Canterbury Mini Pilgrimage (YHA Festival of Walking)

Tread in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims before finishing in the iconic city of Canterbury.
Our journey will include the ancient city walls, Norman castle and watermeadows, following the quiet flow of the river Stour. Turning uphill, we join the Pilgrims Way with open fields, quiet woods, and Bigbury Camp hillfort. From here we will follow Henry II’s own pilgrimage to drink from the holy well of St Thomas, restored by the Black Prince, before pausing at St Dunstan's, where Thomas More’s head is buried. Entering the Roman city through the Westgate, we'll pass through the hustle and bustle past Eastbridge Pilgrims Hospital, and conclude the pilgrimage at the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, after which we return to the YHA for a free cuppa and cake.

Pilgrimage is a Bring your own Beliefs practice and will include:
- New ways of meeting holy places (bring your own beliefs!)
- Songs, stories and folklore
- Opportunities for silence and contemplation
- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads
- Wild water drinking and barefoot walking
Travel arrangements - This is a circular route beginning and ending at the YHA. Nearest train station is Canterbury East. Buses12, 15, 16 and 89 as well as the New Dover Road Park and Ride. Park and Ride is the cheapest option if you wish to park your car.
Toilet Facilities - There toilets at the beginning and end of this journey. We know some good spots for a “wild wee” for comfort breaks between these. Please bring anything you might need for calls of nature.
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect 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 or access limitations? This route involves stiles, steep hills, some road walking on quiet country lanes, and conditions may be muddy underfoot in wet weather. Pilgrimage is moderately intense; if you find walking all day a challenge, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. This pilgrimage can be made accessible depending on your individual needs and mobility aids. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements.
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.
Do you offer concessions? This pilgrimage is offered for free as part of YHA's Festival of Walking. We welcome donations but these are optional.
What does the donation cover? 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Any remaining funds support our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy
If you would like to make a donation to support a place for someone on low income, please click here.
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About this event
54 New Dover Rd, Canterbury CT1 3DT
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