Into Autumn with Peter Owen Jones - 2 Day Sussex Pilgrimage

Join visionary priest Peter Owen Jones on a journey across the hills and into autumn

As the days shorten this is the time when we are invited to go deeper, to heal the wounds that lie buried in us all. Francis of Assisi said ' Salviture ambulando' It is solved by walking. This is a two day pilgrimage across the beautiful South Downs, two days to let what lies beneath to rise to the surface, to be seen. It begins and ends in Firle were there is overnight accomodation. There will be some sections that are walked in Silence and there will be circle time at the beginning and at the end. Into Autumn will be lead by Revd Peter Owen Jones, an author and television presenter and also a trustee of the British Pilgrimage Trust.

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 St Peter's Church on Saturday morning to drop off bags, have our opening circle and begin our journey together across a landscape or rolling hills, wide views, quiet woods and open fields. We return to the church to sleep in Sanctuary. After breakfast on the second day  we head out once more, circling back to the church for our closing circle. 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 as part of a long standing pilgrimage tradition. 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.

FAQ’s

Travel arrangements - Nearest train station is Glynde, a 1.5 mile walk Bus route is number 25 from Eastbourne (including Polegate station). There is free parking in the village car park behind the Ram Inn, a short walk away. 

Toilet Facilities - There toilets at the beginning and end of this journey. There may be no toilets during this journey, but we know some good spots for a “wild wee”. Please bring anything you might need for calls of nature.

Who can come? Anyone over 18.

Is this religious?  Peter welcomes all pilgrims as part of our “Bring Your Own Beliefs” ethos, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs. Peter is Christian and you should expect some faith-based practice as part of an inclusive approach to all spiritual paths. 

Are there fitness or access limitations? This route involves stiles, several steep hills, some road walking, 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 terrain. 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 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 food and accommodation. 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? We recommend the refund protection option to guarantee a refund if you need to cancel at short notice. See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy