3-Day Bereavement Pilgrimage to Bath 2025 - for all grievers

This 3 day journey will bring together bereaved people to connect with and support each other using the power of pilgrimage in nature. Your grief is welcome.

In addition to our bereaved parents pilgrimage, this journey is open to anyone who has experienced bereavement. We will walk as a group of up to 20 pilgrims through the Somerset countryside, encountering all sorts of places and engaging in various pilgrim practices. Our journey concludes on the third day in the companionship of friends and family, who may join us to walk the last small section to the abbey.

"It was an extraordinary 3 days. I found it profound and powerful. To be guided, have companionship and support in the gentle and strong practice of walking with intent meant I was able to explore, learn about, feel and leave behind parts of my grief."

‍

Our Approach

"I feel like I have moved on from being on autopilot for 11 years to being in the driving seat."

Our pilgrimage is an inner journey as much as an outer one, deeply connected to the land you move through but created as much by each individual pilgrim. We offer a range of pilgrim practices intended to stimulate heart, mind and body. We take you places of awe and places of stillness. We create moments for sharing, and moments of silence. All of this is offered with the pilgrims at its heart; you are free to participate as little or as much as you like, and we are open to adding things you suggest too.

‍

The Journey:

Day 1: 7 miles, Bradford on Avon to Monkton Combe

We meet at Bradford On Avon station before heading to the Anglo-Saxon church of St Lawrence, to set our intentions for the journey ahead. We take the healing waters of a holy well and follow the river, pausing at weirs, exploring labyrinths, and dwelling in nature. Finding peace and stillness along the way, we might dip our toes in the cool water before turning to Monkton Combe for a freshly prepared meal and our nights rest.

Day 2: 8.5 miles, Monkton Combe to Upper Swainswick

Returning to the river, we walk to Warleigh Weir before ascending Bathampton Down for our first spectacular views. Exploring woods, rocks and wildlife, we then cross the watermeadows to encounter Little Solsbury Hill. This iron age hillfort is filled with skylarks, and is the setting for Peter Gabriel's song Solsbury Hill. We then make our way to the church in Upper Swainswick for our night in Sanctuary.

Day 3: 6 miles (1.5 miles for companions)

From Upper Swainswick we wander to All Saints Woolley, crossing rolling hills to St Mary's Charlcombe with its pretty holy well. From there we explore woodland before meeting up with our (optional) final day companions. We'll cross through the Royal Crescent, before turning to the river for one final time. A silent procession along the river path finishes with a final release to the water. We then make our way to Bath Abbey for our final honouring ceremony. From here pilgrims can choose to stay another night in traditional accommodation or make their way homewards from the nearby bus and train station.

‍

Final Day Companions
Pilgrims have the option to be met by a friend or family member for the last part of the journey, walking in silence for a mile, and accompanying you home at the end of the pilgrimage when we have to part ways. Many pilgrims choose to come on their own or have a partner for the whole three days, so choose what feels right for you.

‍

‍Carry My Loved Ones

If you are unable to make this journey but would like us to walk on your behalf, you can submit the name of a lost loved one along with a donation. Names of loved ones will be printed and carried by the group, who will honour their names during moments of remembrance and at the closing of the pilgrimage. The donation enables us to run this pilgrimage on a cost-neutral basis enabling more people to take part.

‍

Your Guides - BPT's historian, naturalist and pilgrim Dawn Champion and Ruth Sidgewick, a pilgrim and experienced grief tender to offer emotional care if needed. They will both offer a nurturing, holding space to support you and lead you along a beautiful, wild route. You will receive support when you need it and space when you don't. You can decide whether or not to participate in any practices they offer.

"Dawn was incredibly skilful, knowledgeable and light touch. Brought her heart whilst also highly professional."

What’s Included:

• Fully guided 3 day journey for anyone who has experienced bereavement, whether that is recently or a while ago.
• Various pilgrim practices, such as periods of deliberate silence; barefoot walking; wildflower foraging; stories, songs and folklore; discovering natural beauty and wild places; opportunities to remember and honour our loved ones.
• Overnight accommodation in Sanctuary and a simple breakfast (see below).
• Baggage transfer
• Evening meals

Sanctuary - adopt the simple life and sleep as a pilgrim. We’ll share a sleepover on the floors of Monkton Combe Village Hall and Upper Swainswick Church, both of which have modern toilets/wash facilities. An airmat, sleeping bag, silk liner and inflatable pillow are provided by the British Pilgrimage Trust, or you can bring your own. You also have the option to make your own arrangements to sleep separately in traditional accommodation nearby with a taxi transfer if you prefer.

Food - a simple breakfast will be provided on Saturday and Sunday, and evening meals on Friday and Saturday. Packed lunches are available to buy in the village stores along the way and we recommend pilgrims bring their own snacks. We’ll arrange food in advance and cater for any dietary requirements. Please ensure you tell us of any dietary requirements on your booking form.

Travel and bags - Pilgrims will need to make their own travel arrangements to Bradford on Avon on Friday and from Bath on Sunday. We will set up a whatsapp group in advance so that people can arrange lift shares with fellow pilgrims. Your bags will be transferred between overnight locations, make sure you bring a day pack for carrying your lunch separate to your overnight things. Bradford on Avon can be reached by train and bus. B.

What to bring - 3 Day pilgrims to bring packed lunch for Day 1, trusty walking boots, day pack with sun protection/waterproofs, water bottle or thermos, something dry to sit on (a carrier bag is fine) and overnight bag with wash bag, travel towel, earplugs, change of comfortable clothes, swimming things if taking a wild swim in the river. Companions should bring a packed lunch and drink, weather protection and swimming things if taking a dip.

Toilet Facilities - There are toilet facilities roughly mid way through each day’s journey. Your guide will make sure there are additional opportunities for rest breaks in the wild as we go.

‍

‍