Benefice Pilgrimage 22nd September

Purpose of walk

A time of fellowship and getting to know each other and Bishop John. A chance to enjoy God’s creation – and to get some exercise!

Nature of Walk

Essentially this is a mainly off-road, varied and interesting opportunity to walk between all the churches of the benefice.

An undulating excursion just over 9 miles in total, you may want to do it all, or one or more sections. There are about 10 stiles and a couple of steepish climbs. We shall walk quiet lanes, graded paths, tracks, and typical narrower Forest paths once regularly used to link the various settled areas large and small. We pass, along the way, fields, woods, water. agricultural and industrial activity past and present, and houses in all their variety. In good clear weather there are wonderful views and we have the chance to see familiar places from an unfamiliar aspect.

Some sections can be muddy at any time and uneven, so stout walking shoes or boots should be worn and rainwear carried. The first two sections are undulating with the second two much less so. Unfortunately the terrain is not pushchair – friendly.

Although we have drinks stops arranged, it is advisable to carry ½ to 1 litre of water especially if you are walking the whole way.

If you plan to join us please be at the chosen venue in good time and be ready to walk noting the stated departure time from each place, at which time we shall leave. We shall need to try our very best to keep to our schedule so that we complete our excursion in good light.

Please try to join us for all or part of this Benefice pilgrimage. Walking time varies from approx one hour to one and a half hours for an individual section. It would be good if at least one person from each community walked to the next community to carry greetings throughout the benefice.

We already have a group who intend to complete the walk – join us and swell the numbers! If you can manage one section, also do join us and refresh the company. If you are unable to walk, then please join us at one or more of the Church ‘stops’ for a time of prayer and fellowship led by Bishop John or one of his team.

The barbeque at St. Stephen’s is open to all, whether you have walked or met at the Churches during the day or not. Please join us for the barbeque and the evening with Bishop John’s team.

Arrival and Departure Times