GROUP PILGRIMAGE

Companions on the Way


"The path of hope is not an easy one. And it can’t be taken alone.

There is an African proverb which says:

“If you want to go quickly, walk alone, but if you want to go far, walk with another”.


Pope Francis, address to students in Cuba

20th September 2015

A walking pilgrimage as part of a group can be a wonderful experience,

but organising one seems a daunting undertaking.


You will need to consider the route, terrain, accommodation, food & drink, the size of the group and issues such as safeguarding, health & safety.


This page will accumulate examples of good practice to make the planning process less onerous. 

The Hearts in Search of God project is grateful to the organisers of the

St Wilfrid's Way for their collaboration and support. 


Planning a School Student Pilgrimage - The St Edward's Way

By Stuart Keene • 04 May, 2023
A pilgrimage for school students requires careful planning. Stuart Keene, Assistant Headteacher and Pilgrimage Leader at St. Edward's School, Poole, describes how his school prepared.

Health & Safety Risk Assessment

By Phil McCarthy • 13 Mar, 2023
No activity is ever risk free but organisers should manage and reduce risks where possible. The model below is a proforma which can be adapted to reflect the risks identified by the organisers.

Health & Safety Briefing

By Phil McCarthy • 13 Mar, 2023
Once risks involved in a pilgrimage have been identified and where possible mitigated, participants should be briefed so that they can keep themselves safe.

Planning a Group Pilgrimage

By Stephen Habron • 13 Mar, 2023
Stephen Habron, who created the St Wilfrid's Way in the Diocese of Leeds, describes how he went about planning and implementing the Way.
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