So, when I was led to the St Francis of Assisi pilgrimage from Maidstone to Southwark, I hastily packed my rucksack with every intention of travelling very lightly just as St Francis would have done, but I didn't succeed! I was so grateful to find out upon arrival with a complete group of strangers/pilgrims at St Francis’ Church in Maidstone that luggage transfer had been arranged. 

As I set off on our journey to Aylesford Priory it was interesting to start learning about the pilgrims’ dedication to their Catholic Faith and how they honour St Francis’ radical love for Jesus and creation. I was a little anxious as my faith isn't Catholic and I wasn't sure if I would be accepted: but of course, I was totally wrong. As we walked, we saw a bumble bee on the pathway which we tried to help to safety and once we arrived at Aylesford priory for the evening, we were surrounded by squirrels and birds on the lake which I’m sure St Francis would of had some interesting conversations with. In the evening went to a service with the Carmelite Friars. When one of the friars turned up for the service in his shorts, I was reminded that God meets us where we are and accepts us as we are. All the pilgrims were very helpful and supportive in explaining the service to me. Afterwards we enjoyed a meal together in the local pub, getting to know each other. 

Next morning after a large breakfast in the medieval hall we set off for an 18 mile walk to Otford through some beautiful countryside along parts of the Pilgrims’ Way: Kemsing, Trosley Country Park and Wrotham. I’d developed a niggle in my knee that got progressively worse during the day. Praying to God for strength, comfort and protection I struggled on at the back of the group. I found a branch nearby that became my rod and staff as I pushed on encouraged by my fellow pilgrims. I can do all things through him that gives me strength. Marvelling at the beauty of nature, the wildlife including black sheep and the exposed roots of trees reaching deep into the soil as a reminder that my faith was growing stronger as I walked. Trees hugging each other. Berries and mushrooms. Praise to Our Creator. Fellow pilgrims sharing their dedication.

On Tuesday evening, we stayed with a wonderful parishioner called Kate.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me" Matthew 25.35.

Kate invited her friend Anne over who shared her love of horses and her Camino pilgrimage with us. Pilgrims Eddie and Yim Soon were also staying so Eddie shared his Camino song on his guitar. Kate reminded me to look out of the bedroom window in the morning, and I was greeted with a marvellous view of a field of sheep. "The Lord is my Shepherd" Psalm 23.

Wednesday was a very wet day spent mainly walking along by the river.

"The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well, watered like a spring whose waters never fail “Isaiah 58.11

We had been talking to Anne the night before who explained the hot summer had dried out all the grass her beloved horse needed to eat hence her horse had lost weight. So I welcomed the rain. Even the dried-out blackberries on the bushes looked like they were plumping out. A stack of stones in the river acted as a reminder of God’s forever presence and faithfulness in times of difficulty as he encourages us to carry on. After 12 miles we reach St Vincent's Church in Dartford. This time a parishioner Jennie kindly let us stay. Jennie put her heating on so we could dry out, stuffed our boots with newspaper and allowed me to have a very welcome bath. She shared some wonderful stories of her late husband. The leg was really aching. Several pilgrims kindly suggested I could take the bus for the next leg of pilgrimage, but I was convinced Our Father would support me. Plus, I was inspired by three wonderful women Kate, Anne and Jenny who in painful times had carried on. 

On Thursday Sister Sun came out again and our walk took us from Dartford to Greenwich along the Crayford Creek, via Lesnes Abbey, Green Chain Walk, Bostall Woods and Plumstead. The views over London were amazing. We stopped for coffee at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels in Erith which had a St Francis display which I’d be interested in revisiting. 

We had a walk through Greenwich Park where I had many a happy childhood memory. It seemed like the Lord had led me back home again on the pilgrimage to show me he’d always been walking alongside me: I just didn't know. He knew every hair on my head.

Our final day saw us walking alongside the Thames with more day pilgrims with more stories to share. I took a moment to stop and say a prayer for the homeless and marginalized at the Salters’ statues, to give thanks for the work they did for the underprivileged in London. 

Our final stop was at a side chapel of St George's Cathedral where Eddie played us out of our pilgrimage with some songs: ‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ and ‘To be a Pilgrim’. 

I give thanks to those who have allowed me to travel along the path with them, have propped me up when I needed, shared their faith and dedication but most of all I give thanks and glory to Our Father, Lord, Saviour. 

"In all ways acknowledge him and he shall direct my paths" Proverbs 3.6 

Dyan Harnett was a pilgrim on the Let Us Walk pilgrimage. She is a member of Vineyard Church.