Solstice Sunset at Cerne Abbas

The gentle trickle of a holy well. Red Kites soaring over chalk hills. Quiet woods leading to ancient paths. The gaze of the Cerne Abbas Giant. Songs at sunset. Celebrate the Solstice with this unique pilgrimage. 

Discover the mysterious and ancient landscape around Cerne Abbas, culminating in a sunset ritual above the Giant on the hill. Meeting mid-afternoon, we'll encounter a holy well nestled in the valley, before exploring warm wildflower meadows and cool beech woodlands around the foot of Giant Hill. Skirting the edge, we'll take a wide circular path, creeping past farmsteads and crossing fields. We'll ascend the chalk hills to join one of Britain's most ancient paths, the Wessex Ridgeway which has carried pilgrims for 5,000 years. After finding the best spots to take in views of the giant, we return to the valley for the climax of the day; a procession to the top of Giant Hill, where we'll watch the sunset with spirals, flowers, lanternlight and song. 

Places we'll discover: 

River Cerne, Silver Well/St Augustine's Well, St Mary's, Beech woods, chalk meadows, 5,000 year old Wessex Ridgeway, and of course the best views of the Cerne Abbas giant. 

The Experience 
This Bring Your Own Beliefs pilgrimage will include a variety of practices. Expect a sensory approach to engaging with the land, from tasting water from a holy well, to wildflower foraging and barefoot grounding. Together we'll discover the stories and legends of the giant, the Wessex Ridgeway and other places along the way. We finish with a ritual at the top of Giant Hill, with songs, a spiral dance and libations at sunset. Join in or sit by and watch as you prefer. 8 miles, max. group size of 30. 

FAQ’s

Travel arrangements - Nearest train station is Maiden Newton, we recommend booking a taxi in advance or arranging a lift share with other pilgrims via WhatsApp group. No bus. There is free parking at Kettle Bridge Car Park, also at the Giant Viewing point or on-road in the village. This is a circular pilgrimage which starts and finishes at Cerne Abbas.

Accommodation - It's a late finish, so if you want to stay the night there are plenty of options. Try the New Inn in Cerne Abbas itself, the Greyhound Inn in Sydling St Nicholas, many other options in nearby villages, or budget chain hotels in Dorchester, a 15 minute drive away. For camping the nearest site is the Giants Head camping park, with another 3 sites within a 15 minute drive. 

Toilet Facilities - There toilets an hour after the beginning and at the end of this journey. There will be good places along the way for a “wild wee”. Please bring anything you might need for calls of nature.

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 pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all 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.

Are there fitness or access limitations? This route involves stiles, a couple of steep hills, some road walking, low light levels, and conditions may be muddy underfoot. Pilgrimage is moderately intense; if you find walking all day a challenge, 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 wheeled access due to the very steep Giant Hill. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements.

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.

Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing the journey, including research and route surveys. Any remaining funds support our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy

If you would like to make a donation to support a place for someone on low income, please click here.