Oxford was built around a cross-road pattern, and its old city plan resembles that of a cathedral. At Oxford’s centre is Carfax Tower (‘carfax’ is Latin for crossroads), but the city's spiritual centre is Frideswide’s Shrine in Christ Church Cathedral.

To connect Frideswide’s out-of-town dwelling at Binsey with her final resting place, we will start this 6.5-mile route at St Frideswide’s Well in the secluded grove around Binsey Church. We will walk across the wildlife-rich Port Meadow towards St Barnabus’ Church of Jericho (beloved of many famous writers) and on to the Oxford Oratory and Pusey House to connect with the Oxford Martyrs and the beautiful Catholic aesthetic, then St Giles’ Church and the Martyrs Mark on Broad Street.

Then, to make a circumambulatory journey around the line of the old city boundary to the centre of old Oxford (in the same way that you would do upon entering a Gothic cathedral), pilgrims enter via the Northgate at St Michael’s Saxon Tower before heading up the tower of University Church to achieve a birds-eye panorama of the dreaming spires. Back down at street level, pilgrims head east via Queen’s Lane to the site of the old Eastgate at St Edmund Hall before connecting via Logic Lane south to Merton College and its grand yet peaceful chapel. After Merton, pilgrims follow the River Thames as it clings to the Christ Church meadows to Folly Bridge, the site of the old city’s Southgate and the river crossing which inspired the name ‘Oxford’. Then it’s a little further along the river until reaching St Ebbe’s old bathing place on the approach to the Oxford Mound and the medieval Westgate now marked by St Peter’s College Chapel.

Having circumambulated the city round to its Westgate, we will walk the central axis to the centre, Carfax Tower, before the final few yards to the sacred centre of Chist Church Cathedral, housing the shrine of Frideswide, the female patron saint of Oxfordshire.

This is a 'Bring your own Beliefs' pilgrimage.

This Pilgrimage will include: - New ways of meeting old pilgrim places (bring your own beliefs...) - London songs on the path - Opportunities for silence and musical rapture

What to bring: Appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.

How do I get to remote Binsey Church for the start? If driving, you can park your car near Oxford train station and a group (including those travelling by train) can walk, or share a taxi, to Binsey together from the train station. Be aware that the bridge closure means a huge detour. Or you can drive to the Perch Inn in Binsey (but check with the pub if it's OK to leave your car there).

FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? All and no-faiths are equally welcome. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims tolerate 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. 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 limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and six miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access.

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.

What does my money go? What's this all for? The funds raised from this limited space event allow the team at British Pilgrimage Trust (a registered charity) 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.

If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.

We hope to see you on the path.