.svg)
Spring Equinox Nature Pilgrimage to Rollright Stones with Daylesford
We set out from St Nicholas’ Church in Oddington, with its extraordinary medieval wall paintings, and walk via Daylesford Farm and Estate into the picture-perfect village of Cornwell, passing its exquisite manor house. From there, the route moves through rolling farmland, an orchard for lunch, and a sequence of atmospheric village churches (Salford and Little Rollright), before descending into the valley along a path Tolkien once travelled daily.
We end at the mysterious Rollright Stones on one of the most auspicious days of the year: the Spring Equinox, a time when people naturally gather there for music, ritual and seasonal celebration.
Along the way, the group will set intentions for the journey, and pause for moments of silence, song, storytelling, history and reflection.
This is not simply a walk, but a gentle, embodied pilgrimage, designed to awaken the senses and deepen connection with landscape and place. We will engage with churches, fields and orchards in quietly unconventional ways: lying on the floor of churches listening to music; lying on the ground looking up at the sky; tasting filtered wild spring water; touching trees and smelling plants; sitting beneath orchard trees for lunch while listening to songs about apples.
At the Rollright Stones, there may be drumming, singing and spontaneous seasonal ceremonies taking place throughout the day, creating a powerful sense of arrival at a living sacred site.
What makes this a pilgrimage rather than a countryside walk is the inner as well as outer journey. Pilgrims begin by setting an intention: something to let go of, something to invite in, or a question to carry. Just as importantly, they walk with openness, without fixed expectations, allowing the day to unfold in its own way.
The word pilgrimage tends to attract like-minded people ready to ask deeper questions about life, purpose and belonging. For many, the most meaningful moments come not only from the places themselves, but from the conversations they have other pilgrims in the group.
The day is guided by Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrimage Trust, who leads the group in navigation and simple ceremony, offers songs, stories, folklore and historical context, and suggests embodied practices at particular places, including periods of silent walking. He also frames the journey and ensures an unhurried pace with time to stop, reflect and listen.
Lunch is a packed lunch, optionally purchased from Daylesford, eaten beneath orchard trees.
This experience is designed for those who are curious about pilgrimage in a modern, bring-your-own-beliefs form; who wish to encounter the Cotswolds through its folklore, myth and sacred history; who would like to experience churches as contemplative spaces without dogma; and who feel drawn to marking the Spring Equinox at an ancient power place such as the Rollright Stones.
Date and time
About this event
.svg)
Daylesford Farm, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0YG
More events
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
Guy, I just wanted to say thank for your time and knowledge yesterday. It was an amazing afternoon in spite of the weather. I am sitting here today in quiet contemplation with a deep sense of peace bathing my heart in a warm, fuzzy glow. It is an extraordinary feeling. I think you must have been a troubadour in a previous life! With gratitude.
Jessica
Pilgrim
.svg)
What our pilgrims say
.svg)