This beautiful day route, 7.5 miles long around Glastonbury centres around two things: healing water and the rich overlay of traditions and stories. Led by BPT's Guy, there will be lots of dialogue between folklore and religion – think Arthur, Guinevere & Morgan Le Fay, the man who buried Jesus, the Holy Grail, the goddesses of Ceridwen, Bride & Brigid.
You will meet St Margaret’s Chapel, Wearyall Holy Thorn, Bride’s Mound and Well, the old oaks of Gog Magog, the Tor and its Egg Stone, the White Spring, the Chalice Red Spring.
The pilgrimage will include:
Telling many folkloric tales that mesh ancient Pagan and Christian stories - New ways of meeting holy places - Pilgrim songs on the path - Opportunities for silence - Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition - Natural beauty - Elemental power.
This is a 'Bring your own Beliefs' pilgrimage.
What to bring Appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.
Travel car probably easiest parking in town centre, but for train to Castle Cary plus taxi (if you contact us we could organise sharing). Buses also from Bristol and Bath.
Accommodation The Covenstead is a very 'Glastonbury' place to stay. The George & Pilgrims Hotel is a traditional resting place for pilgrims. Middlewick/Paddington Farm & Camping is a bit of a walk out but lovely countryside. Otherwise there's AirBnB.
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 7.5 miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people, although it is not nothing. 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.
St Margaret's Chapel, BA6 9EJ