Pilgrim for a weekend – History Hike / Wye – Chilham – Canterbury – Wye

Join our  Pilgrim walk which was once part of the Kent Pilgrims’ Festival!

Discover the Kent Downs Area of National Landscape and follow medieval pilgrims’ footsteps who walked to Canterbury to the Shrine of Thomas Becket.  Our walk will lead through ancient woodland, rugged chalk lands and ragstone villages, we will visit ancient churches and learn about the area’s history, flora and fauna.

What is a pilgrimage? It’s a journey to discover yourself, others, nature, or a higher good, through the experience. It can lead to a personal transformation or can be an adventure.

People from all faith and beliefs are welcome to join! Small group History Hike! Max 25 people.

One or two day options are available!

 

DAY  1 : WYE TO CHILHAM

Our pilgrimage starts in Wye in the garden of England with a church and a farm visit . If you didn’t bring your own lunch you can buy some local produce.   This section of the Pilgrims’ Way will lead us to a church  where you can see evidence that this route was actually walked by medieval pilgrims. The little church at Boughton Aluph has a large fireplace in the south porch, where pilgrims would gather before venturing through the wood. There was safety in numbers, at a time when robbery was a real danger.  Discover the stories of this historic woodland before we end our walk in Chilham.

Distance  8 miles.

DAY 2: CHILHAM TO CANTERBURY

The walk starts in Chilham following the Pilgrims’ Way leading to Canterbury where once the shrine of Thomas Becket stood and attracted pilgrims from all over the world. We will be visiting the Church of St. Mary Chilham and will receive a Wayfarer’s dole as we start our day pilgrimage.

It is a fantastic day out and a lovely way to arrive in Canterbury. Along the way you will see hop farms and oast houses and discover the charming English countryside. We will follow the pilgrims’ footsteps and pause at St Dunstan’s Church and Eastridge Hospital. We will stop for lunch-Picnic at No Man’s Orchard. Please bring your packed lunch and water for the day. Or advise and we can provide it from Goods Shed if you wish to taste, healthy local produced food.

Our last stop is Canterbury Cathedral where we have a private chapel booked for us for meditation and/ or prayer.

Please note the access to the private chapel doesn’t include the visit of the Cathedral. If you wish to visit the Cathedral I am happy to pre-arrange the tickets. Please choose the option with tickets to the Cathedral.

The price includes: guided hike and church visits leady by Ildi ,North Downs Way Ambassador and London Blue Badge Tourist Guide and wayfarer’s dole .

Distance: 9 miles, elevation 271 m

What to bring: Hiking boots, snacks, water. Prepare for the weather with waterproof clothing or sunblock.

Group save train tickets from London are  only available if you book both days .

 

What to bring : packed lunch and water or we can provide picnic made up of Kentish produce from Goods Shed . 

We can cater for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free.

What to wear : walking shoes or boots, comfortable walking wear . Dress for the weather! If sunny bring a hat if rainy a raincoat or waterproof jacket

If you wish to make a positive impact  can also donate cash to the churches we visit or online to The Churches Conservation Trust

or donate to North Downs Way to improve the National Trail for users

To make a booking or to ask for more information contact:

ildi.pelikan@takemetolondon.com

 

Get to know:
Ildi: About our blue badge guides

 

Our terms follow the guidelines set by the British Guild of Tourist Guides and Association of Professional Tourist Guides. Acceptance constitutes a contract. Please ensure that you make yourself aware of our cancellation policy. Thank you