Religion-inspired walking pilgrimages have long been a part of the culture in many European countries, with probably the most famous being the Camino in northern Spain.
Now, there’s a 100-mile trail linking 36 churches in England to add to the list.
The Athelstan Pilgrim Way is a walking and cycling route that connects all 36 historic churches in North Wiltshire Deanery. The route has been developed by the North Wiltshire Mission Area, a Church of England initiative in the Diocese of Bristol. The route takes in some of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the historic churches range from the smallest church in England at Bremilham, through to Malmesbury Abbey.
And Athelstan? Well, he was the first King of a united England, a Christian ruler who chose Malmesbury as his capital and was buried in Malmesbury Abbey after his death in 939AD.
The organisers of the route have a website, which includes details on the various churches and the stages of the walk, and also features upcoming walks. The next two events are on July 18, a linear 12.5-mile hike from Bremilham Chapel to Luckington Church, and on August 11, a 7-mile linear walk from Luckington Church to Bremilham Chapel.
Participants can also pick up a Pilgrim Passport in any of the participating churches. It can be stamped at each church as the routes are launched between 2024 and 2025. The opening routes are the Malmesbury & Upper Avon circuit, and the Gauzebrook circuit to the west. There will be six circular routes overall, with linking sections between them. Downloadable guides – which can also be purchased as hard copies – are available for the two existing routes.
Walks can be started at any point along the routes and their stages can be tackled in any combination. Printed and downloadable guides are available which include itineraries, with timings, OS Grid references, section maps, fitness advice, parking and refreshment locations.
All routes are on public rights of way or minor roads, and all churches are open during the day (unless stated otherwise).