Come and find rest for your soul walking in the footsteps of St Wite, the patron Saint of Dorset. This one day guided pilgrimage creates a unique space for personal renewal and spiritual encounter in one of the most beautiful and sacred landscapes in England. Supported by experienced guides you will have the opportunity to explore what is stirring in your life and to find a deeper connection with the spiritual and the natural.

£49 per person including packed lunch, with cake and tea back at the church. Dietary requirements catered for. Tickets are limited, so book soon. There is a small bursary fund available to help support the cost for those who need it. Please email ask@stwitesway.org to find out more. Thanks

Who is the pilgrimage for?

All who are seeking rest, restoration and renewal, whatever your faith and tradition, and a time to pause, listen and look more deeply at what matters in your life.

The tradition of St Wite and the history of the place, with its shrine and well, has a particular emphasis on healing - in the broadest sense of the word, in terms of restoring us to our true nature and to healthy balance in our relationships - with others, the natural world and with God.

What people have said about the experience

'Thank you for such a wonderful and thought provoking day. It took me a step forward in my faith and for me this is priceless'

'Thank you so much for leading the pilgrimage walk. It was such a very special experience in so many ways. I shall treasure the memories of the day.'

More about the pilgrimage

We will draw on the Life of St Wite as the focus for the retreat and her personal embodiment of both courageous action and sacred healing. We will literally follow in her footsteps, beginning and end the pilgrimage at her shrine, renowned through the ages as a place of healing and renewal. Although her ministry was rooted in Christian spirituality, the activities and reflections we share will not be from any particular tradition and there will be plenty of time, space and encouragement to engage with the pilgrimage in and through your own spiritual way.

Blessed are those whose strength is in the Lord, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. When they walk through the valley of tears, it will become a place of refreshing springs. Psalm 84

The 8 mile/6 hr walk of St Wite’s Way, starts and ends at the Holy Shrine of St Wite in the church of St Candida and the Holy Cross in Whitchurch Canonicorum DT6 6RQ. The pilgrimage will take us to sacred sites along the Way and up onto Golden Cap, the highest headland on the south coast of England, with the spectacular viewpoint it offers.

As we walk there will be opportunities to stop, reflect and meditate/pray in ‘moments of encounter’ facilitated by our pilgrimage guides. Together, we will explore the mystery and presence we find on the Way and how this speaks to each of us personally in the unique context of our own life journey.

About St Wite

St Wite was a Christian martyr and is the patron saint of Dorset. Known as a healer and wise woman, she walked the Marshwood Vale over a thousand years ago. Very little is known of her history, but her lively tradition has been kept alive through the stories told by locals and pilgrims alike throughout the centuries. She is the inspiration for St Wite’s Way.

Advice and recommendations for the pilgrimage

St Wite’s Way is open to everyone, from whatever background. All are welcome. However, it is more suitable for adults. 

St Wite’s Way visits sacred sites with a deep history of spiritual pilgrimage and worship, which will be the foundation for our exercises, reflections and discussion. Please engage however you feel comfortable.

West Dorset is stunningly beautiful and the pilgrimage takes place in an area of outstanding natural beauty. 

Please be aware that walking in some places will be quite strenuous, including a steep climb up Golden Cap, so a moderate to good level of fitness is required. Some of the pilgrimage route is on country lanes and at one point we cross the A35 on foot. Please be aware of traffic and wear suitable clothing so you can be seen. Please come prepared for rain and mud with suitable footwear and waterproof clothing. Bring a water bottle and a bag to carry your equipment. A packed lunch on the day, will be provided by our local farm shop Felicity's and afternoon tea is provided on our return to the church as part of ticket price. 

You are encouraged to bring notebooks, drawing, or writing equipment, cameras and phones to record the experience. Please ask permission of those involved if you plan to use the photos or videos for anything other than personal use. Thank you. 

£49 per person for this guided pilgrimage walk including packed lunch, mid morning coffee and cake and tea back at the church. Dietary requirements catered for. Tickets are limited so the group can be supported by the guides. Book soon!

For more information including our cancellation policy, please see the FAQs on our website. Thank you!