Walking Pilgrimage Ways within the Catholic dioceses of

England & Wales

welcoming people of all faiths and none

HEARTS IN SEARCH OF GOD

“Whoever they may be

— young or old, rich or poor, sick and troubled or curious tourists —

let them find due welcome, because in every person there is a

heart in search of God,

at times without being fully aware of it.”


  Pope Francis

address to those engaged in pilgrimage work and rectors of shrines, 21.01.2016

Hearts in Search of God

The aim of this project is to promote walking pilgrimage in England & Wales by developing Pilgrim Ways between the cathedral of each Catholic diocese and one or more shrines within the same diocese. The Ways are an opportunity for Catholics and other Christians to deepen their faith, and for people of all faiths and none to share in the experience of walking a pilgrimage in a Catholic context. The hope is that walking pilgrimage will contribute to the common good of our nations through encouraging encounter with others, hospitality, and love for the environment. Phil McCarthy acts as project lead.

The Walking Pilgrimage Spring Gathering Registration is open!

21st and 22nd March 2026

Amigo Hall (upstairs), St. George's Cathedral, Lambeth Rd, London SE1 7HY

The Gathering will bring together people and organisations already involved walking pilgrimage in England & Wales to celebrate what was achieved during the 2025 Jubilee and to plan how we can work together in this special Year of St Francis of Assisi. Registration is free and all are welcome.


We will also be rolling out the red carpet for the UK premier of the wonderful new film The Way of St Cuthbert!


An evening social will be held after the Gathering in a local pub. On Sunday morning there will be a short walking pilgrimage in honour of St Francis of Assisi and the opportunity for Mass at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Notting Hill.

MORE INFORMATION

Diocesan Pilgrim Ways

The Pilgrim Ways start at the cathedral of the diocese and end at a shrine within the diocese. The routes take in the Catholic parish churches along the Way and places of relevant historical interest. They are off-road as much as possible and incorporate existing pilgrim routes and long-distance footpaths.


In most dioceses there is no such route but the Diocese of Leeds has the two day St Wilfrid’s Way and the Diocese of Lancaster has the six day St Mary’s Way. In Southwark there is the Becket Way and the Augustine Camino. In Arundel & Brighton there is an annual ecumenical walking pilgrimage: Pilgrims Live! Nationally there is Pilgrim Cross (formerly Student Cross) to Walsingham in Holy Week. These walks provide models and inspiration for this project. 


The new Pilgrim Ways were planned and walked by Phil McCarthy, the Hearts in Search of God Project Lead, during 2023 and 2024. Walking directions, GPX files and background notes for the the Ways are available on this website, listed by diocese.


Feedback about the routes is welcome and as well as corrections and suggestions from pilgrims who have walked the route. All the Ways can be seen on the map in the following section. 


If you walk one of these ways we hope your pilgrimage will be fruitful.


Select a Pilgrim Way on the interactive map below