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Time to Stop & Stare
Is life so busy you neither have time to stop nor stare?Over millions of years our ancestors wandered, tracked, herded, migrated and explored the globe, guided by curiosity and their senses. Walking wasn’t exercise or leisure; it was simply life. Our reliance on transport, maps and GPS has quietly dulled that ancient connection to the land—a connection that was once central to the human experience.This June I’m leading a small-group Time to Stop and Stare silent walk and woodland camp, designed to help us reconnect with that most basic human instinct to wander, while also giving ourselves the time and space to rediscover our childlike curiosity about the world around us.During the walk we’ll travel in silence, giving us the opportunity to slow down, notice more, and simply experience the landscape without distraction. Numbers will be kept deliberately small to keep the experience special.The silence is only for the walk. Afterwards we’ll unwind together at a beautiful private woodland campsite sharing food and conversation, with a natural pool, showers, toilets, outdoor kitchen, cabins and space for tents.A simple and slightly unusual opportunity to wander, switch off for a while, and spend a night in the woods. Fancy joining me?
This June I’ll be leading a two‑day silent walk through some of the quietest and least populated parts of the Western Weald - a distinct part of the South Downs National Park. Over the course of two full days we’ll cover around sixteen miles, moving slowly and taking several breaks. Our evening base will be a peaceful private woodland, where we’ll have use of an outdoor kitchen, toilet, shower and natural pool.
Silence is often misunderstood. It isn’t emptiness. It’s space – space for our senses to wake up and our attention to shift.
Most of us spend our days moving quickly and filling space with noise, conversation and plans. A silent walk offers something different: time, space and presence. For once, there will be time to stop and stare. Time also for our minds to clear, for problems to feel less fixed, and for creativity to possibly (re)appear. There will be no rush on this walk. During breaks you might choose to sit or lie down in silence, or you might take photographs, draw, write, sing, or pick things up in the way you might have done when you were younger and more curious.
This walk is not an endurance test or a test of fitness, and it isn’t prescriptive. There is no correct experience and no shared conclusion. Everyone will be on their own walk, in their own way. My hope is that it will feel both a treat and a retreat: not a way to escape the world, but a way to return to it with more clarity.
The entire two days won’t be spent in silence. We’ll walk in silence and share a few silent breaks and activities along the way— such as watching the sun rise over the woodland on Day 2 — but mealtimes and the evening at camp will be opportunities to come together, talk, and enjoy each other’s company.
Date and time
About this event
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Midhurst area
We will meet in Midhurst. Participants will be emailed more details
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
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What our pilgrims say
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