Value some space? Long to escape but short on time?
Pilgrimage In A Day takes the best of the ancient Christian pilgrimage practice, and rolls it into one day. Hiking through 15 miles of beautiful North Wiltshire, it may be taxing for the body but hopefully restful for the soul. We'll supply a route, an itinary and a hike leader. You decide whether you want to chat with fellow pilgrims, contemplate or walk in solitude. Come alone or bring a friend. The choice is yours.
How will it work?
08:45 Pre-departure briefing/collect Pilgrimage Passports at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Calne. SN11 0HU (there are toilets here)
09:00 Depart - there will be a hike leader and though we will walk as a broad group, throughout the day you get to decide whether you want to chat, meet fellow pilgrims or walk in solitude. Whatever works best for you.
Morning Walk from Calne up to the Cherhill Monument, stopping to take in stunning views from the Downs over the surrounding landscape.
Lunch Stop at Cherhill Village Hall for lunch. Toilet available and water for bottle refills. You are responsible for bringing your own packed lunch, snacks and drinks for the day.
Afternoon Walk across country to Hilmarton, where we will pause for a short break (toilet available) before carrying on across country to Lyneham
Late Afternoon Arrival at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyneham (toilets available here too) where we’ll have a Service of Blessing in the historic church to conclude the Pilgrimage. Toilets available. Hot drinks and cake served to all those who have made it! We anticipate being finished by 18:00 but timings are dependant on the speed we walk at.
Is it just for people who have faith?
No. It might be a bit ambigeous to compare our little Pilgrimage In A Day to the great pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago but just like those we are open to everyone. No one will put you under pressure to join any praying - you can sit and enjoy the peace of the moment during the Service of Blessing at the end on your own terms.
What will I need
Appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather.
Enough food and water for the hike
Sunscreen (weather dependant)
A good level of fitness - you need to know you can walk 16 miles including some periods of sustained ascent up onto the Downs
All of the above are your own responsibility
Are there any rules?
We want to avoid excess rules - as long as you can be respectful and kind towards other pilgrims most things will work themselves out.
Sadly we can’t accomodate dogs.
You are responsible for making sure you are fit enough to walk the route.
All children under 16 must be accompanied an adult. We encourage anyone aged 16-17 to come with an adult - if this is not possible we need the permission of your parent/career. Email hello@light-church.co.uk to arrange this.
How does registration work? Do I need to pay?
We strongly encourage you to register in advance. This allows us to have a Pilgrimage Passport prepared for you, and to know what kind of numbers to plan for. We ask you to consider making a £5 donation per person to cover the costs of printing, hiring venues on route etc but this is donation - you don’t have to contribute anything.
How do I get to the start? How do I get back to my car at the end?
Both the start and the finish locations are close to bus stops on the 55 Bus Route between Swindon and Chippenham. This means it’s easily accessible by public transport. You can easily park in either Lyneham or Calne, and take the bus to the other locations. Buses run frequently on a Saturday.
Personal Responsibility
All of the route is on public rights of way, and has been walked by us in advance. However, you are fully responsible for your own health and safety in the same way you would be if you walked on a public right of way independantly of this pilgrimage.
Starting Point
We’re starting at St Mary’s Church (Church Street, Calne, SN11 0HU) where we will assemble and you’ll recieve your Pilgrim Passports. The building will open at 08:30, briefing at 08:45 and we will aim to leave at 09:00 prompt.
Coming by car? You can park in Calne and get the bus back at the end of the day (there is a frequent bus service from Lyneham to Calne), or park in Lyneham and get the bus over to Calne for the start.