River Dart Pilgrimage: Salmon and Saltmarsh (stage 3)

Join our friend Rev Sam Wernham for the third stage of a partially silent pilgrimage along the River Dart

The third of four journeys (this year) along the River Dart Way, a sea to source route. It is inspired by and follows the journey that the Dart Atlantic salmon swim, to return from the open ocean to their source pools, for spawning, on Dartmoor.

We start at St Peter’s Church, Cornworthy, with a warm welcome and an introduction to our time together, including some reflections on pilgrimage and a short guided meditation to help us settle into our bodies, connect to nature and enter into silence. There will be the option for each pilgrim to light a candle in the church and set an intention for their pilgrimage today.

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The walk then moves through a farm (with the possibility of friendly cows) and down a deep lane to the Harbourne River/Bow Creek, with lovely views to the Dart. We will pause to explore the saltmarsh along the shore, with some input from the guide. This is a particularly interesting area for coming close to a diverse range of unusual and often overlooked plants.

We then continue through waterside woodland and meadows to the picturesque village of Tuckenhay, with a silent pause for lunch along the Way (please bring a packed lunch). We cross the river (either by stepping stones, shallow wading or at Bow Bridge, depending on tides & water levels) before walking up a long lane to finish in the churchyard of St David’s, Ashprington.  Here we come out of silence and share reflections together before we close. The pub is just a short step away for those who fancy finishing their pilgrimage with a pint!

You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk and, to stay within our timings, we will walk at a relaxed and yet steady pace. For most of the pilgrimage, we will be in silence. The walk includes being in villages and passing country pubs (three on this particular route). So at times we will need to include being alongside others in our silence.

There is the option to join the congregation of St Peter’s for their regular Sunday service at 9.15am.

‍About the guide

Rev Sam Wernham is the creator of River Dart Way and founder of River Dart Wild Church, which has been walking the River Dart and its tributaries for the last ten years. Our Wild Church is an independent and inter-spiritual collective, which works with and welcomes guides and pilgrims of diverse secular or sacred orientations.

What to bring

Conditions along the Dart Estuary can be very changeable. So please come prepared with sturdy and waterproof footwear, lots of layers, including a waterproof/windproof top layer and a hat. You may equally well need sunscreen & shades!

Please bring plenty of water, snacks and a packed lunch. There will be pauses for quiet reflection along the way and you may like to have a notebook, journal or sketchbook and writing/drawing equipment with you. Hand lenses and binoculars can also help your engagement with encountering the wild.

Timings: We begin promptly at 11.30pm, and timings during the day will vary depending on the pace of the group. We'll aim to finish at 4.30pm but this may vary.

‍Travel arrangements: Start point: St Peter’s Church, Cornworthy

Parking is available in the lanes around the church and village – please give yourself plenty of time to find a space & park as you may need to then walk to the start point.

This is a one way pilgrimage. Pilgrims can then choose for themselves if they want to linger or walk back (self guided). There may also be the option of lifts back, especially if some pilgrims with cars can volunteer to help with this.

End point: St David’s Church, Ashprington

Parking is available on lanes around the village and at the community orchard.

‍Safety: The walk includes steps, stiles, narrow paths, uneven surfaces, a long hill, a river crossing, cows and walking a country lane (with no verges or pavements and light traffic may be encountered) etc

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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? This journey welcomes all and no-faiths equally. Wild Church is an independent and inter-spiritual collective, which works with and welcomes guides and pilgrims of diverse secular or sacred orientations.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? This is a mainly silent pilgrimage with a time of optional shared reflections at the end. It's not compulsory to share your feelings with the group.

‍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. You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk and, to stay within our timings, we will walk at a relaxed and yet steady pace. There are some steep steps, hills and a variety of surfaces. Many parts are not currently accessible to those with mobility impairments. Expect lanes with potential traffic & no pavement or verge, some steep steps, long hills, narrow paths, slippery and uneven surfaces, water etc

Can I bring my dog? This is a (mostly) silent and mindful walk for adults only, so please leave your canine friends at home. Then it will be easier to give your full attention to wild beings we meet along the way. If you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

What is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission? After costs, 50% of funds raised from this limited space event are donated to River Dart Wild Church. 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.