Moors, Mills and Martyrs

Explore moor, river valley, gorge and city cathedral on a pilgrimage inspired by the Padley Martyrs. With Faye Smith of Hope Walking.

Join us for a full-day, 11-mile guided pilgrimage tracing an ancient route from the city of Sheffield into the open landscapes of the Peak District National Park. This walk offers a gentle weaving together of history, landscape, companionship, and simple pilgrim practices, inviting reflection as we journey on foot from urban streets to sacred ground.

Annual pilgrimages began to Padley in 1898, its quiet ruins holding a story of courage, loss, and renewal. Once a fine medieval manor, in 1588 Padley became the scene of a brutal raid amid growing persecution of Catholics in England. Priests Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlam, sheltering there, were arrested and executed. Centuries later, the site was gently reclaimed as a place of prayer and pilgrimage; in the 1930s the chapel was restored, with the discovery of the long-hidden altar stone returning a sacred heart to the building. Today, Padley offers pilgrims a powerful place to walk, remember, and reflect.

We gather at 9.30am at the Cathedral of St Marie, an airy and impressive building opened in 1850 at the restoration of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales. Here we will pause to set intentions for the day before beginning our walk. From St Marie’s we visit Sheffield Cathedral, then head west through the city, passing Sheffield Hallam University and entering the green calm of Endcliffe Park.

Following the course of the River Porter, one of the waterways that shaped Sheffield’s cutlery industry, we pass the historic Shepherd Wheel, a rare surviving water-powered grinding workshop dating back to the 1500s. At Ringinglow, with wide views back across the city, we pause for lunch (bring a picnic; refreshments and toilets are available at the Norfolk Arms).

The route then climbs gently onto Houndkirk Moor, entering the Peak District, before descending through Burbage Valley and Padley Gorge to reach Padley Chapel. This quiet place marks the site of Padley Hall, where Catholic priests Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlam were arrested in 1588 and later executed. Pilgrims have walked here in their memory for well over a century. Where possible, we will be welcomed with a pilgrim blessing at the chapel.

We end the day restored in body, mind, and spirit, carrying home simple pilgrim practices to support everyday life.

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FAQ’s

Travel arrangements - Nearest train stations are: Sheffield for the start, and Grindleford for the end.  Bus route is TM 65. There is pay and display parking available throughout the city centre.

Toilet Facilities - There toilets at the beginning, middle and end of this journey. Please bring anything you might need for calls of nature in between these.

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. OR Your guide is Christian/X and you should expect some faith-based practice. 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, 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. 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.

Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing the journey, including research and route surveys. 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 purchase a benefactor ticket.

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