Silent Pilgrimage to Canterbury

Join a Silent Pilgrimage lead by BPT's Dawn Champion, and take time out for contemplation in the mellow time of the 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. 

What to bring

Appropriate clothes and footwear; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Picnic Lunch, Water bottle or thermos flask. Something to sit/lay on for resting outside. Anything you may need for a "wild wee". 

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 is Chilham, a 10 minute walk away. Bus route is number 1A or 1X Ashford - Canterbury. There is limited pay and free parking at Taylors Hill in Chilham. Pilgrims can transfer back to the village via train or bus at the end of the journey to rejoin their vehicles. 

Toilet Facilities - There toilets at the beginning and end of this journey, but nothing inbetween. 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 (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.

Are there fitness or access limitations? This route involves 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 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.