The East Anglia Pilgrim Way is ready to walk!
The Way of the Annunciation is a Pilgrim Way for the Diocese of East Anglia from the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich to the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham in Houghton St Giles and the Church of the Annunciation in Little Walsingham. The total distance is 38.7 miles taking about 15 hours of walking. The Way is flat and easy to follow.
The Annunciation is the visit of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he told her that she would conceive a son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s ‘yes’ to this is celebrated on 25th March almost universally throughout Christianity.
The Way follows the Wensum and Walsingham Ways for much of the distance, along a former railway track, quiet back roads and across farmland. The route passes the site of the former Saxon Cathedral at Elmham. At Great Ryburgh the Pilgrim Way leaves the Walsingham Way to visit the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Fakenham, then on to the Catholic Shrine in Houghton St Giles. The final section follows the Pilgrim Way to the Church of the Annunciation at Little Walsingham. Pilgrims may also wish to visit the ruins of Walsingham Priory and the Anglican & Orthodox shrines in Walsingham.
