The Psychology of Pilgrimage: Walking through the Somme and Gallipoli battlefield

Phil McCarthy • June 3, 2025

I was delighted to be invited by Dr Heather Warfield to contribute to her Psychology of Pilgrimage podcast.


We discussed my pilgrimages to Rome and Istanbul, and particularly my walks through the Great War battlefields of the Somme and Gallipoli. I had great uncles who fought in these campaigns and these walks were important parts of my pilgrimage experience. I was also able to share my reasons for setting up the Hearts in Search of God project, and for organising the national Jubilee walking Pilgrimage of Hope. It was a great pleasure to talk with Heather.


The Psychology of Pilgrimage  podcast invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey that explores pilgrimages in all forms, amplifies the voices of pilgrims, and communes at the crossroads of scholarship and practice. Episodes are published on Tuesdays. More details at www.youtube.com/@PsychologyofPilgrimage


Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead


By Phil McCarthy April 24, 2026
I will be walking 322 miles on the Via di Francesco in support of the St Francis Leprosy Guild.
By Stephen Gallagher April 24, 2026
'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.'
By Anne E Bailey April 23, 2026
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.
April 23, 2026
All are welcome to join the annual Pilgrimage for Life on Saturday, the 1st of August 2026, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.
By Eddie Gilmore April 14, 2026
Eddie Gilmore describes the joys of walking in Italy with a group of people from L'Arche Grenoble.
T
By Phil McCarthy April 9, 2026
News of the Spring Gathering, plans for 2026 and other updates.
By Phil McCarthy April 2, 2026
I was delighted to be invited to contribute a paper on walking pilgrimage to the 2025 Lived Catholicism conference.
By Phil McCarthy April 1, 2026
You are invited to take part in the John Bradburne Pilgrimage Climb 2026, taking place on Saturday 13 June in the beautiful landscape of Cumbria!
By Phil McCarthy March 30, 2026
Update on the Hearts in Search of God Spring Gathering.
By Phil McCarthy March 26, 2026
A wonderful new film on walking the Way of St Cuthbert to Lindisfarne!