Thank you for the support!
Phil McCarthy • June 15, 2026
I am very grateful to those who encouraged me during my 322 mile walk along the Via di Francesco.
A total of £3,332 was raised to support the work of the St Francis Leprosy Guild, equivalent to more than £10 per mile walked! Many thanks to the trustees of the Guild for their help with social media and with managing the process.

All are welcome to join the Roses Walking Pilgrimage from Middlesbrough to Blackburn, 15th to 30th August 2026! The route links the cathedrals of Middlesbrough, Ripon and Blackburn, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. We follow the lower Tees valley and Vale of York before crossing the Pennines and cutting through the Forest of Bowland, so expect some great scenery. There are rest days in Ripon and Skipton. The organisers are Diocese of Arundel and Brighton Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimages who have run an annual pilgrimage since 1975 in different parts of England and Wales. Come with us and experience walking as part of our travelling Christian community, whether for a fortnight or just an afternoon! The walk is guided and luggage is forwarded. The cost is £350 to walk with us all the way, or £33 per night to book a shorter spell. To find out more and book your place, visit http://www.thepilgrims.org.uk/book











