Walk the Via Francigena with Pilgrims to Rome

You are invited to join members of Pilgrims to Rome to walk from Canterbury to Shepherdswell on the Via Francigena. This 12 mile / 20 kilometre walk is the first stage of the Via Francigena which stretches from Canterbury to Rome, and is formed of many ancient byways. In Kent, the Via Francigena follows the North Downs Way to Dover.

Description:

Our walk will leave Canterbury via the Cathedral, past St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following a mixture of lanes and footpaths across different terrains, we will finish at St Andrews Church in Shepherdswell at approximately 3pm. En route, we will visit the historic churches of Patrixbourne and Womenswold and pass other interesting historic sites. There will be a chance to reflect on pilgrimage and chat to those who have completed the walk to Rome. People of all faiths or none are welcome.

• This walk is open to all but a certain level of fitness and mobility is needed. There is some rough ground and a total of approximately 300m of ascent on the way. Please wear appropriate footwear and come prepared for all weather conditions.

• Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please bring water, a packed lunch and any snacks you require. There is nowhere to buy food en route but there is a Co-op near Shepherdswell station. There is a tap for refills at St Margarets in Womenswold where we will stop for lunch. There are no toilets en route but are at St Andrews in Shepherdswell. There are opportunities for wild wees.

Arriving at the Starting Point:

Canterbury is easily accessible by public transport. There are trains back to Canterbury East from Shepherdswell at 16.00 and 17.00, arriving 16.18, 17.18. The same train goes on to London Victoria and stations in between. Single fare is £7.20 to Canterbury, less with railcards. There is some street parking in Shepherdswell and Canterbury carparks can be found here https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/find-somewhere-park

By Donation:

All funds raised will be shared between Pilgrims to Rome and the churches visited. Pilgrims to Rome is entirely staffed by volunteers and the churches too rely on the generosity of visitors to sustain their pilgrim welcome. We suggest £5, £10 or £20 according to your means.

About the organisers:

This event has been organised by the UK-based charity Pilgrims to Rome. Our charitable aim is to support pilgrims undertaking a pilgrimage on the Via Francigena on foot, by bike or on horseback.

The walk will be led by two Canterbury residents and Pilgrims to Rome volunteers - Victoria Field and Julia Lewis. Both Julia and Victoria have walked Canterbury to Rome and can answer all of your questions about this amazing route.

More information:

Would you like to learn more about The Via Francigena historic pilgrimage route to Rome? Visit Pilgrims to Rome's webpage here