The Arundel & Brighton Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage began in March 1975 with 32 pilgrims journeying more than 240 miles together in faith. It has continued ever since as an annual event, with pilgrims of all ages and various Christian denominations walking to a cathedral city, sacred shrine, or place of religious interest.
“Bluebells and wildlife were enjoyed along the way, with spectacular views…. We
were warmly sent off in Guildford and equally warmly welcomed with Mass and tea
at Arundel.”
We begin and end each day in prayer, with opportunity most days to celebrate the Eucharist throughout the pilgrimage, joining together in Catholic Mass and Anglican or non-conformist services, depending where we are staying. The Ecumenical nature of our pilgrimage means that we grow in faith, together.
“Led by a samba band, pilgrims walked through woodland and over scorching
Downs to Upper Beeding Convent, where they were welcomed.”
The Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage is open to people of all ages with people invited to join us for the day, several days, or the duration of the journey. Everyone is welcome, though attendees need to have a reasonable level of physical fitness - our group aims to walk about 15 miles a day, travelling along footpaths and not roads, wherever possible. We enjoy pub lunches and opportunities to eat out, while spending our nights camping inside on the floors of school halls and churches.
Perhaps you would like to journey on walking pilgrimage across the year? The 'Hearts in Search of God' website offers self-led pilgrimage walking routes which begin at a cathedral and end at a diocesan shrine, with a walk for each of the 22 Catholic dioceses of England & Wales. The routes include Catholic parish churches and places of relevant historical interest, they are off-road as much as possible and incorporate existing pilgrim routes and long-distance footpaths. You can find out more on the Hearts in Search of God Pilgrimage Way website.
The Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage group will walk from Worcester to Coventry and Peterborough on Saturday 10 - Sunday 25 August 2024, with an opportunity to meet again afterwards for an autumn Reunion Day Walk. To find out more please click on the button below and visit the Pilgrims Live website.