The Clifton Franciscan Walking Pilgrimage
The Clifton Franciscan Walking Pilgrimage was held on Saturday 3rd October 2026, the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. One leg walked from Clevedon to the Church of St Francis in Nailsea, and the other leg from Clifton Cathedral to Nailsea. Later the pilgrims joined the parish Mass for the Vigil of the St Francis' feast day. Mary Cutts and Henry Kenyon share their memories of the day.
The Clevedon leg
Remembering the Clevedon leg of this pilgrimage is a pleasure. We were expecting 11. In fact, 25 pilgrims including three children gathered at the Franciscan Friary in Clevedon, where we were welcomed and blessed by one of the friars.
The church itself faces the sea, the Severn estuary, from the hillside. Our walk commenced by immediately walking uphill behind the church. It was a challenging start, which continued uphill to Tickenham Ridge! This route, on a beautiful day, was delightful. Pilgrims had come from across the diocese, from Cheltenham to Salisbury. Indeed, our leader, Dave and fellow back marker, Sandy, were from there. Both had taken part of The Pilgrimage of Hope last year.
As the back marker, walking more slowly, meant that we had time to share some of our experience on the ‘Camino of Life’. Of course, it also meant that I did not really meet faster walkers, who were far ahead of us at times. They did, however, always wait for us to catch up! In fact, the route was more difficult than expected by one person and a group of 4 were able to leave and catch the bus back to Clevedon.
The church of St Quiricus and St Julietta offered a resting spot for the rest of us, before the last lap, the Causeway across the levels to Nailsea. Arriving at the Church of St Francis, Father Frank was waiting for us. We had managed the 7 miles and were only an hour later than planned! Refreshments were welcome, but brief, before mass at 5pm with those from the Clifton leg, for those who were able to stay.
It was a blessing to celebrate this anniversary in this way. Thank you, Phil, for all your careful planning. Another time the ‘shorter leg’ will endeavour to walk a little faster!
Mary Cutts
Mary Cutts is a parishioner at Clifton Cathedral. Thanks to Sandy Barton for the photographs.
The Bristol leg
Some thirty of us gathered mid-morning outside the West door of the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul, Clifton under the threatening low clouds of an impending English autumn drizzle. Perfect weather for our pilgrimage to the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea – backpacks prepared with a sandwich lunch, water bottle and the inevitable all weather jacket. A safety briefing from Phil McCarthy, our leader, followed by a Blessing from Father Thomas and we were off.
Our route, meticulously planned by Phil, took us over The Clifton Suspension Bridge, through Ashton Park, past Abbots Leigh Pond, a strenuous climb up Tanpit Lane with glorious views of the Severn Estuary to arrive at Failand Cricket Club where we enjoyed our sandwiches. Safely seated under cover of the rain on the Cricket Club terrace. Half way!
Phil lead the way taking great care to avoid nettles, brambles and fast cars when crossing the busy roads. We descended, skirting the Tyntesfield Estate, to cross broad pastureland entering Nailsea through a series of narrow ivy clad back paths. At this point the group accidently became separated into two – but soon to be reunited at our destination. We received a splendid welcome with prayers from Father Frank.
The pilgrimage was a truly wonderful experience walking in a group with a common underlying faith – as one. En route, we stopped several times to pray together thus cementing this unity. I met fascinating souls from across the Diocese, e.g.; Cheltenham, Glastonbury and the wider Bristol area. Always with deep and interesting conversations not just on spiritual topics but also current news items. But we also had plenty of opportunity to walk alone, a chance to reflect on our own personal faith and to pray to Christ for support and help.
I regret I had to leave the group early at St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea before being able to share the hospitality and further prayers offered by Father Frank and his team, and before we met up with the Clevedon branch of the pilgrimage.
A wonderful, peaceful experience.
Henry Kenyon is a parishioner at Clifton Cathedral. Photos by Phil McCarthy
Details of the routes followed can be found below.
