Pilgrims’ Way in England

The Pilgrims’ Way (also Pilgrim’s Way or Pilgrims Way) is England’s ancient pilgrimage route linking both Winchester and London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at the Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England. Followed by kings and fabled in literature such as the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, the modern route follows the historic Roman road and parallels the North Downs Way. From Canterbury, some may continue pilgrimage to Rome along Europe’s Via Francigena.

This guide is intended to assist pilgrims as they plan for the Pilgrim’s Way, including recommended gear, tips, and key learnings gathered from my pilgrimages in England, France, Spain, and Portugal as well as hiking experiences on the Appalachian Trail, the Florida Trail, and the Via Francigena.

 

Canterbury Cathedral

Discovering The Pilgrim’s Way in England

THE PILGRIMS' WAY IN ENGLAND Shortly after my 2019 Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain, I learned about the ancient Pilgrims' Way in England from several pilgrims and historians. The ancient route links both Winchester and London to the ...
 

PILGRIMS WAY ESSENTIALS

Packing List: Backpacking Gear for England’s Pilgrims’ Way

I was first drawn to England's ancient pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket following my 2019 Camino ...

Pilgrims Passport and Stamps along England’s Pilgrims Way

The Pilgrims’ Way (also Pilgrim’s Way or Pilgrims Way) is England’s ancient pilgrimage route linking both Winchester and London to ...

Pilgrims’ Way Stages: Winchester to Canterbury

The ancient pilgrimage route in England links both Winchester and London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at the ...

Pilgrims’ Way Stages: London to Canterbury

The ancient pilgrimage route in England links both Winchester and London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at the ...
 

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Pilgrims Passport and Stamps along England’s Pilgrims Way

The Pilgrims’ Way (also Pilgrim’s Way or Pilgrims Way) is England’s ancient pilgrimage route linking both Winchester and London to the shrine of Saint Thomas ...