The Old Way from Southampton to Canterbury is a 220 mile path based on a 14th Century road map.

During Britain's pilgrimage heyday, the Old Way was travelled Kings, Saints, Monks and Vagabonds, in their hundreds of thousands. It was probably the main route that European pilgrims took to reach Thomas Becket at Canterbury.

Today, the tradition of journeying on foot to distant destinations is much less popular in the UK. We are ruled by the convenience of the car. This introduction to Wayfaring hopes to help you rediscover the possibility of long-walking as an act of practical sustainable travel.

The journey also seeks to introduce participants to the British Wayfaring tradition, and will include information on Coldharbour, Sanctuary, and wild food, as well as the internal journey of pilgrimage as a way to engage with the changes we hope to make in ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

We walk the final section of the Old Way. Our physical focus will be on the holy water, in wells, rivers, springs, as well as the ancient trees and the stone churches we find. We will engage with this landscape via the old tools of gift-giving, song and silence, delivered through the medium of journey.

The route incudes: three Medieval churches, a cathedral and a ruined chapel; 3-4 holy wells and a conduit house, plus a river and a lake; a lost Roman road through the woods; the mystery of St Thomas Well; and a variety of pilgrimage and Wayfaring practices, taught by the founder of the British Pilgrimage Trust and the (re)discoverer of the Old Way path.

Canterbury is a religious centre, but this event is not affiliated to any particular faith or non-faith. The journey is open to all. Bring your own beliefs.

We walk as a small group, for safety, focus and quietness. Expect to meet fellow pilgrims of all descriptions. Expect songs, herbs, and trees, with silence, and the possibility of local cider...

The journey concludes at Canterbury Cathedral. Due to current restrictions, our journey as a group will end outside the cathedral precincts, but for those who wish, we can enter for the 5:30 Evensong, and (hopefully) meet the lost well of St Thomas - aka the Blood of St Thomas - which for hundreds of years was the holy water that drew millions of pilgrims to Canterbury this cathedral in search of healing.

See you on the path!

NOTE: This event is for over-18's only. Young people of 16+ must be accompanied by a responsible adult. I'm afraid that no dogs can walk with us. Covid restrictions as advised by UK govt will be in place. Please ony buy a ticket if you are confident you can walk 7.5 miles on uneven ground. Refunds will be available up to 3 days before the event, with a 10% adminsistration fee (to cover the platform fees). Please let me know ASAP if you need to cancel your ticket.

ALSO NOTE: A free hazel pilgrim staff (worth £15) for each pilgrim.