Farnham's Pilgrim Footsteps

Join BPT's Dawn Champion on this free introduction to pilgrimage as part of Farnham St Andrew's pilgrimage events.

3 Miles / 5 Kilometers, Waverley Abbey Ruins to St Andrews Farnham

We begin with the impressive ruins of Waverley Abbey, the first monastery founded in Britain by the reforming Cistercian religious order. We'll greet the ancient yew before setting our intentions for the pilgrimage, and setting off on our path. Crossing the beautiful Waverley Mill Bridge, we pass by Mother Ludlam's Cave which is home to a natural spring. This evocative place is stuffed full of legends; of healing waters, an ancient king, a Celtic god and a white witch - who knows what we will discover there.

From there we head on through Moor Park Nature Reserve, before joining up with the North Downs Way, the modern diversion of the ancient Pilgrims Way. Shadowing the meandering River Wey through the old water meadows, we enter the bustling town of Farnham. A settlement has stood here for millenia, and would have seen prehistoric pilgrims on their way to sacred sites like Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as Roman pilgrims long before the medieval Christian practice got underway.

We'll complete our pilgrimage at Farnham St Andrews, a church known to have played an important role in receiving pilgrims, crossing the country to Canterbury, Salisbury, Europe and beyond.  Afterwards refreshments will be available at the church.

This Pilgrimage will include:

• New ways of meeting old pilgrim places
• ancient and holy places of all kinds
• a sensory exploration of place
• Songs, stories and folklore
• Occasional stretches of silence
• Occasional barefoot walking
• Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
• Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads

What to bring

Appropriate clothes and footwear; Waterproofs or Umbrella/sun protection; snacks, Waterbottle or thermos flask, an open heart and mind. A walking staff is not compulsory, but as a recognised symbol of the pilgrim, you might like to bring one.

Travel arrangements - This is a linear route from Waverley Abbey to Farnham. Bus route is number 46 from Farnham, which collects from East Street, South Street and opposite Farnham station. There are plenty of Pay and Display carparks in Farnham, with Farnham Station Multistorey, Farnham Maltings and the Waggon Yard being the most convenient for the bus stop and the church. There is limited parking available at Waverley Abbey.

FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18, or under 18 with a parent/guardian, 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, low light levels, and conditions may be muddy underfoot. 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 OR Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheeled access due to the terrain. 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.

If you would like to make a donation to support the British Pilgrimage Trust, please click here.

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