This is a pilgrimage which meets story telling, ritual & song taking you on a deep and soul enrichening journey through the heart of the land ~ This will be a day to remember!

Our pilgrimage will commence at the foot hills of the hooves of the White Horse of Uffington. Lore states that in the galloping of this solar horse through the earth, that it released life giving springs to the area through it’s hooves digging deep into the ground.

Snaking through the landscape we will descend into the valley where 7 chalk filled springs converge, in a mossy filled glen to ritually bless ourselves and the time of Imbolc together. Asking these lustral waters to cleanse away the winter tide, reigniting our vision, dreams and sight for the coming of the season.

Rising up through the landscape we will ascend to the fiery beacon of Dragon Hill. Lighting a lantern and welcoming in the Eternal flame of Brighid into our hearts and all hearths.

Journeying higher still, we will pay a visit to the White Horse bringing our offerings of water and flame to quench his thirst and unfurl his mane; so he may awaken from his slumber in this time of rebirth.

Settling further upon the crest of his hills, we will circle within the Uffington Castle for lunch and libations.

From this crowning seat of the landscape, walking through the castle's western gateway to join the chalky ridgeway track, we will set out for the neolithic long barrow Wayland's Smithy. Entering here into the belly of the earth, we will reforge ourselves with sound, silence and song. To exit refreshed, renewed and reborn.

Culminating atop these gate keeper stones as the sun sets and the full moon rises ~ torches and lanterns will be lit with Brighid’s flame, to celebrate our way across the White Horse planes back home.

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• START: meet: 10:00am / leave: 10:30am
• FINISH: 5pm
• DISTANCE: 4 miles (walked at a slow to moderate pace, with stops along the way)

Once you have booked on the pilgrimage ~ Full details of the meeting place, parking, transport and what you need to bring for the day etc will be emailed to you 1 week before the pilgrimage.

>>> If travel is tricky for you on the day. We have a car share lift service in place with all fellow pilgrims. To see if any one is driving from your area if you need a ride and would like to attend this pilgrimage please contact us on: pulvers.apothecary@gmail.com

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FAQ’s

Where do I meet and what shall I bring ~ When you book on the pilgrimage, we will send you details of the meeting place and what you need to bring for the day.

Are there fitness limitations? ~ This pilgrimage is moderately intense. We will walk a moderate to slow pace. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access.

Can kids come? ~ Children 18 years old and under are welcome to join accompanied by a guardian/parent. We ask that you simply make a donation for their attendance in the ticket booking form.

Do you provide concessions? ~ What we are able to provide is a payment plan whereby you can pay for the pilgrimage fee over a period of 2 months. ie. make 2 payments. To apply please contact: pulvers.apothecary@gmail.com

Can I get a refund if I book? ~ We cannot offer refunds or cancellations for this event, if you know someone who would like to take your place please ask them to contact us with their name and who's place they will be taking. You may forward your ticket onto them to use as proof when checking in on the day.

What happens if the weather is very problematic to walk in? ~ if the weather forecast for the day of the pilgrimage, comes with a weather warning 24hrs before the event i.e. making it difficult to to be walking outside all day in. The event will be cancelled and rescheduled. You will be offered a different pilgrimage date and/or given the option of a refund.

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PILGRIMAGE HOSTS:

The Keeper of the Stories & Rituals ~ Will be introducing you to the threads from our ancestors through the stories of the land, ritual, elixirs and ceremony.

Chris Park: As a druid priest Chris has worked as a celebrant, teacher & guide. With different hats on he is a professional storyteller, musician & ceremonial piper. Steeped in British & European folklore his life and work ranges from arts and craft, ancient technologies & eco-building to apitherapy, educational projects, ceremony & pilgrimage. A prolific beekeeper, he is often seen extolling the virtues of bee products, mead and the traditional honey drinks of this honeyed isle.

Charlotte Pulver: At the heart of things is a modern day alchemist and change maker; being born into the Pulver lineage of apothecarians. She has a background in natural healthcare, studying and practising various medical systems of healing for 20+ years. Her love is rooted in making medicines for people which she sells through 'Pulver's Apothecary'. She has been hosting water ceremonies and pilgrimages for many years; and helped co-found The Fellowship of the Spring, a group championing water guardianship in the British Isles.

The Keeper of the Song ~ Will be blessing us with her song along the pathways that we make together on this day.

Laura Wilock: draws on 25 years of folk singing experience. Having spent over 10 years in Britain living as a traveller, singing at festivals, forests, farms and firesides gathering songs along the way.  After moving to rural France in 2001 with a young family she became the lead singer and Bodhran player for a folk band called ‘The Black Pig’ performing songs and dance music in mainly the Irish, English, Scottish and French folk traditions. Back in the UK in 2010 Laura was the vocalist and percussionist for the folk band ‘Fairfolk’ . At this time she also lead singing assemblies at a primary school incorporating and teaching British sign language to deaf and hearing children. She joined an international women's choir and ‘Tune for life’ in 2017 – singing for a charity which offers remedial music sessions in the community . Clients included dementia care units, the Blind society stroke association and school workshops. She can now be heard leading song circles at events , ceremonies and sing-arounds.

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Painting: Hannah Willow