Gentle Bereavement 3 Day River Pilgrimage

A bereavement pilgrimage for those who prefer a gentler journey than our regular pilgrimages, with shorter daily distances, smaller hills and proper beds. 

The journey

Day 1, 5 miles
We gather in Malham, where we will get settled before heading onto the path to Malham Cove, where we set our intentions and name our lost loved ones. From there, we follow Malham Beck and the River Aire, leaving behind the bustling village for open fields, quiet woods, waterfalls. We'll then wander along country lanes to return to the Barn for dinner, an optional sharing circle and comfortable beds.

5 miles, some brief sections with short hills or steps.

Day 2, 4.5 miles

We transfer to Grassington, where we spend the day with the river, taking in weirs, Anglo-Saxon churches and wildlife. Will you choose stepping stones or the suspension bridge? There is time for an optional wild swim before we finish at Burnsall. We then return to the overnight accommodation.

4.5 miles, gentle undulating or flat paths, some steps and stiles in places. Stepping stones and suspension bridge (stepping stones can be avoided).

Day 3, 5 miles

For our final day we return to the river, this time further down stream. With sweeping bends, historic bridges and swift currents, we let our intentions flow with the water into the depths of the infamous Strid, as we meander through woodland. We conclude with a final ceremony at the water's edge under the gaze of Bolton Abbey ruins. There will be time at the end to explore the priory ruins and abbey or take refreshment before transfers back to Malham.

5 miles, undulating paths, some brief sections of short hill or steps.

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Our Approach

"I feel like I have moved on from being on autopilot for 11 years to being in the driving seat."

The vision for a bereaved parents’ pilgrimage came from Helena Grace, following the death of her son Matthew aged 23. Based on her own search for healing, she wanted to create a place where grief could be experienced in community and be held by the magnificence and healing powers of nature. She wanted these pilgrimages to revive healthy grieving traditions, where parent’s loss could be shared and dignified and their children honoured and remembered in love. Find out more about 2024's pilgrimage here.

Since our pilot with Helena and Ipse Wilderness in 2024, the British Pilgrimage Trust has been working to develop these further, incorporating suggestions from pilgrims and other expertise. Our pilgrimage is an inner journey as much as an outer one, deeply connected to the land you move through but created as much by each individual pilgrim. We offer a range of pilgrim practices intended to stimulate heart, mind and body. We take you places of awe and places of stillness. We create moments for sharing, and moments of silence. All of this is offered with the pilgrims at its heart; you are free to participate as little or as much as you like, and we are open to adding things you suggest too.

‍Carry My Loved Ones

If you are unable to make this journey but would like us to walk on your behalf, you can submit the name of a lost loved one along with a donation. Names of loved ones will be carried by the group, who will honour them during moments of remembrance and at the closing of the pilgrimage. The donation enables us to run this pilgrimage on a low-cost basis enabling more people to take part.

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Your Guides - BPT's historian, naturalist and pilgrim Dawn Champion plus Nicola Marshall, a grief counsellor acting as a pilgrimage supporter to offer emotional care if needed. They will both offer a nurturing, holding space to support you and lead you along a beautiful, wild route. You will receive support when you need it and space when you don't. You can decide whether or not to participate in any practices they offer.

"Dawn was incredibly skilful, knowledgeable and light touch. Brought her heart whilst also highly professional."

‍What’s Included:

• Fully guided 3 day journey for all grievers
• Various pilgrim practices, such as periods of deliberate silence; barefoot walking; wildflower foraging; stories, songs and folklore; discovering natural beauty and wild places; opportunities to remember and honour our loved ones.
• Overnight shared accommodation in small rooms of 2 or 3 people.
• Dinner both nights, breakfast and packed lunches on days 2 and 3.
• Transfers to and from accommodation to the pilgrimage route each day

You also have the option to make your own arrangements to sleep separately in traditional accommodation nearby if you prefer.

What to bring - 3 Day pilgrims to bring packed lunch for Day 1, trusty walking boots, day pack with sun protection/waterproofs, insect repellent and suncream, water bottle or thermos, something dry to sit on (a carrier bag is fine) overnight bag with wash bag, travel towel, earplugs, change of comfortable clothes, swimming things if taking a dip in the river on Day 2.