Ian's story

My interest in the Pilgrims Way came through my love of walking and through friends that had undertaken other pilgrimage walks such as those in northern Spain. I had walked parts of this route many times and in doing so had already learnt of some of its history and significance. I had previously walked a number of England’s national trails and it occurred to me that my first pilgrimage should be the Pilgrims Way which is on my doorstep. It is well documented, combining the St Swithuns Way, North Down’s Way and Pilgrims Way into what has been a wonderful summertime experience. In doing so, it has taken me through the counties of Hampshire, Surrey and Kent. The walking was varied through exquisite downland and river valley countryside and charming towns and villages, providing a much needed opportunity to take a new perspective on many aspects of my life. With excellent transport links along the way, the walk was readily accessible and easily able to be planned in manageable sections. In my case I took 10 days to complete it. Highlights along the way included a stay at the Friars, Aylesford Priory; the reflective peace of the many churches visited and the kindness and warmth of those people met in the course of the journey. It is impossible not to be imbued with both the history and the essence of pilgrimage from the outset. The departure from Winchester Cathedral and its awe inspiring Norman architecture is matched with the inspiring spiritual ambiance and history on arrival at Canterbury Cathedral. Its ending was made complete by the thoughtful and considerate reception from Torin Brown, Canterbury Cathedral’s Pilgrimage Officer. It gave me the opportunity for much needed reflection along the way and the motivation to raise funds for a charity in memory of my father for my next pilgrimage.