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Ridgeway, Uffington White Horse & St George: 1 Day Pilgrimage
Explore a centre of prehistoric ritual practice
This 6-mile walking route draws together Pagan and Christian holy places. Journey back to a different way of being human. Wander the Ridgeway, one of the most ancient paths in Britain, and explore some of our most magical legends. Beginning with the sacred waters of Woolstone Wells, we'll experience the deep peace of All Saints Woolstone with its remarkable lead font, before passing through the valley shadowed by the Ridgeway to Compton Beauchamp. Listed as Simon Jenkins’ 'Thousand Best Churches' we'll admire the beautiful wall paintings which inspire contemplation of nature.
Then it's back up to the Ridgeway to visit one of the most magnificent long barrows in Britain, Waylands Smithy. 6000 years old and ritualistically mysterious, we'll consider the legend of Wayland the Smith and honour our ancestors. Walking in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims we then head to Uffington Castle, a great hill fort of festivity; then conclude with the White Horse and the place where George killed the Dragon, Dragon Hill.
Please bring some water from home; this could be rain water from your doorstep or garden, or take the time to collect water from a local river or spring. We'll blend this with the local spring waters and sprinkle in sacred places.
This Pilgrimage will include:
- New ways of meeting holy places (bring your own beliefs!)
- Pilgrim songs, stories and folklore on the path
- Opportunities for silence or barefoot walking
- Wildwater drinking or wildflower foraging
- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty and wild places
Timings: We begin promptly at 10.30am, and timings during the day will vary depending on the pace of the group. We'll aim to finish at 4.30pm at the White Horse Hill.
What to Bring: Sensible footwear and waterproofs/suncream, packed lunch, waterbottle or thermos. Small amount of freshwater from home.
Travel Arrangements: This is a circular route, beginning and ending at the White Horse Hill Car Park. We will coordinate lift shares between pilgrims for those using public transport, via WhatsApp. The nearest bus stops are in Kingstone Lisle, Uffington, (No. 68) or Ashbury (No. 47).
Safety: Please be aware that there are some short connecting sections which will require walking on a country lane. There is no footway but there is a wide grass verge.
FAQ's
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? This journey welcomes all and no-faiths equally. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating 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.
Do you offer concessions? There are a limited number of free or discounted places available on this pilgrimage for those on income-related benefits such as Universal Credit. Please contact us for eligibility information and a discount code.
Are there fitness or access 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 some steep hills and a variety or surfaces, although most of this route is made of well formed track. We may be able to accommodate additional access needs for this route, contact us to discuss in detail. Some of this route will involve walking along a country lane with no footway.
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 is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission? After costs, 10% of funds raised from this limited space are donated to the places visited along the route. The remainder funds the team at British Pilgrimage Trust (a registered charity) to spend more time making it possible for thousands of pilgrims to make pilgrimage themselves by engaging with our ever-increasing range of free resources. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
Date and time
About this event
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White Horse Hill Car Park, Uffington, Oxfordshire, SN7 7QJ
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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
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What our pilgrims say
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