Avebury Grounded Pilgrimage (Vivobarefoot x British Pilgrimage Trust)

Discover and experience Avebury's pilgrim places

"An excellent walk", Richard Long, Turner Prize-winning Land Artist.

This 7.5-mile walking route is of ancient significance. Walk with British Pilgrimage Trust Director Guy Hayward to discover and experience Avebury's pilgrim places. There will be a focus on Mother Earth nurturing us in this ancient landscape and grounding us in our ancestral past.

Experience the majesty of the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world, before heading along the Ridgeway to the even older Sanctuary, an ancient meeting point from which the West Kennet Avenue once extended all the way to Avebury. Then rise to West Kennet’s Long Barrow, and maybe hum in this wonderful acoustic, vocally resonating with the spirits of old. We eat our packed lunches, onwards to the source of the River Kennet, the Swallowhead Springs and their watchful guardian trees. Next is the largest (and most mysterious) prehistoric mound in Europe – Silbury Hill; then it’s over Waden Hill, before descending to what remains of the West Kennet Stone Avenue, through which you wind your way back to the Tolkien trees that inspired the Ents, and finally experience the majesty of the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world by communing with Avebury's magnificent stones.

For a more detailed written description look here.

Grounding the Day

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We are proud to announce a partnership with Vivobarefoot to launch the first fully-conductive Grounded Vivobarefoot shoe: “The Pilgrim”. With your ticket you will automatically register for the chance to be gifted a pair of these new shoes to walk in. The Vivobarefoot Pilgrim shoe, as well as being a Wide, Thin & Flexible barefoot design bringing you closer to the earth and natural movement, will provide a further grounding by conducting your body's electrons straight into the ground. Several health benefits are associated with grounding, such as stress reduction, anti-inflammatory, sleep improvement and gut health.

Including this event, a series of pilgrimages will be held to celebrate the launch of this exciting next step for Vivobarefoot, starting with an exclusive event in Broughton Sanctuary in the Yorkshire Dales (Fri 3rd-Tue 7th May), with London on 14th May and Glastonbury on June 9th.

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This Pilgrimage will include:

- New ways of meeting holy places (bring your own beliefs)
- Pilgrim songs on the path
- Myth and Story
- Ancestral Connection
- Opportunities for silence
- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty and grounding

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FAQ’s

What is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission? 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.

How does travel work for this event? Swindon or Pewsey train stations are closest to Avebury, with a 20-min taxi from there. Driving by car is a more flexible option, and there is a National Trust car park at Avebury.

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, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. 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, giving us time to walk the distance. 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.

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

We hope to see you on the path.

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