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Welcome Service, walk to Reigate 
Our first pilgrimage took place at Easter 1975 as an event for young people, beating the bounds of our Diocese. Thereafter it became an annual event in the second half of August. Although some things have changed, the pattern of walking, stopping to pray at churches, a pub for lunch, and sleeping on the floor of village or church halls remains. These days the food is better, the days are a bit shorter and we try to be more ecumenical, but the essence of forming a community on the move is unchanged. Our pilgrimage is one where the journey, walking, laughing, sharing, praying, singing, etc is as important as the destination.
We're walking a route that links all the new Parishes (current deaneries) of the Arundel & Brighton Diocese. The Diocese covers Surrey and East and West Sussex, and offers splendid walking, including the Surrey Hills National Landscape and the South Downs National Park.
Why this route? It's 50 years since our first pilgrimage, in 1975, which celebrated the Holy Year and the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Diocese. That route "beat the bounds" of the Diocese; this year we aim to make a more compact pilgrimage, but one which visits each of the new Parishes in the Diocese, binding them together, in line with Pope Francis' invitation for the new Holy Year to be "pilgrims of Hope"
Our journey consists of 11 walking days, 2 intermediate rest days, a celebration day in Eastbourne, plus a travel day at the end. Here is an overview. More detail will be available before the start.
| Sat 9th Aug | Gather in Horley ,
Welcome Service, walk to Reigate |
| Sun 10th Aug | Walk to Ashtead |
| Mon 11th Aug | Walk to Weybridge |
| Tue 12th Aug | Walk to Frimley |
| Wed 13th Aug | Walk to Farnham |
| Thu 14th Aug | Rest Day in Farnham |
| Fri 15th Aug | Walk to Haslemere |
| Sat 16th Aug | Walk to Midhurst |
| Sun 17th Aug | Walk to Tangmere |
| Mon 18th Aug | Walk to Goring-by-Sea |
| Tue 19th Aug | Rest Day in Goring-by-Sea |
| Wed 20th Aug | Walk to Brighton |
| Thu 21st Aug | Walk to Seaford |
| Fri 22nd Aug | Walk to Eastbourne |
| Sat 23rd Aug | Celebration Day in Eastbourne |
| Sun 24th Aug | Morning Service, make own way home. |
A van carries pilgrims' luggage from one stop to the next, so pilgrims only need to carry their needs for the day. A separate van carries the caterers and their supplies.
The route is marked and pilgrims follow orange arrows, allowing them to walk at their own pace so long as they don't drop behind the "backmarkers" who take the arrows down.
We strive to follow footpaths or quiet roads wherever possible, but we sometimes cross or walk short stretches along busier roads. Pilgrims are expected to be responsible for their own safety, whilst looking out for each other.
The pilgrimage is organised by past pilgrims on a voluntary basis, and the support team is completely voluntary. Pilgrims are expected to contribute to the smooth running of the pilgrimage by assisting with washing-up, cleaning, loading/unloading etc.
Prayer and worship is an important part of our life as pilgrims. We stop at many churches along our route: some historic, some modern, some grand, some very humble.
Reflecting the denominational composition of the group, our main daily services broadly alternate between RC and Anglican Eucharists, but we are often welcomed to services from other traditions.
All pilgrims have the opportunity to share a reflection with the group at one of the prayer stops.
Pilgrims who play a portable instrument are invited to bring it along to enrich our liturgy.
Everyone is welcome, but the nature of the pilgrimage places certain demands on the body.
We walk about 15 miles per day, with two rest days. Pilgrims need to be able to achieve this carrying a day pack.
We sleep communally, on the floor (bring your own single-sized mat, airbed, etc).
Toilet and washing facilities are always available at overnight stops but may be limited. Showers are an occasional treat!
Pilgrims must be over 18 or accompanied by a parent.
Pilgrims must provide contact and basic demographic data with their booking. A medical form must be completed in advance, which will be reviewed by key personnel (as part of our risk assessment) and will be handed to medical professionals in case of emergency. Dietary requirements should be specified on the booking form.
Pilgrims agree to follow our "Countryside and Pilgrim Code" which embodies practical rules to keep the pilgrimage safe and enjoyable for all. This is updated annually and published before the pilgrimage, but you can still read the 2024 version.
The cost for the full pilgrimage (11 nights or more) is £350 per person; shorter periods are charged per night: £33 for 1 to 6 nights, £31 for 7 to 10 nights.
Under-21s get a 25% discount on the above prices, and a bursary is available towards the cost of equipment.
The overnight charge includes evening meal, accommodation, breakfast, and packed lunch on walking days.
We normally stop at a pub for lunch, where additional food may be available at your own cost. Pilgrims are expected to buy a drink if utilising pub facilities.
Pilgrims are responsible for making their own way to their joining point and from their leaving point. Not all overnight stops have a railway service, some may not have a bus service so a taxi may be required. Overnight stops with a station nearby are indicated by , but note that connections between places may be circuitous. If you are unable to complete a day's walk you should use public transport / taxi at our own expense.
Booking is online, following the link below. (The form can also be printed, completed, and submitted by post). Payment can be made by bank transfer or cheque, with details provided when you submit your booking. A place is not reserved until we receive the £60 non-refundable deposit and send a confirmation e-mail. All pilgrims must pay in advance by 30th June.
Bookings will close on 30th June 2025, or when all places are filled. Our accommodation varies in capacity from night to night, so some nights may close sooner than others. We reserve the right to prioritise longer bookings over shorter ones as capacity is approached.
The Medical Form will be made available after your booking is accepted, and must be returned before 31st July 2025.
First, look at the diaries of our past pilgrimages.
Questions can be submitted via our contact page.
Contact our bookings secretary, Clare, on 01420 562234 or 07977 078889.
The pilgrimage is operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton but is open to pilgrims of any faith, race or nationality.
The pilgrimage is planned by past pilgrims on a voluntary basis and, being part of a charity, is non-commercial - with any surpluses retained to enable future pilgrimages. Please bear with us if we do not respond immediately!
Whilst the organisers undertake thorough risk assessments and strive to make the event as safe as possible for all participants, all pilgrims participate at their own risk.
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