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Old Way Mini Pilgrimage to Lewes (YHA Festival of Walking)
Join the British Pilgrimage Trust’s own historian and naturalist Dawn Champion, on a guided mini-pilgrimage to Lewes for the YHA Festival of Walking.
This is a Bring Your Own Beliefs journey, encouraging everyone to walk with purpose. Explore local cultural heritage, connect with nature, and enrich your mind and heart.
Our route will meander through Beddingham, Glynde and Lewes, following some of the Old Way, an ancient route from Southampton to Canterbury. We will discover new ways of meeting old churches, wildflower folklore, experience barefoot grounding, opportunities for silence, natural beauty and the wild places between the roads.
Bring your own beliefs. This pilgrimage is for anyone who wishes to find their own meaning and connect with the landscape, for all faiths and no faith.
We'll meet at YHA South Downs before setting our own intentions for the journey, ascending the Downs at an easy pace. We'll discover St Andrews at Beddingham, where a Saxon royal minster gives us cause to consider ancient stories of the Anglo Saxons. Crossing farmland to St Mary's Church at Glynde, we'll pause in a unique place for its architecture and wild churchyard. Then it is time to encounter Mount Caburn, the highest point on the Downs, contemplate the ancient landscape, discovering more about the wildlife we find on the way. We'll then make our way through the lively town of Lewes and through to Lewes Priory, to walk in the footsteps of 11th century Cluniac monks. From there, we'll head to the train station for a short hop back to the YHA for a well-earned free cuppa and cake.
A journey guaranteed to make you re-encounter Britain in new and ancient ways.
This Pilgrimage will include:
- New ways of meeting old Churches (bring your own beliefs...)
- Wildflower folklore
- Occasional barefoot walking
- Opportunities for silence
- Discovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads
- Holy and historic sites of all kinds
Travel
The YHA are offeringa 20% discount to anyone wishing to stay the night. Please see their website for details
What to bring
A packed lunch; Trusty walking footwear; Waterproofs (if applicable); water bottle. A walking stick or staff is the universal symbol of the pilgrim; they are not essential, but you may find it helpful for climbing up and down the hills.
Fundraising
All donations fund the work of the British Pilgrimage Trust, a charity which seeks to open up Britain's pilgrimage tradition in newly inclusive and exciting ways. With your help we can make pilgrimage open to everyone.
FAQ’s
Who can come?
Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parent/guardian supervision, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious?
We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs. We often welcome just as many people without faith as from a mix of different traditional faiths, and those consider themselves spiritual but not religious.
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. You will be required to go up and down some steep hills, but we will take these slowly, and move at a moderate pace the rest of time.
Due to the stiles and off-road access along much of this route, 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.
Will you cancel/postpone if it rains?
We'll only postpone the event if the conditions are too hazardous, but we usually continue if it is just showers. If we postpone the event we will transfer your ticket to a new date in the future, or give you credit for an alternative if you have offered a donation.
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We hope to see you on the path.
Date and time
About this event
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YHA South Downs, BN8 6JS
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This was my first pilgrimage walk but won't be the last. Dawn was an inspiring guide in so many ways - teaching us, entertaining us and caring for us. It was wonderful to get to know new people as we trod in the footsteps of so many unknown walkers who had gone before us. I had a sense of awe at so many points - for the coastal scenery, the birdlife, the ancient trees and for the buildings that had witnessed so much history. And it was such a lovely surprise to be welcomed with tea in Apuldram Church - so very kind. I am very grateful that I could be part of this day.
Heather
Pilgrim
The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
I signed up on a whim without really knowing what I had signed up to, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary, magical day - starting with Guy's singing in the Chapel and culminating at those fabulous springs. The information, songs, chat and group experience were all wonderful. I can't recommend this pilgrimage highly enough - and I also hugely appreciate all the references in the follow up email. Brilliant. Thank you Guy!!
Amanda
Pilgrim
I loved the whole pilgrimage. A day of great connection with people, nature, sacred places, past and present. Also particularly enjoyed Guy's singing which added something special and his commentary. Also the friendliness of fellow pilgrims in the group which was partly enabled by having a buddy and introductory exercise.
Jonathan
Pilgrim
Very grateful for the work that’s being done by all who are mapping the routes and sharing their knowledge. All this while I’m still mobile and can join in with day walks ... I asked for the book for my birthday and it has much in it. The Green King though was more my thing, lower key with lots in nature. I am very keen on sacred water sites (following the work of Veda Austin) so would enjoy more of those if possible. One day walks are really fab. Thank you everyone.
Catherine
Pilgrim
A fabulous enlightening day. The people, places and fascinating insights - I felt very privileged and grateful.
David
Pilgrim
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What our pilgrims say
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