Day 14: Emsworth to Chichester

Phase 3 : We abandon the coast and set off into pilgrimage heartland, the South Downs. However this should be a fairly easy day as most of the walking is along tracks and cycle routes. In the morning we follow the Sussex Border Path and then the Monarch's Way (remember that from Day 2?) which we stay on after lunch to Kingsley Vale before descending. The 4 miles into Chichester are on the Centurion Way disused railway line.

Dannie's day started more quickly than she expected: still in her sleeping bag long after "rise time" she was subjected to the regulation pilgrimage treatment.

We walked round the corner to St James' for our morning Eucharist.

New pilgrims, including Evelyn, were awarded their crosses.

We had a shared Eucharist, a welcome change as we've not had an Anglican chaplain with us this year.

Many pilgrims were taken by this sculpture, "Praying Woman" by Florian Pilkington-Miksa.

Then we were ready to go...

...off down the side roads of Emsworth.

Across the fields...

Derek hides from the sun!

We joined the Sussex Border Path - Derek tells me these signs are rare.

Marie and Aruna were joined by day pilgrim Angela who had helped Maurice plan the day.

As we passsed through the woods I got lots of pictures of individuals and small groups - I won't caption them all - it was a joy to have the sun at last!

Then on to the Monarch's Way.

Just before lunch, at St Mary's, Stoughton...

...Anne led a reflection on her experiences at Medugorje, and handed her stick around, before we sang 'As I Kneel Before You'.

Between church and pub Bridget found a friend.

Usual lunchtime activities, enjoying good if pricey food and drink.

Some tucked into desserts and weren't ready to leave when the backmarkers tolled the bell.

Straight after lunch - a long hill!

But from the top, our first view of Chichester Cathedral.

We were a little early at St Nicholas, Lavant, and rested in the churchyard before the prayers.

Julian, Betsy and Grace rejoined us.

Hello Alex, this is Alex - Canon John makes introductions.

Ant led a reflection, with readings by B and Mike, prompted by the realisation that we are not immortal. We then raised the roof with 'Walk in the Light' accompanied by Jonny on guitar & a couple of flautists

We rejoined the Centurion Way, an old railway, for the Chichester Express service...

...with halts to join the Home Guard...

...and a sign of the times?

We gathered outside Chichester Cathedral, where past pilgrim Phil Sharp took this group photo

We were invited to move to the west door...

...where our clergy were welcomed by the Dean of the Cathedral, the Revd Nicholas Frayleigh...

...who then welcomed the rest of us.

We processed up the centre aisle...

...to the choir in front of the altar with this splendid backdrop.

Pilgrims before the service

Phil, not in traditional pilgrimage attire, chats to Patrick as we leave the Cathedral.

Crossing the road in front of the famous Butter Cross.

Maurice and Angela, who planned the day with him but walked with the pack.

Today's editors: Aidan Simons and Sarah Doran.