Clifton Diocesan Walking Pilgrimage to Glastonbury 7-9th July 2023
“Through baptism we embark on a road that is sometimes smooth, sometimes rough,
but we do not journey alone.”
Fr Kevin Knox-Lecky, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church, Glastonbury, 1999 - 2012
The 2023 Walking Pilgrimage to Glastonbury
Every year since the early 1950’s the Clifton Diocesan Glastonbury Pilgrimage has been held with Mass and a procession. For many years groups from each of the deaneries walked to Glastonbury carrying a large wooden cross. In 2023 this tradition of walking pilgrimage to join the Diocesan Glastonbury pilgrimage will be renewed. The programme is ecumenical, and Christians of other traditions are welcome.
Background
Glastonbury has legendary associations with Joseph of Arimathea and King Arthur, but the Abbey was founded in the 8th century on the site of an older church dedicated to Our Lady. It became an outstanding centre for pilgrimage, and the monastery flourished so that by the 14th century was one of the most important in England. It was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The last abbot, Richard Whiting was hanged, drawn and quartered as a traitor on Glastonbury Tor in 1539 with two other monks.
There is evidence that Our Lady continued to be venerated at Glastonbury during penal times. The first modern pilgrimage to Glastonbury was in 1895 to celebrate the beatification of Abbot Whiting. In 1955 the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury was restored.
Practicalities
Walkers are welcome to join the pilgrimage for any part of the journey, but please inform the pilgrimage lead of your plans and of any changes to them. We must keep to the programme so walkers should be confident of their ability to walk 37 miles over three days.
There is no charge, but pilgrims should bring their own packed lunches and make their own travel (or overnight accommodation) arrangements. A registration form and health & safety briefing will be emailed to walkers nearer to the time. Children (aged under 18) must be accompanied by an adult. We will be walking through fields with cattle so the route is not suitable for dogs.
If you would like to join the pilgrimage please contact Phil McCarthy, the walking pilgrimage leader, via the Contact Us of this website using ‘Clifton’ as the subject. You can see the route on the Diocesan Pilgrim Way page for Clifton using the button at the bottom of the page.
Friday 7th July 2023
09.15 Gather at Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, Bristol BS8 3BX
The Cathedral can be reached by buses from the city centre or train to Clifton Down station and a short walk
09.30 Mass and pilgrim blessing at Clifton Cathedral
10.15 Set off to walk to Dundry: 5.91 miles
The Way leaves the City over the historic Suspension Bridge. The route continues through Ashton Court Estate, then along paths parallel to the ring road to reach the A38. The Way ascends to Dundry. There is a pub in Dundry and occasional buses to Bristol
13.00 Picnic lunch at Dundry
14.00 Set off to walk to Chew Magna: 3.41 miles
From Dundry the Way heads south-east through quiet farmland to descend to the charming village of Chew Magna
16.30 Arrive at Chew Magna
17.00 Ecumenical Evening Prayer at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Chew Magna
17.30 Fish & chips supper at the Old School House, Chew Magna BS40 8SH
- Sleep on the floor at the Old School House (basic washing facilities only)
- Arrange your own accommodation in or near Chew Magna (links below)
- It may be possible for you to return home by bus (links below)
- Arrange collection by private transport (if possible, sharing lifts)
Saturday 8th July
8.30 Gather for Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Chew Magna, BS40 8PR
9.15 Set off to walk to Compton Martin: 5.89 miles
The Way veers to the west across farmland to reach the Monarch’s Way, where it turns south to reach the village of Compton Martin where there is a pub, accommodation and buses.
12.00 Picnic lunch at Compton Martin
12.30 Set off to walk to Wells: 10.14 miles
The Way climbs to the top of the Mendips, descends to reach Wookey Hole, then crosses farmland to reach Wells
17.15 Opportunity to join Evensong at Wells Anglican Cathedral
Overnight options:
- B&B at Wells Cathedral School (£40) Must be booked through Phil McCarthy, pilgrimage lead
- Arrange your own accommodation in or near Wells (links below)
- Return home by bus (links below)
- Arrange collection by private transport (if possible, sharing lifts)
19.30 For those staying overnight in Wells, evening meal at ASK Italian BA5 2RB
Sunday 9th July
08.00 Morning prayer at the Church of SS Joseph & Teresa, BA5 2PF
Coffee and biscuits available afterwards
08.30 Set off to walk to Glastonbury Tor: 10.73 miles
The Way continues to follow the Monarch’s Way to leave Wells on the south side to reach North Wooton. After a flat section the route climbs Pennard Hill and turns west to West Pennard. After a section across farmland the Way climbs Glastonbury Tor, site of the martyrdom of Abbot Whiting in 1539
13.00 Prayer for Christian unity followed by picnic lunch at Glastonbury Tor
13.30 Set off to walk to Glastonbury: 1 mile
The Way descends to Glastonbury to reach the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury, BA6 9EJ
14.15 Opportunity to join the Clifton Diocesan Rosary procession in the Abbey grounds
15.30 Opportunity to join the Clifton Diocesan Pilgrimage Mass with Bishop Declan in the Abbey grounds
17.00 Farewells and departure.
For buses see the link below, or by sharing lifts
Links
More information about the Diocesan events in Glastonbury on Sunday 9th July can be found at: www.glastonburyshrine.co.uk
Accommodation
Airbnb: www.airbnb.co.uk/
Booking.com: www.booking.com
Public transport
First Bus: www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset/plan-journey/timetables
Mendip Transport: www.bustimes.org/districts
