What we’re about
No longer the preserve of religious institutions, pedestrian pilgrimages are becoming increasingly popular ways of walking, of experiencing the landscape and its natural and cultural history. The benefits aren't only physical, the covid pandemic reminded us how much getting out and about improves our mental health. The aim of this group is to gather folk from all ages and walks of life to explore ancient - and not so ancient - pilgrim routes, in the UK and farther afield. There will one or two day 'introductions to pilgrimage' to spiritual centres such as Canterbury or Glastonbury but also the opportunity to walk sections of the Camino de Santiago as a member of a small, guided group. No experience is necessary, we'll walk at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops for refreshments.
Upcoming events
1
An introduction to piligrmage: a day hike along St Alban's Way
Elstree and Borehamwood Railway Station, Borehamwood, GBThe Spanish version of the idiom 'all roads lead to Rome' translates, not unsuprisingly, as 'all roads lead to Santiago'. On the one hand this is, of course, true, Spain boasts a dense network of pilgrim routes, the vast majority of which do indeed converge on the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela which houses the remains of St James the Great. For those members who so wish, this group's goal is to walk those ways and, poco a poco, arrive in Santiago. But no hay prisa, as the Spanish also say, there is no hurry, and there are plenty of pilgrim routes to follow closer to home.
So, as an introduction to pilgrimage, our first few forays will be day hikes to popular shrines in the UK, starting with St Alban. The St Alban's Way is a new 55km/35 mile from St Paul's cathedral in London to the eponymous cathedral city. Come the summer I may organise a hike along the entirety of the path but while the hours of daylight are at a premium the final 18km/11 mile stage from Elstree and Borehamwood Station will suffice.
We'll meet at Elstree and Borehamwood station at 09:30 then saunter towards St Albans at a gentle, relaxed pace. We'll stop for lunch in Radlett, hopefully arriving late afternoon. I suggest parking at or near the station (should be free/cheap on Sundays but I'll check that out) then taking the train back from St Albans.
In the event of inclement weather we may have to cancel but there is plenty of shelter along the route. Warm clothes, a waterproof and study footwear are a must, the paths are likely to be muddy.
As a teenager, I grew up and cut my hiking teeth in the Hertfordshire countryside, it's very much underrated.
As this is my first event there'll be no charge, I look forward to meeting some of you. If you have any queries please do get in touch.2 attendees
