We have reached capacity and registration for the walking pilgrimages to the

Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea has now closed.

2026 marks 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi and Pope Leo XIV has declared a special Year to commemorate this. More about the Year can be found here. Francis was a pilgrim who undertook significant journeys to Rome, Santiago de Compostela and the Holy Land. He urged that all forms of hostility or conflict be avoided and that a humble and fraternal attitude be shown to those who did not share his faith. He had a great love of creation.

Saturday 3rd Ocober 2026 is exactly 800 years since St Francis died, and the day before his feast day. To mark this a walking pilgrimage is planned in the Diocese of Clifton on Saturday 3rd October with two legs:

• The Bristol leg will start at Clifton Cathedral at 10.30am and end at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea (9 miles)
• The Clevedon leg will start at the Franciscan church of the Immaculate Conception in Clevedon at 1pm and end at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea (6.4 miles)

The two legs will convene at 4.30pm at the church for refreshments and prayer. Those who wish can stay for the 6pm Saturday evening Vigil Mass for the Feast of St Francis. 

Pilgrims are welcome to register to join for one or other of the legs. Walkers do so at their own risk. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pilgrims will be responsible for carrying their own food and drink and for arranging their own transport to the start and finish.

Nailsea is well served by trains to Bristol and buses to Bristol and Clevedon, for example:

• Bristol: There are trains from Nailsea & Backwell station to Clifton Down station at 16.29 and 17.29. Nailsea & Backwell station is about 15 minutes walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Clifton Cathedral is 12 minutes walk from Clifton Down station.
• Bristol: There are trains to Bristol Temple Meads from Nailsea & Backwell at 16.29, 17.06, 17.29 & 18.06
• Bristol: There is an X9 bus at 17.05 from Perrings West bus stop which is about 10 minutes walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi
• Clevedon: There is an X11 bus at 17.14 from Ash Hayes Rd bus stop which is about 3 minutes walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi

For more details and updates please visit: Trainline and for buses Travel West.

Registration is closed but please join us in prayer using the pilgrimage prayer booklet below. 

You can find other ideas to mark the day here.