saint Peter's church. After breakfast on the second day the route will take us to the sea and back and the day will finish with centring prayer in Saint Peters. There will be time for reflection, for silence and for solace. A reasonable level of physical fitness will be required. 

Food and Accommodation: 

Sleep: spend the night in Sanctuary and experience a unique quality of sleep with a sleepover in Firle Church. Bring your own bed roll or hire an airmat and sleeping bag from British Pilgrimage Trust. With clean modern toilet facilities and plenty of space in the warm, peaceful church. 

Nourish your body with wholesome food. a fresh, locally sourced evening meal at the Ram Inn. Very popular with locals and visitors alike, the Ram has been at the heart of the vibrant farming community of Firle for over five hundred years. Breakfast and lunch on Day 2 will be provided and will cater for vegan and gluten free diets. Please bring a packed lunch with your for Day 1 and some preferred snacks with you to share during the pilgrimage between meals. 

What to bring:  A pair of trusty walking boots; a day pack with packed lunch for Day 1, sun protection/waterproofs; water bottle and snacks for both days; An overnight bag with washbag and towel, sleepwear, bedding and sleepmat unless hiring bedding from the BPT. You will not need to carry your overnight things as both days begin and return to Firle.

Access and Fitness Requirements: 

Expect multiple steep hills as you traverse the South Downs landscape, with some stiles. If you struggle to walk all day this may be challenging terrain for you, but the distance and pace are considered moderate and manageable for most people. If you have different access needs please get in touch so we can discuss how to make this pilgrimage accessible for you. 

Getting there: 

There is very limited parking in the village so we recommend public transport if possible. If you need to come by car please consider a lift share, avoid parking between the pub and the shop, and use the visitors car park provided. 

Train: Travel by train to Lewes station. For return journeys from Firle share a taxi or walk to Glynde for the train. 

FAQ

Who can come? Anyone over 18 who needs to find a "reset" for themselves.

Is this religious? This pilgrimage 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. Expect a variety of practices on the day but no formal worship. You'll be given time and space to engage with holy places as you prefer, and pilgrims can choose when and where they wish to engage with suggested practices.

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.

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.

Are there toilets? these are available at the start, midway-ish at the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre or YHA, and the end of each day.

What is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission, bed and board? The funds raised from this limited space event are shared between the team at British Pilgrimage Trust (a registered charity) and Firle Church. This enables us 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.