Hampstead Heath Rogation Sunday Pilgrimage

Join Guy Hayward and a band of pilgrims this Rogation Sunday after the 10.30pm service of Rogation at St John at Hampstead including hymns about nature (to which you are welcome to attend), for a 'beating the bounds' pilgrimage across its parish: one of London’s most iconic green spaces, Hampstead Heath. See map here.

This Rogationtide practice is very traditional, and dates back to the 5th century—walking the parish's boundaries or visiting its sacred sites (e.g. wells, sacred trees, high places and landmark boulders): a 'parish pilgrimage'.

This pilgrimage weaves together history, nature, and soul through various waypoints: from the parish centres of St John-at-Hampstead Church and Christ Church, Hampstead, the Hollow Tree, to Boudicea's Mound, old Boundary Stones, and the Source of the River Fleet, one of London’s hidden waterways.

Along the way, we’ll encounter living legends like the Beanstalk Tree, the healing iron-rich Goodison Fountain, and finish with the final parish centre of All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak. Each stop offers a moment for reflection, song, story, or silence—grounded in the season’s themes of blessing the land and asking for its renewal.

Expect movement, meaning, and a deepened connection to London’s sacred geography and the traditions and practices of Rogationtide.



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This Pilgrimage will include: New ways of meeting old pilgrim places (bring your own beliefs...) - London-based and nature songs on the path - Opportunities for silence - barefoot walking - drinking spring water (optional) - beating the bounds - touching boundary stones.

Travel: Nearest tube to start point is Hampstead (Northern); and nearest station to end point is Hampstead Heath (Overground) or Belsize Park (Northern).

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Rogation is an invitation to step outside—to pray not only for the land but for the entire community: the parish and its footpaths, fields, pastures, woods, gardens, orchards, tools, seeds, crops, plants, animals and people.

Everyone is welcome, always. Those who attend church and those that do not. This is an opportunity to revive an ancient practice in a way that resonates with today. In this way, it aligns with our own charity's own bring your own beliefs ethos.

Click for more info on Rogation.

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FAQ’s

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.

Can I come if I can't afford it? We offer a number of free or subsidised places to those in need, on a case-by-case basis, please contact info@britishpilgrimage.org.

If I'm a school teacher, can I come for free? Yes, we offer free places to teachers, particularly if they are interested in introducing pilgrimage to their students.

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. 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, and 6 miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people, although it is not nothing. 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.

What does my money go towards? The British Pilgrimage Trust is a charity, and profits raised from this limited space event will enable our team to make it possible for everyone, of all means, to make pilgrimage themselves. We will also distribute some of the ticket price to local organisations from whom we have benefitted along the path. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

We hope to see you on the path.
If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
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