A recent trip to the West of Ireland gave Eddie Gilmore the chance to ponder about the difference between a pilgrimage and a long walk.
An annual pilgrimage through North Norfolk has brought Scripture, prayer and Christian unity together.
In August 2026 Terence Cavanagh undertook a solo pilgrimage in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle from the Lady's Well at Holystone in the Cheviots to St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle. This is the story of his pilgrimage. Details Weather: sunny OS explorer maps OL16, OL42, 316 Four and a half days / 55 miles Accommodation Rothbury - Newcastle House B&B budget accommodation Kirkwelpington - guest house evening meal + breakfast Ponteland- The Diamond Inn apartments B&B Jesmond - Jesmond Dene Hotel evening meal + breakfast Day One: Holystone to Rothbury - 9.5 miles Lady's Well was more than l could have hoped for, a wonderful tranquil place, where our ancestors would have been baptised. Highlights: the proximity and view of the river Cocquet. Local shops and restaurants. Day Two: Rothbury to Kirkwelpington -16 miles Highlights: the silence of Simonside Fell carpeted in purple heather. Wildlife: fox, deer, hares, mountain bumble bee, herd of belted black and white cattle. Day Three: Kirkwelpington to Ponteland - 16.5 miles Highlights: a hidden byway on the outskirts of Kirkwelpington. Wildlife: swallows preparing for their migration Cafe and toilet at Kirkhale The Institute at Capheaton is open at weekends 10am to 4pm for teas and snacks Local shops and restaurants Day Four: Ponteland to Jesmond - 10 miles Morning service at St Matthew's Catholic Church A detour along the Tyne and Wear heritage trail and then use the Metro tram south of the Airport for 7 stops into Jesmond. Highlights: relaxing afternoon at the hotel and a sauna at the nearby leisure facility. Day Five: Jesmond to St Mary's Cathedral - 3.5 miles Morning walk through Jesmond Dene, visiting the remains of St Mary's shrine, then into the city for midday mass at the Cathedral. Returning to North Wales from Newcastle central railway station. Terence Cavanagh "Father , Son and Holy Spirit. Help us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly through our lives with you. Amen" Find out more about the Holystone Way below
To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi the Society of St Francis, organised a 700-mile ‘Peace Pilgrimage’ through England.
Richard Finn OP reflects that peace can be 'won' and 'found' on way to Walsingham.
The 16th Annual GK Chesterton Pilgrimage will be held on Saturday 1st August 2026!
The Hearts in Search of God project Summer 2026 newsletter is ready to read!
Eddie Gilmore found much to be grateful for on the 'Way of Mindfulness'!
Eddie Gilmore found music and walking pilgrimage an enchanting combination!
On 27th April I set out to walk from Florence to Assisi to Rome with two friends.
'If you feel God's call to step out.... begin where you are: offer an intention, gather a few companions, and take the first steps.'
St Cuthbert is one of England's greatest saints, but who was he? Dr Anne E Bailey describes the story of his life and his posthumous travels.
