PREPARING TO GO

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,

plans for your welfare and not for harm,

to give you a future of hope.

Jeremiah 29 v11

The key to any successful journey is good preparation!

On this page you can find guidance about how to prepare physically and spiritually for your pilgrimage.

The guidance is based on the experience of those who have gone before you, but your journey will be unique and personal

so please reflect on the guidance and don't feel constrained by it.

It is important to prepare physically for your pilgrimage. You don't need to train intensively but make sure you have walked the distance you will need to walk each day. It is also important to make sure you have the right footwear, wet weather gear, appropriate clothing and any medication you take,   

You should read and then follow the Countryside Code.

There are helpful preparation tips from the Long Distance Walkers’ Association.

The Ramblers' Association has produced useful Ramblers’ Association safety advice.

The British Pilgrimage Trust has a helpful page on personal safety.

The Way directions have links to local public transport timetables so please check the latest information before you set off. 

The packing list below is for the basic essentials. There may be other things you need, but the less baggage a pilgrim carries the happier he or she is. This is true literally and also metaphorically. Travel light!

Think carefully about your pilgrimage.

Something deep within you is calling you to make this journey. What is that urge? What do you desire? Is anything driving you to undertake this walk? How do you want to change?

You may wish to choose a special intention for the walk, something or someone to dedicate your journey to.

It may be helpful to read accounts of people who have walked the Way before, or to find out more about the place you will visit.

Think about keeping a journal of your pilgrimage to record the discouragements and joys of the journey. You can find an example here.

Click the link below for prayers and reflections that may be of use to you as you prepare for the pilgrimage.

Set out! Set out! You were born for the road. Set out!

You have an appointment to keep. Where? With whom? Perhaps with yourself!

Anonymous pilgrim